ANNAPOLIS, MD — Legislation passed by the General Assembly last year created a tax amnesty period from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, 2002, for boat owners who have not paid the vessel excise tax due when they purchased a boat or moved their boat into Maryland. The amnesty applies to individuals who purchased a boat in Maryland or principally used their boat in Maryland prior to Dec. 31, 2001. During the amnesty period, the Department of Natural Resources will waive the 10 percent penalty payment if the owner pays the tax and interest due.

The excise tax, which is 5 percent of the purchase price or fair market value of the boat, is used to pay for projects which improve and promote recreational and commercial boating and the safety of Maryland's waterways for the benefit of the general boating public.

Questions from boat owners/taxpayers, marina owners, boat yard owners and boat dealers can be directed to Bruce A. Gilmore, Director, Licensing and Registration Service, Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-3233 or email: [email protected].