As I continue to sift through the almost endless paperwork, I paid a visit to the local San Diego county tax office. It was a very fine new building, with the smell of a new car ! It was time to face one of two tax demons (the other the State of California...to be continued), today it was the County of San Diego. I had 2 options...
1. Fill out the standard paperwork and get assessed approx. 1% of the appraised value (every year) set by the County assessor or...
2. Claim an for exemption from County property taxes by claiming the Aircraft of Historical Significance.
The more questions I asked my friendly County tax person the more I was leaning toward the Historical aspect.
1. Here are the key points if you plan to do it (at least in San Diego County)...your mileage may vary in your location.
A. "Aircraft of historical significance" means any aircraft that is an original, restored, or replica of a heavier than air powered aircraft that is 35 years or older. The T-18/S-18 fits this bill. I believe it is the same wording (or words to that effect) that allow me/you to use an "X" after your N-number, ie: NX115RX, in place of the 2" high lettering EXPERIMENTAL
B. The aircraft is available for display to the public at least 12 days a year. This can be an airshow, but it can also be any aircraft flyin that is advertised to the public, ie: T-18 fly-ins, as they are advertised on our web site and we publish a calendar.
C. You have to have a "sign in sheet" signed by the flyin event coordinator and at the end of the required 12 days, you mail it in with your yearly aircraft property tax statement. Make the 12 day requiement, pay no tax.
D. If you do not meet the 12 day requirement, you will be assessed the full amount (for that year) of property taxes. No give or take on this 12 days period. No exemptions for WX, mechanicals, illness.
E. For example, this year I pay the $35.00 filing fee for the historical wavier and I do not pay any tax this year, but I need to still make the 12 days which applies to next year. Always punting the tax ball one year ahead. If that makes any sense.
I think it is a pretty sweet deal anytime I can keep my money out of the hands of Govt.! I need to get busy on the State tax before Governor Moon Beam starts changing the California tax code ! [}:)]
Tight Wad RB NX115RX
Last edited by Anonymous on Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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