Tax refund for non resident VISITORS of the US?

Question

I visited the state of Florida and I spent a lot of money in food and clothing, does anyone know if it's possible to get a tax refund???

Answer 1

There isn't a sales tax rebate program in Florida.

Answer 2

No, Europe has a VAT tax that you can get redeemed if a non-resident visitor. Not only can you not get a redemption, but if a resident of Florida purchased an item tax free in another state, they must turn them selves in and pay the tax as though it had been purchased in Florida. Each state, and quite often each local government has the ability to tax anyone for almost anything. There is a locality in Pennsylvania that charges a head tax, essentially you are taxed on breathing. Except income taxes, I do not believe any tax in the United States is refundable and even income taxes are only refundable to the extent you accidentally over pay.

I was shocked when it was explained to me that I could get a tax refund when visiting Germany for a class, provided I showed the receipts and the items at the airport.

One other note, while you may have paid the tax, it wasn't actually levied on you, the business owner actually is the one who owed the tax, he or she just passed it on to you.

Answer 3

The other posters are correct. The State of Florida does not give refunds on sales taxes paid because you live elsewhere. Neither does any other of the 49 states in the country. When you purchase goods and services in the US, sales taxes are levied at the point of purchase and remain in the state in which they were collected.

Answer 4

If it is an item that is for export, in other words not for use within Canada, then yes, you can file for a refund. It isn't issued at the airport, but I believe you have to have something signed at customs to show it left the country. The amount will be the GST of 5%.

Answer 5

What would be the point of tourism man? Get real!