// Exemption
Boats sold to nonresidents - in-state use permit
Retail Sales & Use Tax exemption · RCW 82.08.700; 82.12.700 · enacted 2007
Details
- Citation
- RCW 82.08.700; 82.12.700
- Study reference
- E1651-1
- Tax type
- Retail Sales & Use Tax
- Preference type
- Exemption
- Category
- Individuals
- Year enacted
- 2007
- End date
- None scheduled
Fiscal impact (2024 study estimates)
- Revenue if repealed — local ($M)
- FY 2024: 0 · FY 2025: 0.312 · FY 2026: 0.352 · FY 2027: 0.365
- Revenue if repealed — state ($M)
- FY 2024: 0 · FY 2025: 0.688 · FY 2026: 0.783 · FY 2027: 0.811
- Taxpayer savings — local ($M)
- FY 2024: 0.328 · FY 2025: 0.34 · FY 2026: 0.352 · FY 2027: 0.365
- Taxpayer savings — state ($M)
- FY 2024: 0.729 · FY 2025: 0.756 · FY 2026: 0.783 · FY 2027: 0.811
CTI = confidential taxpayer information · D = unable to disclose
From the 2024 DOR Tax Exemption Study
an appropriate exemption certificate supported by identification as required by the Department of Revenue and signed by the purchaser or the purchaser's agent establishes the fact that the purchaser is a nonresident and that the vessel is for use outside of this state. A copy of the exemption certificate is to be retained by the dealer. Vessel purchased by nonresident entities (non-natural persons) Use permits cannot be obtained for vessels purchased by nonresident entities, such as corporations, limited liability companies, trusts, partnerships, etc. Vessel purchased from a private party A nonresident individual may purchase a vessel 30 feet or longer in Washington from someone other than a vessel dealer and claim the use tax exemption if they purchase a use permit from a licensed dealer within 14 days of the vessel purchase. Nonresident individuals bringing a vessel into Washington A nonresident individual who acquired a vessel of 30 feet or longer outside Washington may also purchase a one-year use permit. The nonresident individual must, however, purchase a permit from a licensed vessel dealer within 14 days of first entering Washington with the vessel. Purchasing a permit When
Does this apply to you?
This is reference data from the 2024 study — not advice, and 2025–26 legislation may have changed it. Three ways to go deeper: