Date:  Friday, September 17, 2010

Contact: Nisha Marvel, WSDOT Aviation Communications, 360-651-6310

ARLINGTON – In an effort to enforce state requirements, collect revenue for aviation programs, and administer collections equitably the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation is pursuing non-compliant aircraft registration accounts dating back to 2006.

Each year general aviation aircraft based in Washington State are required to pay an aircraft registration fee (RCW 47.68.250) and excise tax (RCW 82.48.020), which varies by aircraft type. For example, WSDOT collects a $15 annual registration fee and a $50 annual excise tax for a single engine aircraft. Approximately 5,900 aircraft are registered with the state.

In 2005 WSDOT was authorized by law to enforce late penalties on aircraft registrations that were 60 days or more past due (RCW 47.68.240). The penalties are as follows:

• 60 days past due: $100
• 120 days past due: $200
• 180 days past due: $400

The department conducted an extensive outreach effort through letters, e-mails, and telephone calls while crossing checking customer information through the FAA database. Unfortunately, approximately 168 delinquent aircraft accounts remain outstanding. As a result, in September 2010 these accounts will be forwarded to the Attorney General’s office for follow-up action.

Aircraft registration fees and a portion of the excise taxes are returned to WSDOT Aviation to fund such programs as state airport aid, air search & rescue, and state managed airports. More information about aircraft registration and is available at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/Registration/Program.htm.

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