Aircraft

Questions and Answers

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• Are aircraft subject to assessment or property tax?

  Aircraft are taxable and appraised annually at full market value. Their value is determined by reviewing purchase information and comparable sales. Information on their location and ownership is obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration and on-site inspections of all airports. If you have questions regarding your aircraft assessments please call (415) 473-7208.

• How does the Assessor determine the value of an airplane?

  The Assessor uses various approaches to arrive at the value, including the purchase price of the plane, improvements or upgrades that have been made to it, and the recent sales of comparable aircraft in the open market. Airplanes are assessed where they are normally stored when not in use.

• Will your aircraft be assessed for property taxes while consigned to a broker?

  Yes. Only airplanes owned and held in inventory for sale by a licensed dealer are exempt from property taxes.

• Tax exemptions for airplanes

  Aircraft of historical significance and meeting certain requirements may qualify for tax exemption. For more information, call (415) 473-7208.

• Do airplanes qualify for tax reduction if damaged by a disaster?

  Yes. Tax reduction is available for all damaged taxable property, including aircraft or other business personal property. Please contact us at (415) 473-7208.

• Who must file an Aircraft Property Statement?

  If the Assessor sends you an Aircraft Property Statement, the law requires that you complete, sign and return the statement to the Assessor’s Office in the time period specified. If your aircraft has a cost of $100,000 or greater, you are required to annually file an Aircraft Property Statement, even if the Assessor did not send you a formal request to do so.

• What are the penalties for failing to file an Aircraft Property Statement?

  Failure to complete and file this form will result in the Assessor estimating the value of your aircraft and adding a 10% penalty to the assessment.

• Why are Aircraft assessed for property tax?

  The California Constitution provides that all tangible property is taxable, unless it is otherwise exempted by the Constitution or by the legislature.

• What is Lien Date?

  The lien date is 12:01 a.m., January 1 of each year.

• Should I include sales tax in the reported purchase price on the Aircraft Property Statement?

  Yes, enter the total original cost of the aircraft as purchased; include sales tax and all other relevant costs. Sales tax is a component of assessed value.

• How does the Assessor’s Office determine the situs (location) of my aircraft?

  Information on the location of your aircraft is generally provided by fixed base operators and managers at each respective facility.

• Who is responsible for the tax bill if my aircraft was sold after January 1?

  Liability for aircraft property taxes attaches to its owner as of 12:01 a.m. on January 1 each year (the lien date). The bill is issued to the owner of record at that time, and that individual is liable for the taxes even if the aircraft was sold soon after that date. Where the aircraft was sold just before the lien date (December 30, for example), the new owner would be liable for the new bill. If you were not the owner on January 1, but the bill was issued in your name, then you need to contact the Assessor’s Office.

  The Assessor’s Office does not prorate taxes, regardless of any transaction subsequent to Lien Date (January 1)

• Do I still need to fill out the Aircraft Owners Report form if I sold my aircraft?

  Yes. You still need to fill out the Aircraft Owners Report form. In order to prevent being taxed for an aircraft you no longer own, the Assessor needs to know:

  • The date the aircraft was sold
  • The new owner's name and address
  • Sale price
• My aircraft is ordinarily kept in another county, why did Marin County assess it?

  The rules for determining the taxable location of your aircraft do not necessarily match the physical location as of January 1. If your aircraft is not primarily kept in Marin County, contact the Aircraft Division of the Marin County Assessor’s Office.

• My aircraft is ordinarily kept in another state, why did Marin County assess it?

  The rules for determining the taxable location of your aircraft do not necessarily match the physical location as of January 1. If your aircraft is not primarily kept in California, contact the Aircraft Division of the Marin County Assessor’s Office.

For additional information

If you need additional information, please contact the Marin County Assessor’s Office.

Assessor’s Office / Room 208 / Office Visit by Appointment Only — Appointments Available 9am to 3pm

• The Real Property division of the Assessor’s Office is available between the hours of 8am to 4pm for phone calls or e-mail correspondence, Call (415) 473-7215 with Assessment questions or email us.
• Please visit our electronic calendar to schedule your appointment with the Real or Personal Property divisions of the Assessor’s Office, or you may phone our offices to schedule your appointment.