Login  /  Register  | 3 premium articles left before you must register.
Join | Rewards | Advertise

Not taxing luxury boats makes no sense

Allen Palmer Old Saybrook

Publication: The Day

Published 03/18/2013 12:00 AM
Updated 03/15/2013 04:59 PM

The governor has recently proposed tax reduction legislation by eliminating the local property tax on motor vehicles valued at less than $28,500. Understandably, this has resulted in an outcry from local officials because of the loss of significant local tax income without a proposed source of replacement income. Perhaps the governor, in parallel, should also propose imposing a local or state property tax on personal watercraft valued at more than, let's say $28,500, or longer than 30 feet?

I have never understood the rationale in imposing a property tax on motor vehicles, which in most cases are a necessity, and not imposing a property tax on watercraft, which in most cases are a luxury. Many yacht owners use their boats as summer vacations or as weekend homes docked at a marina. They are not taxed, yet their counterparts on land who have a vacation home, a motor home, or a camper are taxed. Am I the only one who sees the unfairness in this, and a long overlooked source for additional tax revenues?

Popular on theday.com

Town News

Visit Zip06
what is zip06? | my profile
Submit Your:  Submit Your News Submit Your Photos Submit Your Events

Have you spotted a celebrity?

Have you ever spotted any celebrities around the region? Tell us who, where and when via email to tips@theday.com. Include photos if possible.

MORE QUERIES
Most Recent Poll
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who unsucessfully took on super-sized sodas, has proposed a law that would require stores to keep cigarettes behind a curtain or otherwise out of view. What do you think of his latest public-health inititative?
As someone trying to quit smoking, I think it's a good idea.
4%
Young people will be less tempted; I support it.
18%
I think it's unAmerican and a step toward tyranny.
13%
It's a silly idea that won't affect smoking rates.
19%
It's ridiculous. What's next? Putting a brown-paper wrapper on butter?
47%
Number of votes: 912

Have you spotted a celebrity?

Have you ever spotted any celebrities around the region? Tell us who, where and when via email to tips@theday.com. Include photos if possible.

MORE QUERIES
The Day on Facebook

In the past two weeks our Facebook fans have won tickets to the CT Tigers, Newport Winefest and Mystic Seaport. Become a fan of The Day on Facebook for access to these contests, breaking news, TheDay.com's best features and more!

Facebook.com/thedayct