We've just returned to Australia from California and Hawaii. We were under the impression that we could get a refund of the state tax paid on bills for food, clothing etc. Is this correct and, if so, how do we do it?We kept all the receipts. Thanks.
2006-10-14 01:10:24 · 4 answers · asked by ezc692 4 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Los Angeles
I assume you were just visiting the US, and that you aren't residents or citizens there, nor were you being paid by a US-based entity to work there. The confusion arises from the fact that they have both income tax and sales tax.
You will not get a rebate of sales or use tax paid. If you bought any items on behalf of a US-registered charity, the charity may be able to apply for a rebate of the sales tax paid.
If you were employed in the US, you can get a rebate of any excess state income tax withheld from your paycheques. In addition, on your federal income tax return, you can deduct the higher of the income or sales taxes you paid during the calendar year. But as you are presumably neither a US citizen or resident, and presumably did not earn any money in the states, this is a moot point for you.
2006-10-14 02:03:27 · answer #1 · answered by lizzit 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check with the US Embassy in Australia. In Texas, many shopping centers/malls have offices for sales tax refunds to foreign visitors, mainly Mexican nationals. California is a money grubbing state, so may not refund sales taxes to anyone. Check with the embassy to get the straight dope.
2006-10-15 08:46:25 · answer #2 · answered by Jim B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was under that impression too. I called the US embasy in Sydney and they said I couldnt do it.
2006-10-15 21:24:11 · answer #3 · answered by hotteenick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can not get any refund from california /Hawai state
2006-10-14 08:21:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋