Buying things online - sales tax?

Question

I live in Florida and am going to but a few things over the internet.

Do I still pay the 6% state sales tax?

Answer 1

depends on if they have a physical presence in the state of Florida, yes you will have to pay the sales tax. The individual web sites usually calcualte the requried tax if it is necessary. That aside, you are generally required to pay a sales tax to the state, even if the merchant does not collect it, although most people do not go and pay the tax. It often depends on the overall purchase price of the item.

Answer 2

If the retailer has a physical location (i.e. store or warehouse) in Florida, they will probably charge you the tax. If not, they definitely won't charge sales tax. However, many states (not sure about Florida) have a "use tax" that you are required to pay on any purchase that you made out of state and did not pay tax on (it appears as a line on your income tax return). This would include internet purchases. That said, most people do not bother paying the use tax on small items. Also, if you buy a vehicle that will have to be registered in your state, you will need to pay sales tax to your state before you can get it registered.

Answer 3

If an online retailer has a physical presence in a particular state, such as a store, business office, or warehouse, it must collect sales tax from customers in that state. If a business does not have a physical presence in a state, it is not required to collect sales tax for sales into that state. This rule is derived from a 1992 Supreme Court decision which held that mail-order merchants did not need to collect sales taxes for sales into states where they did not have a physical presence. Consumers' Responsibility to Pay Sales or Use Taxes Consumers who live in a state that collects sales tax are technically required to pay the tax to the state even when an Internet retailer doesn't collect it. When consumers are required to pay tax directly to the state, it is referred to as "use" tax rather than sales tax. The only difference between sales and use tax is which person -- the seller or the buyer -- pays the state. Theoretically, use taxes are just a backup plan to make sure that the state collects revenue on every taxable item that is purchased within its borders. But because collecting use tax on smaller purchases is so much trouble, states have traditionally attempted to collect a use tax only on big-ticket items that require licenses, such as cars and boats.

Answer 4

Actually this is where it gets messy. If you buy from Florida I'm almost positive that you will be paying sales tax. I'm in NY and our rate is 9%, and I know I've been hit with sales tax from NY when I have purchased items. But it does depend on whether or not the seller wants to charge it. Some have some haven't.

Answer 5

Only if the company you are buying from has a physical presence, like a retail store or warehouse, in FL.

Answer 6

It depends on who or what company you are buying from, but I would say yes.