I have read people getting their Mac tax free from “out of state”. Where does one go to do this and how do you know that you will not be taxed and that the machine is coming from out of state. If you order from Apple or Best Buy doesn’t either site just see what state you are buying from and charge the states tax. There are both stores in every state and I would think they send them through the mail from the closest location ( within your state ) prompting state tax. Please educate me In this. I remember a time when this was possible with Amazon before they were in every state but that’s not the case anymore.
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Buying from tax free state?
- Thread starter CompuDuh
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I think you need to go to the tax-free state in person, AFAIK you can't do it online/through the mail anymore. I have driven to Delaware - which has no sales tax - from my home in New Jersey (a little over an hour) in the past to make some large purchases. Haven't done it for awhile though.
However, I believe you'll find that just about every state expects you to self-report any out-of-state purchases and pay the same tax that would have been due if you bought it locally. This is called a "use tax" - you can do a search for your own state to see what the policy is. This is what my state says, for example
"When a customer purchases taxable items or services in New Jersey, the seller charges New Jersey Sales Tax. When taxable items or services are purchased from a seller that does not collect New Jersey Sales Tax, the customer owes Use Tax. Use Tax is charged at the same rate as Sales Tax and is calculated on the price paid, including delivery charges, for all items or services that are brought into and used in New Jersey."
In actual practice, I have no idea how many people comply with this, or how likely it is that you'll be caught if you don't...
However, I believe you'll find that just about every state expects you to self-report any out-of-state purchases and pay the same tax that would have been due if you bought it locally. This is called a "use tax" - you can do a search for your own state to see what the policy is. This is what my state says, for example
"When a customer purchases taxable items or services in New Jersey, the seller charges New Jersey Sales Tax. When taxable items or services are purchased from a seller that does not collect New Jersey Sales Tax, the customer owes Use Tax. Use Tax is charged at the same rate as Sales Tax and is calculated on the price paid, including delivery charges, for all items or services that are brought into and used in New Jersey."
In actual practice, I have no idea how many people comply with this, or how likely it is that you'll be caught if you don't...
Would rather not risk it. I’m all about staying within the law. Thanks for clarifying this for me !
You might also check to see if your state has a tax free weekend. Typically done at the start of a new school year, to help with buying school supplies. It general only applies to certain items, but computers have been one of them. Does not matter if you have children or are in school.
There are methods but as pointed out, legally you're required (typically) to pay a use tax within your own state - even if you personally travel elsewhere to make the purchase, when you return the item to your state you're under their rules. Practically speaking will they ever find out? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ That's an exercise left to the reader.
Tax holidays as @mmkerc points out are your best "Legal" bet. This website shows a fairly comprehensive list: https://taxadmin.org/sales-tax-holidays/ - tax holiday rules & features vary widely from state to state so just see what's available to you.