How does a non US resident go about claiming back all US sales taxes paid out on various purchases?

Similar questions: resident claiming back sales taxes paid purchases.

I don't think you can.In Europe, if you are military, you can use a VAT (value added tax)form when you purchase an item 100 Euro or more. In Germany, that means you don't pay the 19% tax. But, when I shop on the local economy for this that and the other, I pay the tax just like everyone else.

I'd like to know if what you are asking is possible. I don't think it is, but it would be curious to know. Just a little side note here, the dollar sucks now and if you are from most European countries, you are getting a deal on whatever it is you are buying.

A sales tax is just what the name implies. It is collected on the sale of an item regardless of your nationality. The federal government does not implement a sales tax (although I would prefer that over an income tax myself).

A sales tax is imposed by many states to generate revenue. Personally, I think there should be a tax on non-residents for the privilege of being able to shop in our stores.

3 It's easy to see how a European could get confused. The VAT in Europe is much more money than a state sales tax (at least 15%), and you are entitled to a refund of it for items not consumed within the EU. You show up at the customs office with the items and receipts, and they refund your money.

Sales taxes in the US don't work that way. You pay them regardless of where you consume the item. (It's possible to deduct them from your federal taxes, but most people don't, and tourists certainly don't.) .

It's easy to see how a European could get confused. The VAT in Europe is much more money than a state sales tax (at least 15%), and you are entitled to a refund of it for items not consumed within the EU. You show up at the customs office with the items and receipts, and they refund your money.

Sales taxes in the US don't work that way. You pay them regardless of where you consume the item. (It's possible to deduct them from your federal taxes, but most people don't, and tourists certainly don't.).

PamPerdue replied to post #2: 4 > Personally, I think there should be a tax on non-residents for the privilege of being able to shop in our stores. We like it when they come here and spend money. Shopping in our stores isn't a privilege; if anything, we'd want it to be an obligation.

The money entering our economy is pure win and we don't need an extra tax. The VAT is a consumption tax, and they want to encourage foreigners to come consume. States sometimes have sales tax holidays to encourage consumption, but they don't have a general rule about it.In theory you pay customs on the items coming into the US, but only if it's a significant amount.

Otherwise the effort of collecting it is more than the money gained.

Personally, I think there should be a tax on non-residents for the privilege of being able to shop in our stores. We like it when they come here and spend money. Shopping in our stores isn't a privilege; if anything, we'd want it to be an obligation.

The money entering our economy is pure win and we don't need an extra tax. The VAT is a consumption tax, and they want to encourage foreigners to come consume. States sometimes have sales tax holidays to encourage consumption, but they don't have a general rule about it.In theory you pay customs on the items coming into the US, but only if it's a significant amount.

Otherwise the effort of collecting it is more than the money gained.

5 Thanks PamPerdue, I did not know that in Europe that one was entitled to a refund on sales tax. Frankly, I think they have it right with a consumption tax (provided, of course, they don't have an income tax as well). And yes, I agree with you about tourism and how it fuels the economy.

I just tend to get snippy about taxes around this time of year.

Thanks PamPerdue, I did not know that in Europe that one was entitled to a refund on sales tax. Frankly, I think they have it right with a consumption tax (provided, of course, they don't have an income tax as well). And yes, I agree with you about tourism and how it fuels the economy.

I just tend to get snippy about taxes around this time of year.

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A citizen of Norway had an order delivered in WA. He paid taxes. How can he get a refund?

Where on my business taxes do I account for sales tax paid on purchases for (a) inventory (b) expenses i.e. Equipment.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.