In addition to voting for a president, Kansas voters will make a decision this election that could amend the state constitution. If it passes, it would be the first step in lowering the property tax paid by boat owners.
The short explanation is that the amendment would allow the Legislature to classify and tax watercraft differently.
A vote for the proposition would permit the Legislature to provide for separate classification and taxation of watercraft or to exempt such property from property taxation and impose taxes in lieu thereof.
A vote against the proposition would continue the taxation of watercraft in the same manner as all other property.
Currently classified as “other property,” Kansas watercraft are taxed at 30 percent of market value. Owning a speedboat or a cruiser comes with a hefty tax — and it’s higher in Kansas than in Missouri or other neighboring states. Maybe that’s why boat registrations in Kansas have decreased by about 20 percent in the last decade. Many owners buy, register and dock their boats elsewhere.
Passing the amendment won’t automatically lower the tax on boats, but it’s the first step. Wouldn’t it be great if more people were able to buy boats in Kansas and spend more time at Kansas lakes?

Susan Thacker