Property Tax in Georgia - Page 2

Kyle Boatright · #11 01-03-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apatti

I rented a hangar at the end of last year (October) and that prompted a letter from the tax man to me. I had listed my *reserved* tail number on the hangar lease. They want me to fill out the form describing my aircraft, engine, avioics, etc. that many of you have already mentioned.

Today, my wife called them (she is a CPA) to tell them that I don't really have an airplane, just a loose collection of parts (up to finishing kit; no engine, no avionics). She even explained my tail number is only *reserved* and we can provide paperwork showing this. They didn't care. Get this, they say I have to set up a meeting with them so they can inspect my hangar and my house! I guess I can understand the hangar part, but my house??? Can they do that without a search warrant, Bill (you are the great defender of justice around here)

.

I have nothing to hide, but geeze.

Just for grins, here's what you do...

Store the RV project at a friend's house. Then, create yourself a set of "airplane plans" on something like a napkin or long strip of toilet paper. The key is to make it look as amateurish and scary as possible.

Next step, cut tail surfaces and a couple of wing ribs out of scrap materials you pulled out of a dumpster somewhere.

Wear a funny hat when the assessor visits and talk a lot about the rocket ship you're gonna build when the airplane is complete. Point to a large cardboard box and ask the assessor if s/he wants to try out your new time machine.

I've made this visit as a tech counselor... ;-)

mannanj · #12 01-03-2008, 09:21 PM

Then hire a lawyer

and file suit for illegal search without a search warrent.

grover · #13 01-04-2008, 05:09 AM

you are serious? they want to search hangar and house? fascinating, living in the dying days of a republic. I vote for the mad rocketship idea when they visit.

Bill Phillips · #14 01-04-2008, 12:31 PM

Tony, you know we live in the commie State of Georgia and I'm not sure what the TAX man can do. If you give consent to enter your home they (the State) can enter and search. Police do it all the time to my uninformed clients. I think maybe before you get into a contested event with the tax folks, make an appointment and visit the county tax commissioner. He or she is an elected official and certainily should answer your questions and concerns as you are a tax paying, voting, property owner. If all goes bad about your non plane plane call a tax attorney. Bill

super80 · #15 01-04-2008, 01:54 PM

Hi all,

This is a good thread to introduce myself! My name is Vic and I am about to get started on my RV-8 empennage kit.

Still collecting tools and setting up shop at the moment. Anyhow, I received the tail kit about 2 months ago and was wondering what other Georgia builders have done for Use tax. In my case, does Georgia require that I pay the use tax for my tail kit on my 2007 tax return?

Or is it an option to wait on paying Use tax until the entire plane is built and ready to register? I just want to keep it legal so there are no problems later down the road.

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,
Vic

Kyle Boatright · #16 01-04-2008, 06:55 PM

The state sent my first bill after I registered the airplane. I had the N-number reserved for a couple of years and they didn't hassle me over that.

super80 · #17 01-05-2008, 10:31 AM

Thanks for the reply Kyle. Just to clarify-- that first bill you mentioned, was that for Use tax, or are you referring to Property tax?

I would rather wait until the airplane is completed (years from now) to pay the Use tax, but I hear some states charge late penalties . Any thoughts on how Georgia does this?

This tax thing is confusing.

Kyle Boatright · #18 01-05-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by super80

Thanks for the reply Kyle. Just to clarify-- that first bill you mentioned, was that for Use tax, or are you referring to Property tax?

I would rather wait until the airplane is completed (years from now) to pay the Use tax, but I hear some states charge late penalties . Any thoughts on how Georgia does this?

This tax thing is confusing.

Aah, my bad.

The state sent me a use tax bill after the airplane was registered. Same thing with the property tax in the county where the aircraft is based.

apatti · #19 01-18-2008, 05:19 PM

Well... I had my visit from the tax man (er... persons) today. They met me at my hangar and saw my wings. They pulled out a book and noted that I only have a reserved N number; not an actual one. They asked me what I had at home. A canoe and the empanage; no engine, prop, or avionics. They said that "if" there was an assessed value I would get a bill in May. Based on the questions they asked (and later called to ask) I am expecting they will assess a value and expect me to pay taxes on my "loose collection of parts." I am going to research the tax law and see what I find out. Anyone else know if it is normal to tax airplane "parts"???

Oh, and I tried the "I am the manufacturer" bit. They wanted to know if I bought a kit and from where.

Thanks,

mannanj · #20 01-18-2008, 06:09 PM

It's not an airplane until the Cirtificate of Airworthiness has been issued. You don't even have a Bill of Sale for it. Until then it is a collection of parts that you may have to pay sales tax on. Surely they can comprehend that.-------Well, maybe not; after all it is the County Gov't. They're usually not the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree.