The City of Portsmouth levies a personal property tax on all pleasure boats including sail boats, motor boats, and other non-commercial watercraft. The tax rate is based on the ABOS Marine Blue Book low estimated trade-in value at the rate of $0.50 per $100.

Commercial Boats

The tax rate for business boats will remain $5 per $100 of assessed value.

Boat Registration Information

Our office receives lists from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the United States Coast Guard on an annual basis. Please make sure any changes in your registration status are reported to the proper authorities.

Active Duty Military

Military non-resident boat owners are not subject to taxation. Examination is verified by submission of a Current Leaving and Earnings Statement (LES). Members of the military whose state of residency of Virginia are taxable.