I purloined the three messages below from the “GL” (Great Loop) mail list. As you will see, all are in regards to fulfilling boat – property tax regulations in the Tar Heel state.

Looking for input in regard to NC Tax on Transient boats. May need to leave my boat in NC waters for Dec / Jan. Boat is legally registered both with Federal Documentation and State Docs in RI. “RI Stickers” on forward pilothouse windows.

Talking to the manager of the marina in NC, he tells me that he “walks the docks” on Jan 1 and must list all boats at the Marina and supply info to the NC County where the Marina is located. County would then send me a letter (address supplied by Marina) in regard to taxes due. “What then” ? I know that the locals in the Marina usually move boats to SC for a week and then come back to NC.
Thanks for any and all thoughts on this. Tried finding info on NC State Web sites, but no luck in getting to any solid answer to the subject.
Bob

Call the tax office in the county you plan on staying and ask. I live in Craven County and the tax office has been helpful to cruisers. Marinas are obligated to list all the boats on January 1 just like we have to declare all property then also. I don’t think you will owe anything but they will probably just ask for the marina bill when you check in and out again or something equally simple.
Phil Odom
Havelock, NC

We faced the exact same thing in ’06-’07 when we wintered Morning Star over inNew Bern at the Sheraton Skysail Marina . We talked to the gals at the tax collector’s office and they took out information. When we left, we dropped by their office again and showed them a copy of our final bill. Since our time there was less than the 180 (I think) days that would have triggered the tax we thought we were done. But they sent us a bill anyway! We got it all resolved with a quick and easy phone call. No big deal, just keep your records.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR

I am no expert on this subject but if you are going to leave it in or around Wilmington on Jan 1, I advise going to SC and there, there is no question as you have atleast 90 days. New Hanover and Pender Countys are very diligent in collecting property tax and the rate is high. It was very difficult to get an answer on the property tax isssue from either the state or New Hanover county. Don’t be casual about this or it might haunt you.
RB