What taxes are applicable when purchasing a used vessel?
In the majority of used vessel transactions only B.C. Provincial Sales Tax is applicable. However, there are circumstances where GST is also payable. GST is due along with B.C. Provincial Sales Tax in cases where the boat is owned by a GST registrant. For non-residents of B.C. there are several scenarios regarding taxes payable on a used boat. Usually, non-residents are exempt from B.C. Provincial Sales Tax provided the vessel leaves B.C. GST is not applicable to residents of the U.S. However, your home state or provincial taxes may be levied when you land the boat.
