(1) An annual excise tax is hereby imposed for the privilege of using any aircraft in the state. A current certificate of air worthiness with a current inspection date from the appropriate federal agency and/or the purchase of aviation fuel shall constitute the necessary evidence of aircraft use or intended use. The tax shall be collected annually or under a staggered collection schedule as required by the secretary by rule. No additional tax shall be imposed under this chapter upon any aircraft upon the transfer of ownership thereof, if the tax imposed by this chapter with respect to such aircraft has already been paid for the year in which transfer of ownership occurs. A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable as provided under chapter
9A.20 RCW.
(2) Persons who are required to register aircraft under chapter
47.68 RCW and who register aircraft in another state or foreign country and avoid the Washington aircraft excise tax are liable for such unpaid excise tax. A violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor.
The department of revenue may assess and collect the unpaid excise tax under chapter
82.32 RCW, including the penalties and interest provided in chapter
82.32 RCW.
(3) Except as provided under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, a violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in chapter
9A.20 RCW.