Boat tax action helps economy
Last Updated on 5/30/2012
Published on 1/13/2009
By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com
In an effort to help entice more out-of-town boaters to visit and spend money in Georgetown County, leaders have increased the amount of time a vessel can be in the county without being taxed.
Georgetown County Council unanimously gave final reading Tuesday night to an ordinance amendment which extends the amount of time a boat can be in county waters tax-free.
Now, boats can be in the county 60 consecutive days or no more than 180 days within a year before being taxed.
Before the amendment, the time limit was two consecutive months or 90 days total in a calendar year.
This does not apply to boats used for commercial purposes.
According to the ordinance, the purpose of the amendment is to "attract more watercraft owners to Georgetown County."
The County Auditor's Office will be required to keep records to make sure the boat owners keeping boats in the county past the time limit so "all those entitled to benefits receive them and all those required to pay taxes do so," the ordinance states.
Dan Stacy spoke during the public hearing on the matter and said he is in agreement with the 180 days but feels the 60 consecutive days will be problematic.
He asked Council to consult with the Legislative Delegation to try to get the state law "cleaned up" so the local ordinance can be amended again.
County Administrator Sel Hemingway agreed with Stacy, saying a boater would have to move his vessel every two months to avoid violating the 60-straight-day rule even though a maximum of 180 days are allowed.
He said he has talked with Sen. Ray Cleary and is hopeful the General Assembly will eliminate the 60-day portion of the law this year.
Council is also requiring boat owners benefiting from the tax to maintain a log detailing the watercraft's whereabouts throughout the tax year.
Beaufort and Horry Counties passed similar ordinances last year.
