< Back to front page Text size – +

Kerry says he will pay any necessary Mass. taxes on yacht

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 26, 2010 10:52 PM

By John M. Guilfoil, Globe Staff

US Senator John F. Kerry will pay taxes on his $7 million yacht if Massachusetts determines he owes any, his spokeswoman declared today.

‘‘Whatever the Department of Revenue determines that he owes in Massachusetts taxes, he will pay,’’ Brigid O’Rourke told the Globe tonight. ‘‘He will absolutely pay any and all taxes that he is found to owe.’’

The Boston Herald reported Friday that the Democratic senator was docking the vessel Isabel, his family’s new luxury yacht, in Rhode Island, allowing him to avoid for now the prospect of nearly $500,000 in Massachusetts sales taxes and $70,000 in annual excise taxes.

O’Rourke confirmed that the boat was in Rhode Island, but said that Kerry had no intention of avoiding taxes. It is not evident that any taxes are currently due, and any taxes will depend on what he ultimately does with the boat.

O’Rourke said the Isabel is in Rhode Island undergoing maintenance, but she added that Kerry has not yet determined where he will permanently dock the vessel.

According to the state Department of Revenue, Massachusetts law states that if a resident purchases property, such as a boat, out of state and keeps it out of state, no taxes will be assessed. But if the property is purchased out of state and is brought into Massachusetts within six months, the Commonwealth will assume it was purchased for use in-state, and taxes will be assessed.

If the Isabel is brought to Massachusetts after six months, the Department of Revenue would review the matter and determine if taxes should apply.

Addressing reporters’ questions on the matter at a groundbreaking ceremony today at the Southfield redevelopment project at the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station, Kerry said: ‘‘I have said consistently we will pay our taxes. We always pay our taxes. It’s not an issue, period.’’

Bob Bliss, the spokesman for the Revenue Department, declined to comment tonight on Kerry’s taxes.

But O’Rourke insisted tonight that Kerry would not intentionally try to avoid paying taxes in Massachusetts and that he would pay any amount assessed by the state.

Rhode Island did away with sales and excise taxes in 1993, making it a tax haven for boaters.

John M. Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com.