Maine eliminates sales and use tax on aircraft

Effective July 1, Maine, traditionally among the more agressive states when it came to pursuing even temporary visitors for use tax, no longer charges sales or use tax on aircraft, their parts or services. The change resulted in several aviation businesses quickly announcing plans to expand their facilities. Notwithstanding the loss of tax revenues the change will have a net positive effect on the Maine economy: its location on the eastern seaboard made it easy for aircraft owners to do their buying in surrounding states, most of which do not charge sales or use tax on aircraft.