Fuel Tax Refund Info for Boaters

A

Alyssa Jean

New member
I think I mentioned this a year or so ago, but anytime I can save money on the operation of a boat I like to pass it on.

I have just included the highlights of the one page of information.

Fuel Tax Refund Information for Boaters
For fast service to get a fuel tax refund on fuel used in boats, download and print off the
“Application for Fuel Tax Refund Permit Account,” on the Department of Licensing’s (DOL)
website at www.dol.wa.gov. On the DOL home page, click on “FORMS,” then “Prorate & Fuel
Tax Forms.” This will take you to basic information and the application necessary to get your
fuel tax refund.
On the application please fill in your personal information and on line 6 write “boat” for your
description of fuel usage. Please sign, date and return the application to the Fuel Tax Exempt
Unit at the above address, or FAX it to (360) 570-7843. Please do not send your fuel
invoices at this time.
When we receive your application, we'll set up a fuel tax refund permit account for you. Then
we'll send back a claim form and a wallet ID card. The claim form is used to fill in the total
GALLONS of fuel purchased (on lines 2, 4, 8, 24 and 29) for your boat. You can purchase
your fuel from gas stations or marinas. The wallet ID card is used as identification at some
marinas where you can fill in their paperwork, and buy fuel tax-free. The marinas do this as a
convenience for you.
It's a good idea to read all the information on the back of the claim form. Please fill in your
WN (Washington), documented or out-of-state boat registration number. Your refund permit
account will be set up in the name(s) of the boat owner(s). If your boat is registered out-of
state or documented, please send a copy of the registration with your application. List your
boat as your equipment, and name the year and make.
A minimum of 71 gallons of fuel must be purchased prior to submitting each claim.
Please sign, date and return the claim form along with your fuel invoices, in date order (oldest
on top). We will accept original or copied invoices up to 13 months old (by the postmark
when we receive your claim). Invoice refund requirements are listed on the back of the
claim form. Please send all invoices dated within your designated claim period, because we
cannot accept "overlaps." We’ll review your claim, and send a refund check for marine usage,
less sales tax and a one-cent per gallon deduction for the Coastal Protection Fund. A new
claim form will also be mailed to you.
If you have any questions, please call our office at (360) 664-1838.

I now will be filling a 107 gal tank and if all I have to do is keep the receipt and send it in for $13.00 bucks back (each time over a 13 month period) it is sort of like a punch card at the espresso stand. (Except for Bills stand) Buy 10 get one free.
 
Interesting. David, do you have any idea what the logic is behind providing this refund for boating? Not complaining, just wondering.

Roger on the SeaDNA
 
I believe it is like the tax refund for fuel for farm equipment - part of the tax at a gas station is a road tax, which is not applicable to fuel not used on the road.

rogerbum":zcy18vac said:
Interesting. David, do you have any idea what the logic is behind providing this refund for boating? Not complaining, just wondering.

Roger on the SeaDNA
Click to expand...
 
If it's like other states, it is because the tax was meant to pay for road usage by gas using vehicles and .....boats don't go down the road...... :lol: :lol:

Charlie
 
I kept my receipts for all the fuel that went into "Sea Shift" (from the marina as well as neighborhood gas stations) and received a check for the fuel tax I'd paid. By showing the "Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Refund Permit" to a marine fuel dealer at the time of purchase they can deduct the tax "upfront". Or I can not show the permit and continue to accumulate and send in the fuel receipts for reimbursement.

For years, I've not paid any "road taxes" on the diesel that goes into my tractor.

(These taxes add up quickly! :disgust )
 
Hi All, Gas tax refund sounds good to me. Here is another. When I renewed my registration last June I was told the excise tax portion was deductible. That was $55.00 out of a $111.00 renewal cost. In 25 years of boating I was blissfully unaware of this fact. Will someone please tell me I'm not alone in my ignorance. Pete
 
Bringing this up to the top for new boat owners! Is this still the way everyone is getting the fuel refund in WA state? I thought there was something you had to do on your federal return also??

Thanks!
Julie
 
Julie,
Nothing has to be done on the "federal" level as this strictly has to do with the Washington State Tax on Road Fuel.........you know,..... helps keep our highway system smooth and bump free.... :roll:
 
John S":kjspnax9 said:
Does anyone know if the fuel tax refund is available in Alaska?
Click to expand...

John,
Yes you can. I checked in "google" by typing in "Boater Fuel Tax Refund in Alaska" and that took me to a site that showed what states do have the refunds. The forms needed for Alaska may be obtained at www.tax.state.ak.us/Forms/index.htm
The State of Alaska has a highway tax of 8 cents/gal and a marine tax of 5 cents/gal so they will refund the 3 cent/gal difference.
 
According to the research I located, the following states offer Marine Fuel Tax Refunds.........Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
 
Jeff and Julie":1i50h085 said:
How often do most send this in, ie: once a year, quarterly, etc.??Julie
Click to expand...

Julie, a cursory review of the different states that allow refunds shows that each state has its' own rules regarding the frequency, amount, etc. that you can claim, so you will need to read all the "fine print" regarding your states' regulations.

I clicked on the web site that I highlighted for you but it doesn't work, so unless one of the computer nerds on this site can correct it for me, you will have to find the info through "google" like I did.
 
Sorry Julie........I just noticed that you are from the "Great State of Washington" (same as me), so in answer to your question....In Washington a minimum of 71 gallons of fuel must be purchased prior to submitting each claim. Washington will accept original or copied invoices up to 13 months old (by the postmark when "we" receive your claim). Send all invoices dated within your designated claim period, because "we" cannot accept "overlaps". Wa. will send a refund check for marine usage, less sales tax and a one-cent per gallon deduction for the Coastal Protection Fund.

(An example of what to expect....My last claim was mailed in October of '05 and was for 224 gallons. I received a check for $28.49).

At some marine filling stations, you can get the tax savings immediately if you show them the "Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Refund Permit" the state will send to you the first time you apply for this savings.
 
Julie, I just noticed that David on Anna Leigh already stated all of the above in the very 1st post of this thread........so now you have the info again. :lol:
 
We used to have a refund system in California (eons ago).

Then they decided they would keep the tax and turn it into new boating facilities like launch ramps, etc. Basically a good idea.

I've seen a few of those, but nowhere near enough to equal what I imagine to be the tax income to the state.

Joe.
 
Wow,

After I get my $.05 a gallon discount with my Fred Meyer Card. Use my cash rebate credit card to get 5% off and then get my $.03 a gallon refund from the state tax my fuel will almost be free!!! :lol:
 
John S":21lzmusu said:
Wow,

After I get my $.05 a gallon discount with my Fred Meyer Card. :lol:
Click to expand...

Around these parts you get the $.03 a gallon discount with the Safeway card and if at your last visit in the grocery store you spent more than $50. you get $.06 a gallon discount on your next fuel visit.

(Of course the $50. in groceries amounts to one very small bag of "grits". :disgust )

On the very "bright" side of things........sure glad I've got a fuel efficient C-Dory and not a deep vee fuel hog!
 
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