State tax collectors go too far, AOPA says
Planning trips to Florida for some sun or to Maine to escape the sweltering summer heat? If you plan to fly there in your own aircraft, beware.
In Maine, the state's revenue service is collecting a use tax on out-of-state aircraft owners who did not have to pay a sales tax when they purchased their aircraft. The intent is to collect a 5-percent tax on an item (like an aircraft) that would have been taxed if sold in Maine so that people won't try to skirt the tax by purchasing it in another state. However, AOPA believes the revenue service is taking this measure too far.
"Aircraft owners who legitimately live and register their aircraft in another state should not have to pay this tax simply because they frequent Maine," said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. AOPA is investigating similar reports coming in about Florida. "This tax enforcement is too broad, and AOPA will work with state officials in Maine, Florida, and any other state where our members are being unfairly slammed with this kind of tax."
May 30, 2007
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State tax collectors go too far, AOPA says
Planning trips to Florida for some sun or to Maine to escape the sweltering summer heat? If you plan to fly there in your own aircraft, beware.
In Maine, the state's revenue service is collecting a use tax on out-of-state aircraft owners who did not have to pay a sales tax when they purchased their aircraft. The intent is to collect a 5-percent tax on an item (like an aircraft) that would have been taxed if sold in Maine so that people won't try to skirt the tax by purchasing it in another state. However, AOPA believes the revenue service is taking this measure too far.
"Aircraft owners who legitimately live and register their aircraft in another state should not have to pay this tax simply because they frequent Maine," said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. AOPA is investigating similar reports coming in about Florida. "This tax enforcement is too broad, and AOPA will work with state officials in Maine, Florida, and any other state where our members are being unfairly slammed with this kind of tax."
May 30, 2007