For years, property taxes on boats and outboard engines have been calculated a year in arrears. This means that property tax bills are generated in October, only if you owned the boat on January 1st of that year. While delaying a tax bill seems like a good thing, this practice can create nightmares for new owners when a boat changes hands. Read the rest of the article here: https://coastalanglermag.com/watercraft-property-tax-changes/
SABJAR
Thanks for posting that. This is something I’ve wondered about for years and am still a bit confused on. When we bought our boat, I tried to pay the taxes that January, only to find the previous owner had paid them. I called Charleston County and their auditor tried to explain it, but it didn’t make sense - although it worked in my favor. I bought two jetskis last summer and again, I didn’t get tax bills on them - I’m assuming the dealership is on the hook for those this year. So, while it has worked out in my favor both times, we’re looking at upgrading our boat this year, so will wind up taking the hit and paying the property tax for it’s new owner next year I guess…
I received a delinquent tax bill on my boat the year after I bought it. When I spoke to the auditors office they referred me to the dealership I purchased it from. When I called the dealership I discovered they had gone out of business leaving me responsible. Best part was after I paid the delinquent bill I got the current one in the mail. I was not a happy camper but learned lesson.