get her money back?

Question

my aunt who is visiting from abroad, has purchased a couple of things in this country. since she does not live here, is there any way to get the tax she paid on what ever she bought. I heard it is possible but i want to know how

Answer 1

I believe she has to be an ambassador or another government figure. I have seen the tax exempt certificate but it was a long time ago. This also may be something that she needed to do prior to purchasing the items.

update: i read an response below that states that the consumer should have to pay taxes since the mercahnt had to pay taxes. I am not sure if this applies to all states but here in the state of ca. a merchant does not pay sales tax on the items he purcahses so long as they are for re-sale.

Answer 2

I would imagine that the average citizen does not have the opportunity to do that. When in Rome do as the Romans do..in other words, if visiting here and buying stuff taxes are paid on what is purchased. I don't see getting one out of the taxes unless you have a tax exempt certificate filing as my boss does, but then that is company related not personal use.

Answer 3

It depends the state where you purchase the goods, Texas will give you back the sales tax money just by showing prove that you are a foreign tourist, but this won't happen in California. You should try contacting your state's chamber of commerce

Answer 4

How much are we talking about thousands of dollars of a few dollars? Why shouldn't she pay taxes the merchant had to pay the taxes on what she bought like said befor me when in Rome do what the Romans do.

Answer 5

If you are referring to state sales taxes, they are not refundable. State sales taxes are collected from all purchasers unless they have a valid exemption certificate. Non-residency does not meet this qualification.