Fuel Tax

[Scott D]

I just thought some people on this board may want to check into getting refunds from the state for the gas tax that you pay when using your boat. I had heard something about it for years but never got around to looking into it. Well now that the gas prices are way up there I finally checked into it. It turns out that the Washington State Dept. of Licensing is setting me up with an account to get refunds on the fuel that I use that is off-highway use. I just save my reciepts and then send them in and they will refund me. I think it is something like 23 cents per gallon. For anybody in Washington State, here is the contact info:
__________________________________________________ ________
Olympia Headquarters, Fuel Tax

Mailing Address: P O Box 9228
Olympia WA 98507-9228

Phone Numbers:

Special Fuel/Refunds: (360) 664-1838, FAX: (360) 664-8468
__________________________________________________ _________

Just call the phone number and give them your boat registration number and they will set you up with an account.

I bet a lot of other states have this type of thing, they probably don't advertise it much though.

I wonder if the Federal government has some refund system for non-highway use vehicles that buy fuel that has the highway tax imposed on it?

[Eric]

Do you know if they have this in Wisconsin ?

[SeaCat]

Your post prompted me to do a search and here is what I found about gasoline tax refunds in Michigan -- from what I read, Michigan does refund the tax (about $0.35 per gallon).

The Michigan dept of Treasury web site with the info is:

http://www.treas.state.mi.us/mitax/mtrfuels/mfindex.htm

The page has a link to request a refund form.

I have cut and pasted the the text below. Gotta love this Internet stuff. :9

Ryan

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

From Mich Treasury web page:

Taxes on gasoline, aviation fuel and diesel fuel may qualify for a full or partial refund if the fuel is used:

* For a purpose other than the operation of a motor vehicle on a public road.
* In a vehicle for transporting school students under a certificate of authority issued by the Michigan Department of Transportation under section 476.5 of the Michigan compiled laws.
* By a person operating a gasoline powered vehicle of a capacity of 5 or more or a diesel powered vehicle of a capacity of 10 or more under a municipal franchise, license, permit, agreement, or grant.
* In a vehicle operated by a community action agency as described in 42 U.S.C. 2781 to 2837.
* By the federal, state, or local government (only federal government for aviation fuel).
On jobsites off the public roads (diesel fuel only) (must be pre-approved).
* In Charter Boats or commercial fishing boats.

The refund claim for gasoline and diesel fuel taxes must be filed within one year of the date of purchase of the fuel, although it may be filed more often than once a year. Original invoices must be filed with the claim form. The refund claim for aviation fuel or marine fuel must be filed within six months of the date of purchase of the fuel. Claims may be filed more often than once during the filing period. Falsification of any invoice supporting a claim causes the whole claim to be disallowed.

[Weyes1]

From what I hear the State of Kansas gives this credit also. So make sure that you keep all of your receipts! A quarter here and there can add up. Especially when the Oil Companies are making increased net profits of 50 - 60% as reported on the news today.

Weyes1
Kevin Clark
weyes1@wamego.net

[SeaCat]

Upon reading further on the Michigan page (under the qualifications link), they have explicitly excluded getting a refund on "recreation" use. This includes pleasure boats.

Good to know that I'm funding road taxes with my boat fuel and that the state realizes this too. Looks like it is time for a letter/email to the state senator and representative.

On a parallel note, seems like fuel explicitly sold on the water (ie: marinas) should not have to charge the road tax in the first place as there is no way that expensive fuel would be put in a terestrial vehicle.

[Scott D]

I figure the refund will get me about 100 dollars or so back at the end of the year. (Unless gas gets up to $3.00 per gallon, then I will probably not be able to take many trips to the Columbia River and will be stuck fishing for bass in my local lakes instead)

[PUZZLED]

I THOUGHT THE GENTLEMAN JUST SAID THAT IT DOES NOT COUNT FOR RECREATIONAL USE INCLUDING PLEASURE CRAFT? SO HOW COULD THE WEEKEND FISHERMAN GET A REBATE ON THIS? AND DOES MINNESOTA HAVE THE SAME DEAL GOING

[Scott D]

Puzzled, SeaCat was posting regarding the Michigan state rules. I was talking about Washington State. Every state has different rules regarding the tax. I wonder if the Federal Government has some kind of rebate? (I bet they don't) I think it would be worthwile for everyone to check with their State's Department of Revenue or Dept. of Licensing about the tax.