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Tax Refund for Boaters

With the cost of fuel so high and so many boaters staying closer to home a tax refund is something we could all use. Fuel used for non-highway purposes including boats is eligible for a fuel tax refund in Washington State.  A portion of the per gallon gas tax is a road tax to maintain highways, bridges, and ferries. SInce boats do not add to the wear and tear of highways and bridges we are exempt from this portion of the tax though we must file a claim to receive our refund.

The refund is determined by the current tax rate of the fuel you purchase.  Currently the total gas tax is around 28 cents per gallon so it is a portion of this amount. To request your refund of you must have a request for a minimum of 65 total gallons purchased and the request must be sent in within 13 months of purchase. The form is available through the Washington State Licensing website.  Additional information can be obtained via the website or by calling (360) 570-7843.

Diesel fuel may already have the state road taxes deducted. If the diesel fuel you purchase at the dock is dyed, typically red in color, then the tax was deducted and you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund. If the diesel is clear then the tax wasn’t deducted and you may be eligible. 
 
Once you receive your refund you can put it back into your gas tank.  Hopefully you can venture a bit further away from the dock knowing you can receive a bit of your cash back when you refuel. 
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Seattle Boating Examiner

A native Washingtonian (yes we do exist) Kayla has been boating in the Puget Sound area for the past 15 years. She and her husband bought their...

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