How can I get my sales tax refunded?

[simms]

Went down to the US for a few days and bought about $300 worth of stuff in NY where there is 4.75% tax. I know that for US visitors to Canada, you can get your 15% tax refunded back to you.

Is there a way that I can get my sales tax back?

 

[DainBramaged]

A lot of times it is only if you spend X amount. I remember when I came back from London, I looked into getting the VAT back and I had to have spent a lot more than I did. Don't know for Canada.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: simms
Went down to the US for a few days and bought about $300 worth of stuff in NY where there is 4.75% tax. I know that for US visitors to Canada, you can get your 15% tax refunded back to you.

Is there a way that I can get my sales tax back?

Short answer is no.

Once it's paid, it's a done deal. There are ways of avoiding the tax altogether, although typically this involves a willing and knowledgeable merchant where the goods are sold as "for export" or along those lines.

 

[saahmed]

I am pretty sure you can. You do it when you cross the border. I know you get a form there and you might have to show them your receipts but I dont know if you just do it there or if you have to send it in. Also you have to have spent a certain amount of money. If you are already back home, check with customs, but I think you may have had to do it at the border.

Anyway why are you fretting over 5%, when you are used to paying freaking 15%.

 

[TechnoPro]

Like I said, the answer is no.

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors.

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: TechnoPro
Like I said, the answer is no.

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors.

That's true that the US Govt won't do it, but I've read that it's a state matter.

Thanks anyways. 🙂

 

[wedi42]

thanks for your $13, we are now on are way to paying of the huge national debt

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: johngute
thanks for your $13, we are now on are way to paying of the huge national debt

I didn't go alone, and if I can find this out I'd tell my friends and we'd collect around $70 on it. What's small potatoes to some can really add up.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: simms

Originally posted by: johngute
thanks for your $13, we are now on are way to paying of the huge national debt

I didn't go alone, and if I can find this out I'd tell my friends and we'd collect around $70 on it. What's small potatoes to some can really add up.

Stop being cheap. $13 dollars ist an hours work or less to most of us here. No sense spending 5 hours to figure out a way to get $13 back, when the same items would have cost more in Canada to begin with.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: TechnoPro
Like I said, the answer is no.

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors.

The fvcking federal government doesn't have a sales tax, so why WOULD they refund it? It is a state matter...

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: TechnoPro
Like I said, the answer is no.

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors.

The fvcking federal government doesn't have a sales tax, so why WOULD they refund it? It is a state matter...

In order to obtain a refund of VAT or other sales tax in countries that have such programs, upon departing that country, you have your refund form stamped or otherwise marked by a customs agent to indicate that you are indeed leaving the country. This is the proof that the goods are not for domestic consumption, hence not subject to the tax. That's why I linked to the US Customs policy. Simple. Also, my link was for the benefit of the poster above mine who made refference to contacting customs regarding the refund.

As far as a state level, quick research shows that Georgia says no, while Louisiana says yes.

Realistically, on a state level, the refund must be handled in-person (as opposed to by mail) during the duration of one's stay. Else there is no clear mechanism to ensure that the goods are NOT being bought for domestic consumption.

As I mentioned, if its worth the savings, the merchant can sell it to you as an export, where you are also the trasnporter. It's gray, perhaps, but quite common and easy to do when the seller is willing.

 

[DrPizza]

Sorry that I can't directly help you, OP...
I've done it going the other way - from Ontario to New York. We stopped at a duty free shop, gave them our receipts, and were refunded the tax we paid in Canada. This included the tax on our hotel room. We ended up getting nearly $100 back, which we happily spent in the duty free shop 🙂

I'd think that the place for you to check would be the duty free shop at the border...