Community Forums

JOHNBJR53 · 04-11-2014, 05:59 PM

We are retired snowbirds about ready to pull the trigger on a $130,000 MH purchase from a NC dealer. We own homes in both Florida and NC. Our primary residence state is Florida, mostly for income tax considerations. If I register the MH in NC, I understand I pay 3% HUT (sales tax) and a registration fee. Sounds ok so far. BUT I also pay annual property taxes on the MH to the tune this year of about $835 based on the county rate. And, while that assessed amount will decrease annually, the tax rate is very likely to increase too. Plus I will have to be here every year in April to have the coach inspected, I think?
If I register in Florida, I will pay 6% sales tax and a registration fee. But no property tax that I can find and no pesky annual inspections.
Our intention is to house the coach in NC as we are here for the summer months mostly and then to drive it south for the winter. But we also will do some more northerly travel in the warmer months, likely to include April when the inspection is due... Is registering in Florida the best bet, aside from the 3% difference in sales tax? And perhaps a difference in insurance rates? Anything else I'm missing?

Tom-NC · 04-11-2014, 07:13 PM

Hi,

When registering your motorhome in NC you only pay a $1500.00 cap for your sales tax and not 3%. Your plates are $28.00 a year and yes you have to get it inspected and when registering it you do have to pay personal property tax for it. Inspection is no biggy and costs about $14.00.

I have been a resident of NC and have paid their property tax, registration and inspection fee with no problems. I just purchased a new RV and paid only $1500 cap for sales tax.

Lastly I would state that it is only money and the last shirt doesn't have any pockets so you can't take it with you.

djbmsu · 04-11-2014, 07:43 PM

Florida = No annual inspections, NO yearly property tax ( what a joke ) property tax and MH and not a car ????
license plates less than 85.00 a year. Should be a pretty simple decision.

wingtrike · 04-12-2014, 05:40 AM

Register it in Fla. In the long term, would be much less expensive. Think about the expense of driving from Fla to NC just for inspection.
HAGD,
Alex

Medico · 04-12-2014, 05:52 AM

If you purchase in NC, pay the sales tax in NC, then move it to Florida within 6 months you will have to pay the difference to Florida. However if you wait until after you have owned the MH for 6 month, then transfer to Florida you will not have to pay the additional sales tax.

You will have to decide on the real estate tax and inspection cost. Remember the first time you get a new plate in Florida, there is a plate fee of $225 plus the registration fee stated above. This is a one time fee as long as you never turn in the plate, just transfer it from RV to RV when purchasing a replacement.