Tractor Ownership Documentation

[Kernopelli]

In Illinois there is really no title system for tractors that I know of. I could have borrowed money to buy my tractor and the dealer would have no way of knowing, as long as my checked cleared. In other words, I'd say in Illlinois, there really is no way of knowing if there is a lein on the tractor or that it is stolen, other than asking the current owner.

I have purchased 7 tractors in Illinois and Indiana from individuals, tractor dealers and a few weeks ago a car lot and have never received anything that amounts to more than a bill of sale. Strange that such expensive machines don't have titles or even at the very least a certificate of origin from the manufacturer to be passed with ownership. As Messick mentioned about bank liens, I would think this would be a real concern, especially for dealerships with much more exposure than a private buyer/seller.

As Dodge Man knows, Illinois has their hands in everything that could possibly generate revenue ( probably like most states), in retrospect it's hard to believe we don't have some type of registration process.

As Cowboy 357 mentioned, the innocent purchase of stolen property usually leaves the buyer high and dry. I bought a very collectible 16ga shotgun years ago and a few months later was contacted by the sheriff's office. Upon retrieving the gun, they explained that my only recourse was a civil suit against the seller who was broke and sitting in jail. In my situation, at best I would be left with my time and effort invested in recieving a judgement against someone with no means of ever paying it and nothing of value to attach, at worst with legal fees invested too.

 

[Luremaker]

... Up here, we get a title and registration document, just like automobiles and trucks. The original owner gets it from the dealer, then on selling it as a used unit privately, the owner signs over the registration and title document to the new owner, who then takes it to the Province to get it transferred into their name. Makes it easy to document.

Not in Ontario! When I purchased my tractor all I received from the dealer was a Bill of Sale and a hand shake. That's it no registration like there are on vehicles and trailers. In NS do you have to pay HST on used tractors? If so that may be the reason for registration.

 

[NSBound]

In NS do you have to pay HST on used tractors?

Now, I don't know that for sure, Luremaker, but I would guess so, same as we do on used cars and trucks! I'll let you know in 30 years when I sell this tractor!

 

[blueriver]

Check the UCC filings ....

 

[tugboat-2]

G'day boys and girls! Yes I too, am in Ontario. Have always paid taxes when purchasing new or used tractors and implements from "dealers". In private cash deals, no one knows,..no one cares! NO one has ever asked me for "any" sort of documentation on a trade-in,.... no one cared if it was hot?

I just paid $1600. in taxes on my last tractor, (brand new from Dealer),..but have never had any type of Government Registration. I don't believe we have that in Ontario,....yet? But tractors were for years, "instruments-of-husbandry", .....basically a farm implement, exempt from the usual Traffic Act Laws and such that a young child, if qualified by his father could drive it on a highway from one farm field to another with a string of trailers, hay wagons and such.

The tractor took the place of a team of horses and prior to that, an ox team etc and not many rules applied and no registration necessary.

HOWEVER,....my guess would be that with the recent popularity of tractors and implements of "various" sizes and categories,....AND Values,... AND with such as INSURANCE companies becoming involved,...ALONG with the recent UPsurge in tractor THEFT,..(because of their high value), . . . I suspect that it won't be long before we get some type of "registration" and other sorts of Government interfearance,..good, bad or otherwise, . ......no?

My 2 cents,....CHEERS !!
. . tug

 

[newbury]

<snip> I suspect that it won't be long before we get some type of "registration" and other sorts of Government interfearance,..good, bad or otherwise, . ......no?

My 2 cents,....CHEERS !!
. . tug

But also there is the FEL that most tractors have.
Full Employment for Lawyers.

 

[Ridgewalker]

In Missouri all farm equipment is tax exempt. We only get Bill of Sales for docs too, that and the owners manual.

 

[tugboat-2]

.....I should clarify that "tax" thing. Just a few years ago here in Ontario, when purchasing tractors, implements, building supplies and just about anything that might reasonably be used on your farm,...in or around the barn, drive-shed, the chicken coup and yes even renevating the house etc,.....all you had to do was mention to the sales clerk that it was for the "farm",...and you got it tax free.

Then a few years later, (not long ago),.. they made a few changes and you actually had to sign the bill of sale,...saying the items were, in fact,.. for farm use only. (and don't lie cuz somebody comin' to check up on this!)

I guess that was still toooo easy, so then they came out with special documents to be filled out showing proof that you farmed so many acres and made over a certain amount on that farm to qualify for certain tax exemptions.

If, you no longer farm for a living, or just reside on some acreage that you have an agreement with a full time farmer to work your land for a fee, or percentage etc,...then you must fill out these various documents and get your Tennant-Farmer to fill out forms and include his specially asigned farming numbers etc, and so on, and everybody has to do some Holy Bible Swearing regarding telling the truth and acknowledge the penalty for lieing to the government etc which makes it difficult to avoid paying taxes.

I had to pay full taxes for my tractor and implements because I don't make enough money from the farm to be exempt. I can't even buy a few spikes to fix the hog pens without paying the same tax a City dude pays for spikes.

Life ain't always easy in the country, but its more fun and joyous than the city or anywhere else!

CHEERS,
. . tug

 

[thatguy]

Check the UCC filings ....

here in VA we also do not issue titles for non-highway equipment.. BUT the financing company will file UCC papers with the State Corporation Commission to put a lien on the equipment..

A quick google search shows that VA and quite a few other states allow you to search for UCC filings.. Not sure what information you need in order to search - BUT if you searched would probably print out the results just as proof if questioned later

Brian

 

[tmc2318]

"instruments-of-husbandry" - yes they are