Sen. McLachlan: Boat Storage Bill Good News for Candlewood Lake Businesses

Sen. Michael McLachlan on Friday (May 31) applauded the Connecticut State Senate’s passage of a bill which will provide a boost to the Connecticut marine industry.

The bill:

• Extends the length of time that boats stored during the winter are exempt from sales and use tax.
• Extends the sales tax exemption for storing noncommercial boats by two months, by starting the period sooner and ending it later. Under current law, the period runs from November 1 to April 30. Under the bill, it runs from October 1 to May 31.
• Extends the use tax exemption for boats brought into Connecticut only to be stored, maintained, or repaired, by ending the period one month later. Under current law, the period runs from October 1 to April 30. Under the bill, it runs from October 1 to May 31.

Sen. McLachlan, who spoke in favor of the bill before the state senate, noted that the legislation will benefit have a particular benefit for his state senate district, which includes Candlewood Lake.

“This legislation is excellent news for our local boating industry,” Sen. McLachlan said. “Candlewood Lake is the largest inland waterbody in the state, and we want to do everything we can to attract more boaters and tourism to our region. Making our region a more attractive place for people to store their boats will bring in additional work, jobs and revenue for our marinas. It also sparks the local economy by increasing activity at area restaurants, hotels and small businesses. I’m proud to support this common sense, bipartisan measure.”

House Bill 6576, “An Act Concerning the Applicability of the Sales and Use Tax on Boats” heads to the governor’s desk and would take effect immediately if it is signed by the governor.