Idaho State Tax Commission

Boats, Trailers, and Other Watercraft

Sales and services provided on navigable waters

Federal law prohibits taxing fees charged for traveling on navigable waters. This includes activities such as:

  • Lake cruises
  • Jet boating trips
  • Rafting
  • Fishing excursions
  • Parasailing
Tangible personal property

The sale of tangible personal property separately stated from cruise or trip fees is taxable. Examples include:

  • The portion of a fee for food or beverage sales while on a dinner cruise
  • Sales of tangible personal property that occur while on navigable water (e.g., clothing, souvenirs, food, rental of fishing equipment)

Renting out tangible personal property without supplying an operator is a bare rental, not a travel activity. Collect sales tax on the bare rentals of all watercraft. See Renting and Leasing.

Examples:

  • Boats
  • Canoes
  • Kayaks
  • Paddleboards
  • Personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Ski®)
  • Safety equipment
  • Diving equipment

Page last updated July 22, 2019. Last full review of page: July 22, 2019.

This information is for general guidance only. Tax laws are complex and change regularly. We can't cover every circumstance in our guides. This guidance may not apply to your situation. Please contact us with any questions. We work to provide current and accurate information. But some information could have technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. If there's a conflict between current tax law and this information, current tax law will govern.