INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A CLAIM FOR MARINE FUEL TAX REFUND IN WASHINGTON STATE Explanation: When Washington Boaters go to the fuel dock and purchase gasoline for a boat, boaters pay a GAS TAX, which is included in the price of your marine fuel. The majority of this 28¢ per gallon gas tax is a road tax and intended to be paid by drivers of cars (– not boats!) to maintain highways, bridges, and ferries. Boats do not extend wear and tear on highways, bridges, and ferries, so a portion of the tax has been declared exempt from boat fuel. However, boaters must do the work to file a claim to get the refund for this gas tax. The Washington motor boat gas tax refund process is largely unclaimed by boaters. Many boaters are unaware of the refund benefit or don't see enough value in the refund process to bother with filing a claim. The DOL Refunds Unit has been very helpful working with RBAW to help get the word out to boaters. Some of the unclaimed fuel tax refunds goes to the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) to fund marine infrastructure projects such as pump out stations, boat ramps, port improvements, and other state projects to benefit boating. According to the Department of Licensing (DOL), boaters who file a claim can receive a partial refund of the 28¢ tax they paid at the fuel dock. The difference between the 28¢ per gallon paid and the 12¢ per gallon refund is made up of: 1) State sales tax, and 2) a penny per gallon contribution to the Coastal Protection Fund. The DOL has devised an "Averaging Plan" to simplify the process which gives the boater a flat rate of approximately 18¢ per gallon Most DIESEL FUEL sold at fuel docks already has the state road tax deducted from the price at the pump. There is neither road tax paid nor refund due for most marine diesel fuel. Untaxed marine diesel fuel is identified by its dyed color, usually red. If a boater buys clear diesel fuel, it is most likely taxed and that tax would be entitled to the same refund process as gasoline. Check with your fuel dock on the tax status of their diesel sold. {\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fontt Fuel Tax Refund Poster The DOL has prepared an excellent poster for marinas and yacht clubs. Click here and print a copy to post for the boaters your facility How to File your Claim: See IMPORTANT NOTICE: 2004 Fuel Tax Information for Boaters If you have any questions, please contact the DOL Fuel Tax Refunds Section at 360- 664-1838. Address for Filing: Department of Licensing Fuel Tax Section REFUNDS UNIT P.O. Box 9228 Olympia, WA 98507-9228 If you buy a few hundred gallons of boat gas per year, we hope you find this information valuable. Good Luck from the Recreational Boating Association of Washington! Home | About RBAW | Boater News | Events Calendar Our Members | You Can Help | Join RBAW | Contact Us Design & Development by Dan Larsen