H.B. 5001

1

UNIFORM FEES ON PERSONAL PROPERTY
2 AMENDMENTS
3 2006 FIFTH SPECIAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Patrick Painter
6 Senate Sponsor: Howard A. Stephenson
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This bill amends the Property Tax Act to address the property tax treatment of tangible
11 personal property required to be registered with the state.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This bill:
14 . provides and modifies definitions;
15 . modifies the uniform fees on certain tangible personal property required to be
16 registered with the state;
17 . requires a county to make refunds to certain qualifying individuals;
18 . requires a county to notify owners of tangible personal property of the procedure to
19 file for a refund; and
20 . makes technical changes.
21 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
22 None
23 Other Special Clauses:
24 This bill provides an immediate effective date.
25 This bill provides revisor instructions.
26 Utah Code Sections Affected:
27 AMENDS:

28 59-2-405.2, as enacted by Chapter 244, Laws of Utah 2005
29
30 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
31 Section 1. Section 59-2-405.2 is amended to read:
32 59-2-405.2. Definitions -- Uniform statewide fee on certain tangible personal
33 property -- Distribution of revenues -- Rulemaking authority -- Determining the length
34 of a vessel.
35 (1) As used in this section:
36 (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(a)(ii), "all-terrain vehicle" means a motor
37 vehicle that:
38 (A) is an:
39 (I) all-terrain type I vehicle as defined in Section 41-22-2 ; or
40 (II) all-terrain type II vehicle as defined in Section 41-22-2 ;
41 (B) is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Chapter 22, Off-Highway
42 Vehicles; and
43 (C) has:
44 (I) an engine with more than [100] 150 cubic centimeters displacement;
45 (II) a motor that produces more than five horsepower; or
46 (III) an electric motor; and
47 (ii) notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a)(i), "all-terrain vehicle" does not include a
48 snowmobile[;].
49 (b) "Camper" means a camper:
50 (i) as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ; and
51 (ii) that is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Chapter 1a, Part 2,
52 Registration[;].
53 (c) (i) "Canoe" means a vessel that:
54 (A) is long and narrow;
55 (B) has curved sides; and
56 (C) is tapered:
57 (I) to two pointed ends; or
58 (II) to one pointed end and is blunt on the other end; and

59 (ii) "canoe" includes:
60 (A) a collapsible inflatable canoe;
61 (B) a kayak;
62 (C) a racing shell; or
63 (D) a rowing scull.
64 [(c)] (d) "Dealer" is as defined in Section 41-1a-102 [;].
65 (e) "Jon boat" means a vessel that:
66 (i) has a square bow; and
67 (ii) has a flat bottom.
68 [(d)] (f) "Motor vehicle" is as defined in Section 41-22-2 [;].
69 [(e)] (g) "Other motorcycle" means a motor vehicle that:
70 (i) is:
71 (A) a motorcycle as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ; and
72 (B) designed primarily for use and operation over unimproved terrain;
73 (ii) is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Chapter 1a, Part 2,
74 Registration; and
75 (iii) has:
76 (A) an engine with more than [100] 150 cubic centimeters displacement; or
77 (B) a motor that produces more than five horsepower[;].
78 [(f)] (h) (i) "Other trailer" means a portable vehicle without motive power that is
79 primarily used:
80 (A) to transport tangible personal property; and
81 (B) for a purpose other than a commercial purpose; and
82 (ii) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, for
83 purposes of Subsection (1)[(f)](h)(i)(B), the commission may by rule define what constitutes a
84 purpose other than a commercial purpose[;].
85 [(g)] (i) "Outboard motor" is as defined in Section 41-1a-102 [;].
86 [(h)] (j) "Personal watercraft" means a personal watercraft:
87 (i) as defined in Section 73-18-2 ; and
88 (ii) that is required to be registered in accordance with Title 73, Chapter 18, State
89 Boating Act[;].

90 (k) (i) "Pontoon" means a vessel that:
91 (A) is:
92 (I) supported by one or more floats; and
93 (II) propelled by either inboard or outboard power; and
94 (B) is not:
95 (A) a houseboat; or
96 (B) a collapsible inflatable vessel; and
97 (ii) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
98 commission may by rule define the term "houseboat".
99 (l) "Qualifying adjustment, exemption, or reduction" means an adjustment, exemption,
100 or reduction:
101 (i) of all or a portion of a qualifying payment;
102 (ii) granted by a county during the refund period; and
103 (iii) received by a qualifying person.
104 (m) (i) "Qualifying payment" means the payment made:
105 (A) of a uniform statewide fee in accordance with this section:
106 (I) by a qualifying person;
107 (II) to a county; and
108 (III) during the refund period; and
109 (B) on an item of qualifying tangible personal property; and
110 (ii) if a qualifying person received a qualifying adjustment, exemption, or reduction for
111 an item of qualifying tangible personal property, the qualifying payment for that qualifying
112 tangible personal property is equal to the difference between:
113 (A) the payment described in this Subsection (1)(m) for that item of qualifying tangible
114 personal property; and
115 (B) the amount of the qualifying adjustment, exemption, or reduction.
116 (n) "Qualifying person" means a person that paid a uniform statewide fee:
117 (i) during the refund period;
118 (ii) in accordance with this section; and
119 (iii) on an item of qualifying tangible personal property.
120 (o) "Qualifying tangible personal property" means a:

121 (i) qualifying vehicle; or
122 (ii) qualifying watercraft.
123 (p) "Qualifying vehicle" means:
124 (i) an all-terrain vehicle with an engine displacement that is 100 or more cubic
125 centimeters but 150 or less cubic centimeters;
126 (ii) an other motorcycle with an engine displacement that is 100 or more cubic
127 centimeters but 150 or less cubic centimeters;
128 (iii) a small motor vehicle with an engine displacement that is 100 or more cubic
129 centimeters but 150 or less cubic centimeters;
130 (iv) a snowmobile with an engine displacement that is 100 or more cubic centimeters
131 but 150 or less cubic centimeters; or
132 (v) a street motorcycle with an engine displacement that is 100 or more cubic
133 centimeters but 150 or less cubic centimeters.
134 (q) "Qualifying watercraft" means a:
135 (i) canoe;
136 (ii) collapsible inflatable vessel;
137 (iii) jon boat;
138 (iv) pontoon;
139 (v) sailboat; or
140 (vi) utility boat.
141 (r) "Refund period" means the time period:
142 (i) beginning on January 1, 2006; and
143 (ii) ending on the day before the effective date of this bill.
144 (s) "Sailboat" means a sailboat as defined in Section 73-18-2 .
145 [(i)] (t) (i) "Small motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle that:
146 (A) is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Motor Vehicles; and
147 (B) has:
148 (I) an engine with [100] 150 or less cubic centimeters displacement; or
149 (II) a motor that produces five or less horsepower; and
150 (ii) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
151 commission may by rule develop a process for an owner of a motor vehicle to certify whether

152 the motor vehicle has:
153 (A) an engine with [100] 150 or less cubic centimeters displacement; or
154 (B) a motor that produces five or less horsepower[;].
155 [(j)] (u) "Snowmobile" means a motor vehicle that:
156 (i) is a snowmobile as defined in Section 41-22-2 ;
157 (ii) is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Chapter 22, Off-Highway
158 Vehicles; and
159 (iii) has:
160 (A) an engine with more than [100] 150 cubic centimeters displacement; or
161 (B) a motor that produces more than five horsepower[;].
162 [(k)] (v) "Street motorcycle" means a motor vehicle that:
163 (i) is:
164 (A) a motorcycle as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ; and
165 (B) designed primarily for use and operation on highways;
166 (ii) is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Chapter 1a, Part 2,
167 Registration; and
168 (iii) has:
169 (A) an engine with more than [100] 150 cubic centimeters displacement; or
170 (B) a motor that produces more than five horsepower[;].
171 (w) "Tangible personal property owner" means a person that owns an item of
172 qualifying tangible personal property.
173 [(l)] (x) "Tent trailer" means a portable vehicle without motive power that:
174 (i) is constructed with collapsible side walls that:
175 (A) fold for towing by a motor vehicle; and
176 (B) unfold at a campsite;
177 (ii) is designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational, or vacation use;
178 (iii) is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Chapter 1a, Part 2,
179 Registration; and
180 (iv) does not require a special highway movement permit when drawn by a
181 self-propelled motor vehicle[;].
182 [(m)] (y) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (1)[(m)](y)(ii), "travel trailer" means a

183 travel trailer:
184 (A) as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ; and
185 (B) that is required to be registered in accordance with Title 41, Chapter 1a, Part 2,
186 Registration; and
187 (ii) notwithstanding Subsection (1)[(m)](y)(i), "travel trailer" does not include:
188 (A) a camper; or
189 (B) a tent trailer[; and].
190 (z) (i) "Utility boat" means a vessel that:
191 (A) has:
192 (I) two or three bench seating;
193 (II) an outboard motor; and
194 (III) a hull made of aluminum, fiberglass, or wood; and
195 (B) does not have:
196 (I) decking;
197 (II) a permanent canopy; or
198 (III) a floor other than the hull; and
199 (ii) notwithstanding Subsection (1)(z)(i), "utility boat" does not include a collapsible
200 inflatable vessel.
201 [(n)] (aa) "Vessel" means a vessel:
202 (i) as defined in Section 73-18-2 , including an outboard motor of the vessel; and
203 (ii) that is required to be registered in accordance with Title 73, Chapter 18, State
204 Boating Act.
205 (2) (a) In accordance with Utah Constitution Article XIII, Section 2, Subsection (6),
206 beginning on January 1, 2006, the tangible personal property described in Subsection (2)(b) is:
207 (i) exempt from the tax imposed by Section 59-2-103 ; and
208 (ii) in lieu of the tax imposed by Section 59-2-103 , subject to uniform statewide fees as
209 provided in this section.
210 (b) The following tangible personal property applies to Subsection (2)(a) if that
211 tangible personal property is required to be registered with the state:
212 (i) an all-terrain vehicle;
213 (ii) a camper;

214 (iii) an other motorcycle;
215 (iv) an other trailer;
216 (v) a personal watercraft;
217 (vi) a small motor vehicle;
218 (vii) a snowmobile;
219 (viii) a street motorcycle;
220 (ix) a tent trailer;
221 (x) a travel trailer; and
222 (xi) a vessel if that vessel is less than 31 feet in length as determined under Subsection
223 (6).
224 (3) For purposes of this section, the uniform statewide fees are:
225 (a) for an all-terrain vehicle, an other motorcycle, or a snowmobile:
226 Age of All-Terrain Vehicle, Other Motorcycle, or Snowmobile Uniform Statewide Fee
227 12 or more years $10
228 9 or more years but less than 12 years $20
229 6 or more years but less than 9 years $30
230 3 or more years but less than 6 years $35
231 Less than 3 years $45
232 (b) for a camper or a tent trailer:
233 Age of Camper or Tent Trailer Uniform Statewide Fee
234 12 or more years $10
235 9 or more years but less than 12 years $25
236 6 or more years but less than 9 years $35
237 3 or more years but less than 6 years $50
238 Less than 3 years $70
239 (c) for an other trailer:
240 Age of Other Trailer Uniform Statewide Fee
241 12 or more years $10
242 9 or more years but less than 12 years $15
243 6 or more years but less than 9 years $20
244 3 or more years but less than 6 years $25

245 Less than 3 years $30
246 (d) for a personal watercraft:
247 Age of Personal Watercraft Uniform Statewide Fee
248 12 or more years $10
249 9 or more years but less than 12 years $25
250 6 or more years but less than 9 years $35
251 3 or more years but less than 6 years $45
252 Less than 3 years $55
253 (e) for a small motor vehicle:
254 Age of Small Motor Vehicle Uniform Statewide Fee
255 6 or more years $10
256 3 or more years but less than 6 years $15
257 Less than 3 years $25
258 (f) for a street motorcycle:
259 Age of Street Motorcycle Uniform Statewide Fee
260 12 or more years $10
261 9 or more years but less than 12 years $35
262 6 or more years but less than 9 years $50
263 3 or more years but less than 6 years $70
264 Less than 3 years $95
265 (g) for a travel trailer:
266 Age of Travel Trailer Uniform Statewide Fee
267 12 or more years $20
268 9 or more years but less than 12 years $65
269 6 or more years but less than 9 years $90
270 3 or more years but less than 6 years $135
271 Less than 3 years $175
272 [(h) for a vessel that is less than 15 feet in length,]
273 (h) $10 regardless of the age of the vessel[;] if the vessel is:
274 (i) less than 15 feet in length;
275 (ii) a canoe;

276 (iii) a jon boat; or
277 (iv) a utility boat;
278 (i) for a collapsible inflatable vessel, pontoon, or sailboat, regardless of age:
279 Length of Vessel Uniform Statewide Fee
280 15 feet or more in length but less than 19 feet in length $15
281 19 feet or more in length but less than 23 feet in length $25
282 23 feet or more in length but less than 27 feet in length $40
283 27 feet or more in length but less than 31 feet in length $75
284 [(i)] (j) for a vessel, other than a canoe, collapsible inflatable vessel, jon boat, pontoon,
285 sailboat, or utility boat, that is 15 feet or more in length but less than 19 feet in length:
286 Age of Vessel Uniform Statewide Fee
287 12 or more years $25
288 9 or more years but less than 12 years $65
289 6 or more years but less than 9 years $80
290 3 or more years but less than 6 years $110
291 Less than 3 years $150
292 [(j)] (k) for a vessel, other than a canoe, collapsible inflatable vessel, jon boat, pontoon,
293 sailboat, or utility boat, that is 19 feet or more in length but less than 23 feet in length:
294 Age of Vessel Uniform Statewide Fee
295 12 or more years $50
296 9 or more years but less than 12 years $120
297 6 or more years but less than 9 years $175
298 3 or more years but less than 6 years $220
299 Less than 3 years $275
300 [(k)] (l) for a vessel, other than a canoe, collapsible inflatable vessel, jon boat, pontoon,
301 sailboat, or utility boat, that is 23 feet or more in length but less than 27 feet in length:
302 Age of Vessel Uniform Statewide Fee
303 12 or more years $100
304 9 or more years but less than 12 years $180
305 6 or more years but less than 9 years $240
306 3 or more years but less than 6 years $310

307 Less than 3 years $400
308 [(l)] (m) for a vessel, other than a canoe, collapsible inflatable vessel, jon boat,
309 pontoon, sailboat, or utility boat, that is 27 feet or more in length but less than 31 feet in length:
310 Age of Vessel Uniform Statewide Fee
311 12 or more years $120
312 9 or more years but less than 12 years $250
313 6 or more years but less than 9 years $350
314 3 or more years but less than 6 years $500
315 Less than 3 years $700
316 (4) Notwithstanding Section 59-2-407 , tangible personal property subject to the
317 uniform statewide fees imposed by this section that is brought into the state shall, as a
318 condition of registration, be subject to the uniform statewide fees unless all property taxes or
319 uniform fees imposed by the state of origin have been paid for the current calendar year.
320 (5) (a) The revenues collected in each county from the uniform statewide fees imposed
321 by this section shall be distributed by the county to each taxing entity in which each item of
322 tangible personal property subject to the uniform statewide fees is located in the same
323 proportion in which revenues collected from the ad valorem property tax are distributed.
324 (b) Each taxing entity described in Subsection (5)(a) that receives revenues from the
325 uniform statewide fees imposed by this section shall distribute the revenues in the same
326 proportion in which revenues collected from the ad valorem property tax are distributed.
327 (6) (a) For purposes of the uniform statewide fee imposed by this section, the length of
328 a vessel shall be determined as provided in this Subsection (6).
329 (b) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b)(ii), the length of a vessel shall be
330 measured as follows:
331 (A) the length of a vessel shall be measured in a straight line; and
332 (B) the length of a vessel is equal to the distance between the bow of the vessel and the
333 stern of the vessel.
334 (ii) Notwithstanding Subsection (6)(b)(i), the length of a vessel may not include the
335 length of:
336 (A) a swim deck;
337 (B) a ladder;

338 (C) an outboard motor; or
339 (D) an appurtenance or attachment similar to Subsections (6)(b)(ii)(A) through (C) as
340 determined by the commission by rule.
341 (iii) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act,
342 the commission may by rule define what constitutes an appurtenance or attachment similar to
343 Subsections (6)(b)(ii)(A) through (C).
344 (c) The length of a vessel:
345 (i) (A) for a new vessel, is the length:
346 (I) listed on the manufacturer's statement of origin if the length of the vessel measured
347 under Subsection (6)(b) is equal to the length of the vessel listed on the manufacturer's
348 statement of origin; or
349 (II) listed on a form submitted to the commission by a dealer in accordance with
350 Subsection (6)(d) if the length of the vessel measured under Subsection (6)(b) is not equal to
351 the length of the vessel listed on the manufacturer's statement of origin; or
352 (B) for a vessel other than a new vessel, is the length:
353 (I) corresponding to the model number if the length of the vessel measured under
354 Subsection (6)(b) is equal to the length of the vessel determined by reference to the model
355 number; or
356 (II) listed on a form submitted to the commission by an owner of the vessel in
357 accordance with Subsection (6)(d) if the length of the vessel measured under Subsection (6)(b)
358 is not equal to the length of the vessel determined by reference to the model number; and
359 (ii) (A) is determined at the time of the:
360 (I) first registration as defined in Section 41-1a-102 that occurs on or after January 1,
361 2006; or
362 (II) first renewal of registration that occurs on or after January 1, 2006; and
363 (B) may be determined after the time described in Subsection (6)(c)(ii)(A) only if the
364 commission requests that a dealer or an owner submit a form to the commission in accordance
365 with Subsection (6)(d).
366 (d) (i) A form under Subsection (6)(c) shall:
367 (A) be developed by the commission;
368 (B) be provided by the commission to:

369 (I) a dealer; or
370 (II) an owner of a vessel;
371 (C) provide for the reporting of the length of a vessel;
372 (D) be submitted to the commission at the time the length of the vessel is determined in
373 accordance with Subsection (6)(c)(ii);
374 (E) be signed by:
375 (I) if the form is submitted by a dealer, that dealer; or
376 (II) if the form is submitted by an owner of the vessel, an owner of the vessel; and
377 (F) include a certification that the information set forth in the form is true.
378 (ii) A certification made under Subsection (6)(d)(i)(F) is considered as if made under
379 oath and subject to the same penalties as provided by law for perjury.
380 (iii) (A) A dealer or an owner that submits a form to the commission under Subsection
381 (6)(c) is considered to have given the dealer's or owner's consent to an audit or review by:
382 (I) the commission;
383 (II) the county assessor; or
384 (III) the commission and the county assessor.
385 (B) The consent described in Subsection (6)(d)(iii)(A) is a condition to the acceptance
386 of any form.
387 (7) (a) A county that collected a qualifying payment from a qualifying person during
388 the refund period shall issue a refund to the qualifying person as described in Subsection (7)(b)
389 if:
390 (i) the difference described in Subsection (7)(b) is $1 or more; and
391 (ii) the qualifying person submitted a form in accordance with Subsections (7)(c) and
392 (d).
393 (b) The refund amount shall be calculated as follows:
394 (i) for a qualifying vehicle, the refund amount is equal to the difference between:
395 (A) the qualifying payment the qualifying person paid on the qualifying vehicle during
396 the refund period; and
397 (B) the amount of the statewide uniform fee:
398 (I) for that qualifying vehicle; and
399 (II) that the qualifying person would have been required to pay:

400 (Aa) during the refund period; and
401 (Bb) in accordance with this section had this bill been in effect during the refund
402 period; and
403 (ii) for a qualifying watercraft, the refund amount is equal to the difference between:
404 (A) the qualifying payment the qualifying person paid on the qualifying watercraft
405 during the refund period; and
406 (B) the amount of the statewide uniform fee:
407 (I) for that qualifying watercraft;
408 (II) that the qualifying person would have been required to pay:
409 (Aa) during the refund period; and
410 (Bb) in accordance with this section had this bill been in effect during the refund
411 period.
412 (c) (i) Before the county issues a refund to the qualifying person in accordance with
413 Subsection (7)(a) the qualifying person shall submit a form to the county to verify the
414 qualifying person is entitled to the refund.
415 (d) (i) A form under Subsection (7)(c) or (8) shall:
416 (A) be developed by the commission;
417 (B) be provided by the commission to the counties;
418 (C) be provided by the county to the qualifying person or tangible personal property
419 owner;
420 (D) provide for the reporting of the following:
421 (I) for a qualifying vehicle:
422 (Aa) the type of qualifying vehicle; and
423 (Bb) the amount of cubic centimeters displacement;
424 (II) for a qualifying watercraft:
425 (Aa) the length of the qualifying watercraft;
426 (Bb) the age of the qualifying watercraft; and
427 (Cc) the type of qualifying watercraft;
428 (E) be signed by the qualifying person or tangible personal property owner; and
429 (F) include a certification that the information set forth in the form is true.
430 (ii) A certification made under Subsection (7)(d)(i)(F) is considered as if made under

431 oath and subject to the same penalties as provided by law for perjury.
432 (iii) (A) A qualifying person or tangible personal property owner that submits a form to
433 a county under Subsection (7)(c) or (8) is considered to have given the qualifying person's
434 consent to an audit or review by:
435 (I) the commission;
436 (II) the county assessor; or
437 (III) the commission and the county assessor.
438 (B) The consent described in Subsection (7)(d)(iii)(A) is a condition to the acceptance
439 of any form.
440 (e) The county shall make changes to the commission's records with the information
441 received by the county from the form submitted in accordance with Subsection (7)(c).
442 (8) A county shall change its records regarding an item of qualifying tangible personal
443 property if the tangible personal property owner submits a form to the county in accordance
444 with Subsection (7)(d).
445 (9) (a) For purposes of this Subsection (9) "owner of tangible personal property" means
446 a person that was required to pay a uniform statewide fee:
447 (i) during the refund period;
448 (ii) in accordance with this section; and
449 (iii) on an item of tangible personal property subject to the uniform statewide fees
450 imposed by this section.
451 (b) A county that collected revenues from uniform statewide fees imposed by this
452 section during the refund period shall notify an owner of tangible personal property:
453 (i) of the tangible personal property classification changes made to this section
454 pursuant to this bill;
455 (ii) that the owner of tangible personal property may obtain and file a form to modify
456 the county's records regarding the owner's tangible personal property; and
457 (iii) that the owner may be entitled to a refund pursuant to Subsection (7).
458 Section 2. Effective date.
459 If approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, this bill takes effect
460 upon approval by the governor, or the day following the constitutional time limit of Utah
461 Constitution Article VII, Section 8, without the governor's signature, or in the case of a veto,

462 the date of veto override.
463 Section 3. Revisor instructions.
464 (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that, in preparing the Utah Code database for
465 publication, the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel shall replace the reference
466 in Subsection 59-2-405.2 (1)(r)(ii) from "the day before the effective date of this bill" to the
467 actual date of the day before the effective date of this bill.
468 (2) It is the intent of the Legislature that, in preparing the Utah Code database for
469 publication, the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel shall replace the
470 references in Subsections 59-2-405.2 (7)(b)(i)(B)(II)(Bb), (7)(b)(ii)(B)(II)(Bb), and (9)(b)(i)
471 from "this bill" to the bill's designated section and chapter number in the Laws of Utah.




Legislative Review Note
as of 11-30-06 10:19 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel