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"Importing" an RV into Washington state (from another state)

Sparrowhwk

Well Known Member
Patron
As part of the "decision matrix" to determine if I keep or sell my RV as a result of a move to the Seattle area, I wanted to check on the State laws regarding bringing an RV into Washington from out of state.
I've been looking through the Washington DOT website and this is what I have gleaned:

- Upon first bringing the aircraft into the state - I will be required to pay a "use tax". What kind of bill can I expect for an RV-8?? I got the impression it's a certain percentage of what the state believe to be the "fair market value". Does anyone have any recent experience that I might get an idea of this cost?
For additional context, I don't have a receipt for sales or use tax paid in any other state as I bought the aircraft from the builder through a private (casual) sale which in that state did not require the payment of taxes, nor was it required in the state of current registration.
- It looks like there is a $35 Registration fee every year.

Are there any other additional one time or annual taxes/fees that I am not aware of?

Any other tips or considerations about trying to bring the aircraft into the state - I posted a little while ago asking about hangarage which did not sound encouraging. So I'm trying to get the most complete picture of what I would be facing in order to make the most informed decision about whether keeping or selling the RV is best.

Thanks
 
I am not a tax lawyer and you should probably consult one, but I believe WA's use tax does not apply to your RV if you purchased it more than 90 days before you move to WA. To my understanding, the general intent of use taxes is as "sales tax for residents of <state>, but you can't dodge it by ordering stuff online or buying stuff across the border and bringing it in", not "tax paid on all your existing property if you move into a state".

Specifically, I think that the third paragraph on https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=82.12.0251 is what exempts you from use tax on "household goods, including digital goods, and digital codes, personal effects, private motor vehicles, and services rendered in respect to such property" that you acquired more than 90 days before moving to WA.

Oddly, it explicitly rules motor homes out of that exclusion, so I guess you have to be careful that they don't think it's the other kind of RV!
 
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