Recently one of my clients told me he could not get his documents to me because they were in his aircraft and he was in a different location. My immediate reaction was “That is dangerous”!
He said, “Everyone leaves their logs and other documents in his aircraft. We have to” Now that seemed reasonable so I had to check my attitude. Where had I gotten the idea from that it was dangerous?
I realized I had heard that warning many times from aviation attorneys at tax seminars. I also remember that the warning came regarding aircraft flying home from an out of state purchase location with the original copies of all the sale and closing docs and FAA registration documents. Yes, accidents can happen. Some aircraft never make it home. If all the documents are lost in a crash the result of the crash is magnified. It isn’t just the loss of human life. It can become an insurance problem as well as a tax problem.
After I thought through the whole thing I realized my warning was still valid and not unreasonable from my point of view. Let’s say you are working on gathering the documents to support an exemption for transaction tax in your state. Or to make my point, let’s say you are gathering the documents the IRS is going to demand to support your business use. Furthermore you believe the FAA or your boss wants those documents to remain on the aircraft.
My suggestion is to pull out your cell phone and take pictures that are legible, and immediately send them to either your own office or the tax professional that is assigned to gather the documents. IPads can do this also.
The extra 60 seconds can save you a great deal of grief in the long run.
January 27, 2015
September 08, 2014
Tax Exemption Received by Business Owner with the Help of AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals
Southern California Company Obtains Tax Exemption on Cessna Citation II
SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/), an aircraft tax specialist firm in Northern California, recently assisted a Southern California business owner in supporting a claim for a use tax exemption involving the purchase of a jet. It saved him around $79,000.00.
Jeff stated: “My partner is in the mobile home park business and I am in the auto finance business. We fly to places that are difficult to reach commercially, and sitting around an airport is not productive.
“I found out about AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals through a partner in another plane. This is the second aircraft I have used their services on. I found out that there are a lot of things that need to be done in an exact process. The paperwork is tedious and I wouldn’t want to do it on my own. I would absolutely refer AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals to others.”
Tom Alston, founder and owner of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “The case went well, and the client was very happy with the outcome. This was our second time working with this client. Those who have worked with us know that it’s important not to try and take the case into their own hands, as they are not fully familiar with the California aircraft tax codes as we are. It’s our specialty, so people turn to us.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax, and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle, or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com
August 13, 2014
AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals Assists Aviation Consulting Company to Obtain Tax Exemption on Aircraft.
Consulting Firm Acquires Tax Exemption on Company Aircraft
Sacramento, CA: AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals, (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/), a tax firm specializing in aircraft and vessel tax consulting, recently helped Aero Pacific Consulting save approximately $15,000.00.
Doug of Aero Pacific Consulting stated: “The experience with AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals was very straightforward. It was a cookbook approach for the client. There was a recipe of things that I needed to do and if I followed the recipe to the letter things worked out just marvelously.”
Tom Alston, founder and owner of AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals, stated: “It went very well, the whole process had no glitches in it. The client was very pleased with the results. We look forward to working with them again when they decide to purchase another plane.”
AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket—not the government’s. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com
Aircraft Leasing Company Receives Tax Exemption on a New Plane.
AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals assists Aircraft Leasing Company with a Tax exemption from the state of California on their Bonanza.
Sacramento, CA: AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals, (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/) an aircraft tax specialist firm, recently assisted a Leasing company in supporting a claim for a use tax exemption on the purchase of a Bonanza airplane, saving them approximately $55,000.00.
Lisa stated: “We first talked with Tom at a seminar before purchasing our Bonanza aircraft, and we didn’t even know this type of service existed. We really enjoyed all of the connections with other airplane services that Tom and AERO&MARINE are connected to.
“Working with AERO&MARINE was easy. The instructions were very clear. They were all very supportive in the process. The feedback for keeping us on track was simple, and when there were hiccups with the State Board of Equalization AERO&MARINE was there for us, telling us what happened and not to worry about it. Afterwards the letters would come through from the board confirming that everything was fine. When we got letters from the state organization I would get nervous because I didn’t know what was happening and I didn’t know how to react to it, so that is where I trusted AERO&MARINE’s experience to calm me down. I would recommend them without hesitation.”
Tom Alston, founder and owner of AERO&MARINE Tax Professionals, stated: “The case went very well, the client was very happy with the outcome. This was our third time working with this client. We build trusted partnerships with companies because they can see the professionalism we use in our work, and they know they can come to us to get a result. If they need assistance in the future we will be more than happy to work with them again.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com
April 08, 2014
Aviation Company Obtains Tax Exemption on New Company Plane
Company Assisted By Aero & Marine Tax Professionals in Recent Tax Case
SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/) an aircraft tax specialist firm in Northern California, recently assisted a northern California aviation company in supporting a claim for a sales tax exemption involving the purchase of a Pilatus PC12 airplane. It saved them $148,050.00 off the purchase price.
An executive from the company stated: “This aircraft is owned by three different entities. Our company does petroleum marketing to convenience stores, wholesale, terminal lane, pipeline shipments, cardlock fuel is a big part of our business, and commercial fueling. One of my partners is a plastic surgeon, another is a big agriculture producer. We have a lot of business interests throughout the western United States. This aircraft is good for that mission. We had the Citation 2, which Aero & Marine Tax Professionals helped us with previously. We weren’t using that to its best advantage. We weren’t making long enough trips to make economic sense, so the Pilatus fits that mission very well.
“The process with Pilatus went well. This one was complicated, we changed out of the Citation into the Pilatus and we tried to exchange into a new entity which we set up to own the Pilatus. Then we found out that we couldn’t do that. We had to take title to the Pilatus in the same entity that owned the Citation. So that got complicated with four different entities. We had to backtrack and put that together. It was a little more complicated than normal. Working with Aero & Marine’s staff was good. They gave a lot of good counsel about what we should and shouldn’t be doing. We’d get the reports up to date as to where we were on the out-of-state flying hours versus in-state flying and they worked with us on a regular basis. They said to get it to 60% of the out-of-state, which we did. Then they sent in the paperwork, and we just received our approval yesterday. I would recommend Aero & Marine to others,” concluded the executive.
Tom Alston, owner and founder of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “This one certainly was more complicated, but that was just in the set-up of the case. There was never any real doubt from the beginning that the use tax exemption would come out alright, there were just more logistics to work out. All in all it went very well. We’ve worked with this company many times in the past to legally avoid sales tax on their aircraft purchases, and they know we’re a company that can be trusted to get the result – an exemption.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to specifically avoid aircraft and vessel sales/use tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. Their blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com.
March 30, 2014
Real Estate Company Obtains Tax Exemption on New Company Plane
Company Assisted By Aero & Marine Tax Professionals in Recent Tax Case
SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/) an aircraft tax specialist firm in Northern California, recently assisted a California real estate company in supporting a claim for a use / sales tax exemption involving the purchase of a Cirrus SR20 airplane. It saved them around $13,500.00 off the purchase price.
An executive from the company stated: “We have rental property and real estate in Nevada, going back and forth. Purchasing the aircraft was a lifestyle and time issue. Driving to Bullhead City is a nine hour experience. Flying there is two hours and fifteen minutes. It’s a quality of ownership, in a lot of cases. A flight instructor friend of mine recommended Aero & Marine Tax Professionals. There are things I could do with that money that are far more valuable to me than paying the taxes. I don’t feel that the state spends my money as wisely as I do. I measured all the different ways it could work out, based on getting the exemption, or not getting the exemption. It looked like it was a good financial decision to pursue getting the exemption. Working with Aero & Marine’s staff was awesome. I just followed the instructions they gave me, and every time they needed something I responded. Everything worked out exactly the way they said it would as long as I followed the instructions, and did things in the order that they recommended. The instructions were very clear and well put out. I had a couple questions, but they were always good at clearing them up. The original packet they gave me covered at least 95% of the solutions I needed. I would recommend them to others without question.”
Tom Alston, owner and founder of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “The case went very smoothly, there were no problems in securing the tax exemption on the plane. It is completely legal to avoid paying tax on an aircraft purchase, when it is done the right way. But you need the guidance of professionals who know the tax codes backwards and forwards. If you’re looking at purchasing an aircraft, contact us.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to specifically avoid aircraft and vessel sales/use tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. Their blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com.
March 01, 2014
Tax Firm Helps Rigging Company Obtain Tax Exemption on Company Jet
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals Help Company With Sales Tax Exemption On New Plane
SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/) an aircraft tax specialist firm in Northern California, recently assisted a northern California crane and rigging company in supporting a claim for a use tax exemption involving the purchase of a company jet. It saved them around 9% off the aircraft purchase price.
An executive from the company stated: “We wanted the flexibility of flying to various customer locations and offices for the owner and his senior staff. The problem was just getting on planes, as opposed to flying commercially. There were a number of locations, such as Minnesota, Houston, Utah. These are all locations that we hit as a normal part of our cycle. The flexibility that owning an aircraft affords us was being able to go whenever we needed, in the comfort of your own plane. It just made it that much easier. We even were able to have business meetings in flight. The big thing was not being held at the mercy of timing at the airports – the flexibility of being able to go when you want. “…we found Aero & Marine Tax Professionals with the person that helped us acquire our first plane. He got us in touch with them to help us with the whole use tax process. It became very easy for us once we hired them, to work with their staff. It was easy to provide the documentation they needed to support the business purpose of the trips, whether they were in-state or outside the state. Aero & Marine was good at follow-up and documenting the process, pulling together the information they needed. The fact that they had been through it many, many times just made it easier for us. I would absolutely recommend them to others.”
Tom Alston, founder and owner of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “The case went very well, the client was very happy with the outcome. Actually they’ve already informed us they are purchasing a second plane and will be hiring us to take care of the tax status of that plane as well. Those who have worked with us know that it’s important not to try and take the case into their own hands, they are not fully familiar with the California aircraft tax codes as we are. It’s our specialty, so people turn to us.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com
Tax Firm Helps Aircraft Leasing Company With Tax Exemption on Plane
Northern California Aircraft Leasing Company Gets Tax Exemption on Cirrus Airplane
SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/) an aircraft tax specialist firm in Northern California, recently assisted a northern California aircraft leasing company in supporting a claim for a use tax exemption on the purchase of a Cirrus SR 22 T airplane, saving them close to 8% off the purchase price. This was the company’s second time working with Aero & Marine Tax Professionals on a tax exemption for an aircraft.
An executive from the company stated: “The problem was I had a commute that required me to go from Steamboat Springs, CO at 7,000 feet altitude to Fresno, CA at 300 feet altitude. I needed to upgrade my Cirrus from a normally aspirated to a turbo. As for doing it commercially, I guess the snarky answer would be that if you tried doing a commercial flight from either Steamboat Springs, CO or Hayden, CO, the answer would be self-evident. They only have one flight a day during the non-ski season, and you have to fly all the way back to Denver to make a connecting flight, which means you have to cross the Rockies twice. And then all the other good stuff that goes with flying commercial. When I bought my first plane, back in 2006, Aero & Marine Tax Professionals were referred to me by my accountant. It was pretty easy. My office tells me they were very responsive & fast. I would absolutely recommend them to others. We’d never buy a plane without involving Aero & Marine.”
Tom Alston, founder and owner of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “This case went very smoothly, just as well as the first time we worked with them. There can be times where a person does not suppose they will need to worry about California sales tax, such as if the plane was purchased in another state. But it’s been shown by many cases that the safest thing to do is contact us. We’ve helped many companies to legally avoid aircraft tax.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com
January 03, 2014
Packaging Company Obtains Tax Exemption On Company Jet
Aero And Marine Tax Professionals Assists Company In Obtaining Sales Tax Exemption
SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Pros (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/) an aircraft sales tax specialist firm in Northern California, recently assisted a packaging and freight company in obtaining a sales tax exemption on the purchase of a Cessna Citation Mustang jet. The sales tax exemption was granted by the California Board of Equalization (BOE).
An executive from the company stated “We’re in the packaging and freight forwarding business. We cater to high technology companies: high value equipment to be packaged and shipped around the world. The aircraft is used to get to our different locations. We have seven or eight locations in the US. We use the aircraft to go to them when it makes sense. In some cases we do fly commercial. In others we look at how many people are going, the time factors, and the location, and decide if the airline is going to work or not. For example, if four or five of us are going to Austin, TX it can sometimes be difficult to get a direct flight. We need to be there at a certain time, and leave at a certain time, and in that case the airlines just don’t make sense. Aero & Marine Tax Professionals has gotten us tax exemptions on two airplanes that we’ve had. It’s been a great service. They are very professional, easy to work with and it has been successful in both cases. I really like the ease of working with them. Good service. I would recommend them to others.”
Tom Alston, founder and owner of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated: “This was our second time working with this client. We build trusted partnerships with companies because they can see the professionalism we use in our work, and they know they can come to us to get a result. If they need our assistance in the future, we’ll be more than happy to work with them again.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com
Commercial Fishing Company Obtains Sales Tax Exemption On Boat
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals Assists Fishing Company Obtain Tax Exemption on Vessel Purchase
SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals (http://aeromarinetaxpros.com/) recently assisted a commercial fishing company in obtaining a vessel sales tax exemption on the purchase of a commercial fishing vessel. The California Board of Equalization (BOE) granted the sales tax exemption on the case.
An executive from the company stated: “We work in the commercial fishing business. I was unaware that I was going to get a bill for sales tax on the vessel. I thought it was going to be a simple form to fill out that would make it go away, but that wasn’t the case. I sought further advice, and that’s when I contacted Aero & Marine Tax Professionals. A friend in Santa Rosa referred me to them. He deals with maritime boat transfers and permits. Working with Aero & Marine was very precise. They needed information, and handled everything in a really precise way. The whole thing takes a long time, it’s a long procedure, but their staff gave me the precise information needed. I would most definitely recommend them to others.”
Tom Alston, founder and owner of Aero & Marine Tax Pros, stated: “We get so many recommendations because our reputation is built on success. We can take a case that others have pronounced hopeless and can turn it around so the client can end up legally avoiding sales tax on the purchase of a vessel. This was our first time working with this company. We’ll be more than happy to assist them if they purchase another boat for their operations. All in all it went very well.”
Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax. His blog can be seen at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com