Senator Kerry (D-Mass.) to pay yacht tax in effort to cast off controversy

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

After a burst of unflattering media, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts has agreed to pay about $500,000 in taxes for a luxury yacht that he docked outside the state.

Kerry issued a statement Tuesday evening – five days after the story broke – saying he would make a lump payment to the state he represents.

“We’ve reached out to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and made clear that, whether owed or not, we intend to pay the equivalent taxes as if the boat’s home port were currently in Massachusetts. That payment is being made promptly.”

The former Democratic presidential candidate initially avoided about $440,000 in Massachusetts sales taxes and $70,000 in annual excise taxes by stationing his new $7 million luxury yacht in neighboring Rhode Island. That state repealed taxes on the sale and use of yachts in 1993, making it a tax haven for boaters.

After the Boston Herald broke the story last Friday, Kerry was literally chased by local reporters and ridiculed by political columnists. The story was starting to make it into the national media when Kerry suddenly announced he would voluntarily pay the tax.

The New Zealand-built yacht has been seen repeatedly in Massachusetts waters, potentially giving the state a claim to levy a tax. Kerry’s spokesman said the yacht was docked in Rhode Island mainly for maintenance and chartering purposes.

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/election/2010/07/28/kerry-to-pay-yacht-tax-in-effort-to-cast-off-controversy/

[Texanadian 10]

I don't know what business you are in because you have stayed mum on it but most corporations use credit to conduct business or expand. Why is this any different for the government? The most efficient government would be one run like a corporation. One with a goal of minimizing costs while improving service, increasing revenue and re-investing it back into the business to grow. This is what conservatives have implemented in AUS and the result of it speaks for itself. Not to mention, we literally put the country first.

The majority of economists concur that investing in America during the depression help get it out of the depression. In fact, the double dip occured because investments were cut back, due to similar cries about the government. When did the economy bounce back again? When the government borrowed and spent at unprecedented levels to fight WWII. Further propelled by the GI bill following WWII.

The problem is not spending, rather, where and what the money is spent or invested. No one is saying just give people money but investing in things like infrastructure or fixing Americans disgraceful infrastructure improves efficiency, modernizes the country and ultimately creates jobs and growth.

It's a great lesson in inter-state competition isn't it? I wonder how many boats have moved from (or never gotten to) Massachusetts in order to stay in Rhode Island?

At least Kerry is owning up to it and agreeing to pay the tax.

[Pooky 3,816]

It's a great lesson in inter-state competition isn't it? I wonder how many boats have moved from (or never gotten to) Massachusetts in order to stay in Rhode Island?

At least Kerry is owning up to it and agreeing to pay the tax.

Owning up to it? He got caught and the bad publicity was going to make him a liability to the Democrat Party.

It's not as if he can't afford it.

Typical weaselly politician

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Democrats: Not paying the taxes they want everyone else to pay.

[Texanadian 10]

It's another lesson to be learned that simply taxing the rich will make them GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! Take any rich person who isn't in the media eye and they'd most certainly keep their boat in a tax free neighboring state that's close by. Thus Massacusetts loses out completely in the deal. I use the same example with Bill Gates and Washington state. WA has no state income tax. Bill Gates lives there and pays no state income tax. But WA benefits from the huge sales taxes that Gates pays.

I shouldn't be surprised by MA for their tax policies. They are the state that went against NH for the tire tax ordeal. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/02/03/state_chases_sales_taxes_in_nh/

[Jenn! 918]

If all states had the same tax laws, this wouldn't be a problem. We are one country after all.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Owning up to it? He got caught and the bad publicity was going to make him a liability to the Democrat Party.

It's not as if he can't afford it.

Typical weaselly politician

Exactly.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Democrats: Not paying the taxes they want everyone else to pay.

The ruling class!

[HAL 9000 96]

Thanks Senator Kerry!

I'm going to have to look for another tax shelter for my 52 footer.

[Ban Hammer 13,427]

Thanks Senator Kerry!

I'm going to have to look for another tax shelter for my 52 footer.

ok eric.

[HAL 9000 96]

If it were that, we'd be talking more.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Democrats: Not paying the taxes they want everyone else to pay.

Thanks Captain Disingenuous. Where's the outrage when Haliburton moved it's global headquarters to Dubai because of tax implications? What about all those corporations that incorporate in Delaware to enjoy softer taxes and stronger takeover laws?

How many of you wouldn't have done the same thing? If Orange County had lower car registration fees than Los Angeles County, I'd register my car there. Los Angeles county has higher sales taxes than most, so where is all the outrage at all the people who go to neighboring counties to save a full percent on sales tax?

Save the crocodile tears.

[_Simpson_ 250]

John Kerry didnt break no laws. I wouldn't have a issue with this if it wasn't for Kerry's tax the rich mentality. It sort of makes him a hypocrite.

[_Simpson_ 250]

How many of you wouldn't have done the same thing? If Orange County had lower car registration fees than Los Angeles County, I'd register my car there. Los Angeles county has higher sales taxes than most, so where is all the outrage at all the people who go to neighboring counties to save a full percent on sales tax?

This isnt about us this is about John Kerry. Considering his tax the rich mentality, I think it makes him the hypocrite we on the right always knew he was.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Thanks Captain Disingenuous. Where's the outrage when Haliburton moved it's global headquarters to Dubai because of tax implications? What about all those corporations that incorporate in Delaware to enjoy softer taxes and stronger takeover laws?

How many of you wouldn't have done the same thing? If Orange County had lower car registration fees than Los Angeles County, I'd register my car there. Los Angeles county has higher sales taxes than most, so where is all the outrage at all the people who go to neighboring counties to save a full percent on sales tax?

Save the crocodile tears.

Haliburton can vote and write tax legislation? NO! But they can run from it!