Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2018 | Page 15

Taxing Matters Register That Boat with GCTO! By: Cheryl E. Johnson, PCC Galveston Co. Tax Assessor Collector [email protected] With spring fully in the air and summer less than two months away, thoughts of outside recreation and summer vacations are gaining in popularity. This is clearly evidenced by the uptick of 45% in water vessel services provided in your County Tax Office. Last August I reported a new partnership between the County Tax Office and Texas Parks and Wildlife. In July we launched services at our Island office and within six weeks, every branch and satellite was operational thanks to a dynamic training team. Although only 2.3% of all of Texas’ 658,600 water vessels are registered in Galveston, with Clear Lake at our northern boundary, Galveston Bay to our east, the Intercoastal and Gulf of Mexico to the south and many waterways throughout, we were certain demand would be good and we were not wrong! Although registration and titling slowed during the months of December and January, hearts warmed in February and by March we were full throttle in Galveston and League City. Of 1,642 boat transactions since inception of services, 58% were titles meaning nearly 1,000 area residents enjoyed a new or new-to-them water vessel ranging from a jet ski to a 180’ yacht. In case you did not know, GCTO is a one-stop-shop as boats, outboard motors AND trailers may be titled and registered in our offices (if in county) and replacement Certificate of Number ID cards are available in all office. We are not limited to providing services to Galveston County residents, thus, those driving in from other areas of Texas can pick up new or replacement ID cards if needed once they arrive to our recreational areas. An additional bonus of doing business with us is that, unlike Parks and Wildlife, we accept debit and credit cards. Providing these additional State services has had the added benefit of bringing “enterprise” monies to Galveston County. In eight months of doing business, revenue in the form of commissions and sales taxes paid to the County are over $29,000. Considering staffing was increased by a half-time position, the $1 4,000 investment has so far proven worthwhile for all, not only funding the added HTE but fully funding one of our 52 staff positions (meaning fewer taxes are needed to cover our cost to you)! Need additional information? Visit www.galcotax.com and select the TPWD Boat Registration link. Happy boating! TPWD requires all motorboats, outboard motors and sailboats 14’ or larger (or those with an auxiliary engine) to be registered. Canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts and vessels less than 14’ (if paddled, poled, oared or windblown as long as a trolling motor has not been added) are exempt, as are out-of-country vessels temporarily using Texas waterways, those owned by a governmental entity and ship lifeboats. Registrations may be renewed up to 90 days prior to expiration and are valid for a period of two years. Residents new to Texas have up to 90 days to register their boat in the State. Registration fees range from $32 to $150, depending on the length of the boat. MOMENTUM / May 2018 14