I want to buy a watercraft, what are the steps to do so for property tax purposes?

First, take the title numbers and check with the county in which the owner lives to make sure all back taxes are paid. If the taxes are unpaid, in accordance with SC. law, the taxes follow the watercraft and become the responsibility of the new owner.

Section 50-23-295

  1. A certificate of title to watercraft or an outboard motor may not be transferred if the department has notice that property taxes for property tax years beginning after 1999, are owed on the watercraft or outboard motor. 
  2. A person who knowingly sells a watercraft for which he owes unpaid and outstanding property taxes, or on which he knows there is a property tax lien, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than thirty days.

Show All Answers

1. What items require the payment of personal property tax?
2. When are personal property taxes due?
3. How is the value of personal watercraft/aircraft determined?
4. I sold the personal property you have billed me for. What do I do with this bill?
5. Can I appeal the value on my boat or airplane?
6. If I own a business or residential rental property, how are taxes determined on associated personal property?
7. When are business-related personal property tax returns due?
8. What happens if I don't file my business-related personal property tax return on time?
9. Are all boats & motors taxable?
10. Are boat trailers taxable?
11. I want to buy a watercraft, what are the steps to do so for property tax purposes?