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News – Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Illinois Now Offers Electronic Tax Filing and Payment for Your Boat Purchase
What do I file if I recently purchased a boat?
Before you register and title a boat with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, you must file and pay any taxes owed.
If you acquire a boat from a person or business that is not in the business of selling watercraft at retail, you must file Form RUT-75, Aircraft/Watercraft Use Tax Transaction Return and pay 6.25% watercraft use tax on the watercraft's purchase price.
How do I file & pay these taxes electronically?
Use MyTax Illinois to file and pay electronically.
The following is required:
- First and last name, social security number (SSN), and the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the prior year IL-1040, Individual Income Tax Return*.
- Copies of the purchase agreement or invoice, bill of sale (watercraft), proof of tax paid, and other documentation, if applicable.
- Electronic payment (in full) from a checking or savings account. This requires entry of the bank account type, account number, and routing number.
After filing Form RUT-75 electronically, allow one business day for processing before applying for your watercraft registration at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
*A business must enter the business name and federal identification number (FEIN).