Lawmakers Fix Tax Snafu for Boat Owners

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah legislators today fixed a mistake in tax code that caused some distress for owners of small boats:

"We ended up by mistake getting a gentle man with a 15-foot canoe with the same assessed valuation tax notice as a guy with a same-length cabin cruiser that would be valued at ten-times as much," says Representative Patrick Painter, who led the correction effort.

A year ago, the Legislature created a uniform assessment fee in hopes of simplifying purchase and trade of boats. Painter says lawmakers didn't anticipate the different types of boats, lengths and motors that could cause value to change. Will get a special notice to get a refund. Lawmakers estimate about 60-thousand dollars will be returned to boat owners.

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