MARINE SERVICES FEE INVOICE

  • Thread starter Thread starter Betty Boop
  • Start date Start date
quote:Originally posted by beemer

Guess who won't be paying this fee?? Commercial Fishing boats!!!!
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I bleieve, that is correct!
quote: The Marine Navigation Services Fee (MNSF) was officially introduced by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on June 1, 1996 as a user fee for navigational services provided by the Canadian Coast Guard. Subsequently revised on July 1, 1997, and again on October 1, 1998, the MNSF is assessed on all vessels operating in Canadian waters with the exception of fishing vessels, "government ships" and pleasure craft as defined by the MNSF Fee schedule. It was also decided that, effective October 1, 1998, the existing fee structure would be frozen (i.e. unchanged) for three years. Responses to questions below are based on provisions contained in the "Fee Schedule – Fees to Be Paid For Marine Navigation Services Provided By the Canadian Coast Guard" effective October 1, 1998.

Everyone needs to write their MP on this one right away!!See the previous page for email addresses.
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I believe that would be correct, also.

quote: Thanks for the backgrounder Charlie,but in Canada we actually believe(foolishly or not) that "we the people" control the government not visa versa.

beemer
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Beemer, where does it say, “we the people” in your constitution?
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/const/index.html
 
quote:Originally posted by beemer

Guess who won't be paying this fee?? Commercial Fishing boats!!!!
Click to expand...
I bleieve, that is correct!
quote: The Marine Navigation Services Fee (MNSF) was officially introduced by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on June 1, 1996 as a user fee for navigational services provided by the Canadian Coast Guard. Subsequently revised on July 1, 1997, and again on October 1, 1998, the MNSF is assessed on all vessels operating in Canadian waters with the exception of fishing vessels, "government ships" and pleasure craft as defined by the MNSF Fee schedule. It was also decided that, effective October 1, 1998, the existing fee structure would be frozen (i.e. unchanged) for three years. Responses to questions below are based on provisions contained in the "Fee Schedule – Fees to Be Paid For Marine Navigation Services Provided By the Canadian Coast Guard" effective October 1, 1998.

Everyone needs to write their MP on this one right away!!See the previous page for email addresses.
Click to expand...
I believe that would be correct, also.

quote: Thanks for the backgrounder Charlie,but in Canada we actually believe(foolishly or not) that "we the people" control the government not visa versa.

beemer
Click to expand...
Beemer, where does it say, “we the people” in your constitution?
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/const/index.html
 
quote:Originally posted by r.s craven

May be a stupid question, but what happens if you just don't pay ?
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They enforce it with the same vigor as they did with all the illegal guiding going on.:D

Friggin joke...I'm not paying until they fairly charge all boaters</u>. Dump the fee and tack it on the gas! At least everyone shares in the pain based on how much they use the water based on fuel consumption. What the hell is wrong with that?

Searun

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quote:Originally posted by r.s craven

May be a stupid question, but what happens if you just don't pay ?
Click to expand...

They enforce it with the same vigor as they did with all the illegal guiding going on.:D

Friggin joke...I'm not paying until they fairly charge all boaters</u>. Dump the fee and tack it on the gas! At least everyone shares in the pain based on how much they use the water based on fuel consumption. What the hell is wrong with that?

Searun

th_067.jpg
 
Charlie every tax payer pays for this service including Charter Operators. I pay taxes for schools and dont have any kids there, Do I ask the users to pay more, no. Charlie you explain to me why Charter Operators should have to pay for this service and not everyone else that launches there boat in the water that might require this service some day. Its another money grab..

kittyjuly1409055-1.jpg
 
On My envelope the invoice came in there was no return address.

This stinks in a big way.

It almost looks like negative billing.

Until I get some thing official from the CG. This out fit is not getting a red cent. Where is this going to end. How are you to make a profit, they keep adding on adding on adding on.

This looks like a deal made with a company and the CG has given out our C# and addresses.

Not happening here!

HT
 
I never received an invoice and my question is, who do you make the payment out too?

If the payment is to be made to the Receiver General of Canada the invoice is probably a Federal Gov invoice.

All cheques supplied to any Gov agency (except for a single operating agent like the passport office) must be directed to the Receiver General of Canada.
Government agencies cannot direct funds into their own revenue while still seeking funding from the Treasury Board of Canada, both Transport Canada and DFO are funded by the TB.

Let's Go Fishing!
Doug
D&D Fishing Charters
 
quote:Originally posted by Duffer

Charlie every tax payer pays for this service including Charter Operators. I pay taxes for schools and dont have any kids there, Do I ask the users to pay more, no. Charlie you explain to me why Charter Operators should have to pay for this service and not everyone else that launches there boat in the water that might require this service some day. Its another money grab..
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Duffer, I think you guys are missing what I am trying to say?

I agree with everyone it is BS, but right at this moment, right or wrong (“money grab or not” which IMO, it is)… Charter Operators have to pay and not everyone else, because it is YOUR law!

All I am saying, is just don’t ignore that bill – they will collect it, plus their interest, plus their penalties. It will just end up costing you more money. And if you object, by all means as Beemer states contact anyone and everyone about it. If enough complain it just might get changed, but I doubt it? There are a lot of BS fees, regulations, and taxes!

I certainly can explain one of “their” chain-of-thoughts –and it is NOT mine. A charter service is a business. They chose to be in business, and as such they will pay fees (like all other businesses). They can also write those fees off the gross income, which does lower taxable income, so in that since – they pay less tax due to all their different fees. Personal boat owners can’t do that. My boat qualifies as a second home; therefore, I have two things I can deduct from my federal tax. The interest paid on the loan and the excise tax paid. That is it; I cannot deduct any other fees required such as my required ‘Ship Station’ licenses I have paid over the years. Check out those license fees - to the tune of $160.00 per boat, and where the money goes. Well, it is also the law and international regulations require that the FCC properly license all U.S. ships/boats carrying VHF or SSB radios operating outside of U.S. waters. That money is only collected by FCC. It goes straight into the U.S. Treasury, with all my other taxes and fees. The only thing I do, giving me that pleasure of paying that particular fee… is take my boat and cross a frigg’n line (border) to do some fishing! No one else in the entire United States or Canada is required to pay that, unless they take their boat across international boundaries – it’s the LAW? Now that is BULL ****!

BTW… I have never checked, but Canada probably has the same as it is an international requirement. How many people are in violation of that one?
 
Why don't they just create a guiding license charge for that and give money to CCG from that. At least we get something of value in return instead of just another BS tax.
 
quote:Originally posted by Charlie

I am not so sure; I would be ignoring that invoice? Might want to read the answer to question number 15 before making that decision?

Q. 1. Why am I being asked to pay the Marine Navigation Services Fee?
The MNSF is based on the premise that those who benefit directly from publicly funded services should contribute to the cost of those services. The MNSF recovers a portion of the total costs incurred by the CCG in providing marine navigation services to commercial ships.

Q. 2. What aids to navigation and VTS services am I being asked to pay for?
Aids to navigation for which you are being asked to pay a portion of the cost include visual aids such as lightstations, buoys, channel markers and day beacons; radar aids including reflectors, beacons and RACONs; aural aids including fog horns, bell and whistle buoys and Loran-C. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) include the monitoring of vessel movements via VHF radio communications and shore-based radar surveillance equipment, the issuing of the Notice to Mariners and Notices to Shipping, the establishment of compulsory traffic routes and the provision of weather forecasts.

Q. 9. What if I don’t need or use the Coast Guard’s navaids? Do I still pay the MNSF?
Yes, if there are commercial aids in the geographic area in which your vessel(s) operate(s), you will have to pay.

Q. 13. Will the Coast Guard send me an invoice for the MNSF fee for my domestic vessel(s)?
Yes, for domestic vessels operating in Eastern Canada, DFO’s Marine Services Fees Billing, Collection and Compliance (MSFBCC) office will mail out the package including a covering letter, an invoice, a worksheet and an adjustment form.

In the Western Region, CCG contracts with Thunder Bay Airport Services Inc. to invoice owners/operators of domestic vessels on CCG’s behalf.

Q. 14. How often will I receive an invoice for the Marine Navigation Services Fee?
In Eastern Canada, the owner, operator, or charterer of a domestic vessel will be invoiced at the end of each billing quarter, based on the government fiscal year, namely:
• Quarter 1: April, May and June
• Quarter 2: July, August and September
• Quarter 3: October, November and December
• Quarter 4: January, February and March

In the Western Region, domestic vessels are billed on an annual basis once at the beginning of the fiscal year (i.e., in April).

Q. 15. How long do I have to pay the invoice?
MNSF invoices in Eastern Canada and the Western Region are to be paid within 30 days of the invoice date. Interest will be charged on overdue accounts commencing on the 31st day after the invoice date compounded monthly, at the average Bank of Canada rate for the preceding month plus 3%.

Q. 16. What MNSF fee will I have to pay?
For most domestic vessels in Eastern Canada, the current rate is $1.14 per Gross Tonnage (GT) of the vessel to a maximum of 50,000 GT, plus applicable GST/HST/PST unless the vessel is a ferry, bulker, self-unloader or containership.

In the Western Region, all domestic vessels pay the following:
• =&gt;1,000 GT Annual fee of $5,900 + $0.45 per GT
• 15 GT to 1,000 GT Annual fee of $300 + $9.50 per GT
• Tugs of 5 GT but &lt; 1,000 GT Annual fee of $300 + $9.50 per GT
• &lt;5 GT other than above Annual fee of $200 per vessel
• Fleet Rental Boat Annual fee of $25

Q. 23. In Eastern Canada, what happens if I don’t operate my vessel in one or more billing quarters? or for the entire year in the Western Region?

You may be eligible for a credit if your vessel was inactive for an entire billing quarter. Included with your Invoice and Worksheet is a "Marine Navigational Services Fee Domestic Fleet Adjustment Form". This form is to be completed every quarter if there has been a change in your vessels’ billing status. You qualify for an MNSF credit for that quarter, provided the form is received within 10 days of the end of the quarter for which you are claiming the credit. If the required information is received before the MNSF invoice has been issued, the MSFBCC office will cancel the invoice for that billing quarter. After the invoice has been issued, the owner/operator will receive a credit note shortly after receipt of the notification of inactivity by the MSFBCC office.

For a domestic vessel to be exempted from payment of the fee in the Western Region, the vessel must be inactive for the entire billing year.

Q. 30. I have registered my yacht in the Canadian Ship Registry and use it exclusively for recreational (non-remunerative) purposes. Am I subject to payment of the MNSF?
A registered yacht that is used exclusively by the owner/operator/charterer for non-remunerative purposes is not subject to payment of the MNSF.

Q. 33. Why am I being invoiced the MNSF while other vessels performing the same service are not?
The CCG is committed to applying the MNSF fairly and equitably to all vessels required to pay. However, in a marine environment with so many vessels engaged in such a wide variety of commercial marine activities, the CCG may not be fully aware of all of the vessels that should be paying the fee. The CCG is continually improving its ability to identify those vessels that should be paying the fee with the help of clients.

Q. 35. What if I want more information on the MNSF or have a problem with my Statement of Account? Invoice? Worksheet?
In Eastern Canada, if you wish more information on the MNSF or if your worksheet is incomplete or incorrect, please contact the MSFBCC office at our toll-free number 1-800-563-6295. If you need help in deciphering your invoice or Statement of Account, please contact DFO Revenue Accounting at (800) 563-6295.

In the Western Region, queries on invoices or Statements of Account should be directed to Thunder Bay Airport Services Inc. at (807) 473-2611.
This pamphlet is the first in a series prepared by the CCG.
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/Ice_Fees_To_Canadian_Vessels
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I am not a guide but I don’t believe anyone should have to pay this obviously tax grab based on the ridicules user fee premise and assuming Beemer is correct, the commercial fish boats being exempt. I just noticed something about the way they bill the East Coast compared to the West Coast. If this is a federal tax (pardon me “User Fee”) why is the rate different on the East Coast (I think lower for guide boats if I am calculating it correctly)? Why is it that if they were to only use a boat on the East Coast for July, Aug. and Sept; they could get 3 quarters of it back for the months they are inactive because they are billed on a quarterly basis, whereas on the West Coast you have to pay it for a whole year even if you only guide for one quarter with no refund available for the other three quarters of the year you are inactive. Also what does “not operate your vessel” mean; that it must not be in the water and used for any purpose to be exempt or if you decide not to guide for a year but still keep your boat certified , do you still have to pay it if you just do a little sport fishing yourself. Unless I am misunderstanding this, it would appear to not only be an unjustified tax grab but to be poorly drafted and unequal and unfair in its application. Finally, how much does this Thunder Bay Incorporated Company get for administrating this contact and why only for the West Coast? Why are we not dealing with DFO directly like the East Coast? How does one go about getting one of these lucrative federal contracts? I am sure there are a lot of people out here who would be willing to send you all bills for a slightly smaller cut and send the remaining funds to the Feds. What is the reason it appears to be a better deal on the East Coast?
 
I want to know as to why this so called company was given my personal information to them ??? I am thinking there must be a confidentiallity breach that went on?? as I never gave them permission for this and why/how all of a sudden do I have to pay it seems like a sort of scam too if you ask me.
Lets make up a letter head say different things and use lots of legal documents and send them to people and see how many send money???
Im not paying it, *** em im tired of all this crap....

Make us up a waiver form to say nope dont want CCG help until I say I do!!!! then charge me the 5 grand or so, whens the last time you seen a charter guy radio for help???? we have all our boats inspected and documented matenance etc etc etc. I know alot of charters guys will never nned there help but they want us to pay for what ???we are not the ones asking for help all the time. i can tell you too they want me to do there job for them till they get there ..... ok fine ill get my lawyer draw up a fee too that they will have to pay me!!!!!and ill make it for any amount I want just like they are to us......

man this pi$$es me off

Wolf
 
Don't pay it.

Let who ever this is track you down and seek a payment of $???. It will cost them more to collect $???, than it's worth. Only the government would do some think that stupid.

If questioned, I never received the notice, was it registered mail? I don't recalling acceptance of the letter in question, do you have my signature. This is not the same as tax law this is BS.

When the Government of Canada issues an invoice for payment the payment is made out to the Receiver General of Canada and a tax receipt is issued.

I think everyone should sit back and if this is tax law, they will seek you out and you will tell them I didn't receive the notice........... and sure I'll pay the $???


Let's Go Fishing!
Doug
D&D Fishing Charters
 
Wolf anybody could need help...but that is not the point. We are more likely to be in a position to give assistance that is an accurate fact. Just the fact that we all have to take a first aid course alone would suggest we are more likely to be called into a medical emergency to help out. We both know a friend and fellow guide who did just that this summer.
I'm also tired of commercial fishermen getting subsidized by the rest of us. If we in the end have to pay, so should they. If they can't afford it, then retire the license and move on.
 
Personally, after reading a little closer and realizing TC and DFO definition of a "fishing vessel" is different, believe I would be contacting:
Kimberly Otway
kotway@tbairport.on.ca
(807) 473-2811
FAX (807) 475-9827
Thunder Bay Airport Services
340-100 Princess Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S2
http://www.tbairport.on.ca/

Congratulating them on their “NEW” contract with DFO and explain you understand "they" need to get some things worked out... but, it is very clear by definition given by Fisheries and Oceans Canada – you are a fishing vessel and specifically excluded from the Marine Navigation Services Fee. Since they must have recieved your information in error, you want her mark their records accordingly and remove any of your information from their records, including any future billing lists!

FEES TO BE PAID FOR MARINE NAVIGATION SERVICES
PROVIDED BY THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD
INTERPRETATION

1. The definitions in this section apply in this fee schedule with respect to the calculation, collection and payment of marine navigation service fees.
"fishing vessel" means a vessel, boat or craft that is employed in catching fish, processing fish or transporting fish back to shore. (bateau de pêche)
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/e0005596

Marine Services Fees
Commercial ships operating in Canadian waters (excluding fishing vessels, government ships and pleasure craft) must pay fees to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) for certain marine navigation and icebreaking services it provides.
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/Marine_Services_Fees

Added: This is the ruling after Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia (COS), filed a complaint against DFO
quote: CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRIBUNAL
DETERMINATION
Financial and related services
Notice is hereby given that, after completing its inquiry, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (the Tribunal) made a determination (File No. PR-2009-069) on March 24, 2010, with respect to a complaint filed by the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia (COS), of Vancouver, British Columbia, pursuant to subsection 30.11(1) of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Act, R.S.C. 1985 (4th Supp.), c. 47, concerning a procurement (Solicitation No. FP802-090083) by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The solicitation was for the management of the billing and collection of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Navigation Services Fee.
COS alleged that DFO improperly evaluated its proposal.
Having examined the evidence presented by the parties and considered the provisions of the Agreement on Internal Trade, the Tribunal determined that the complaint was not valid.
Further information may be obtained from the Secretary, Canadian International Trade Tribunal, Standard Life Centre, 15th Floor, 333 Laurier Avenue W, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G7, 613-993-3595 (telephone), 613-990-2439 (fax), secretary@citt-tcce.gc.ca (email).
Ottawa, March 24, 2010
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http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-04-03/html/commis-eng.html


Added: This is a ‘REVENUE GENERATION PROJECT NUMBER 2003-65153 CONSULTING REPORT DECEMBER 3, 2004.’ How DFO is going to collect your and my money!

quote: The ISF was implemented in 1998 as part of Program Review where DFO agreed to recover $41.5M in revenue from marine services to avoid cuts to programs. In 1996 DFO implemented the first of the two Marine Services Fees - the Marine Navigation Services Fee (MNSF) - with a target of $27.7M. Accordingly, the $13.8M target for the ISF was set to increase revenues to meet the $41.5M target. It should be noted that $1.5M of the target is comprised of the administration costs to bill and collect fees.
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http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ae-ve/reviews-examens/04-05/revenue_e.pdf
 
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