Are foreigners exempt from paying sales tax?

Question

I am specifically wondering about Swedish people visiting Washington State. I have read that diplomats are exempt but I have heard that some regular people are as well but I am having difficulty finding anything on Google about it.

Answer 1

All end-users of merchandise except for charities have to pay sales tax.  There are several things you may have heard that are making you think some people are exempt:

First, by end-users, that means that companies who buy products for resale do not have to, but their retail customers have to.  

Second, non-profit charities do not have to pay.

Thirdly, every state determines what things are non-taxable.  In most states, groceries are not taxed but prepared food is.  In many states, clothing is not taxed.

Here is a brochure with some details about WA state sales tax specifically:

http://dor.wa.gov/docs/Pubs/ExciseTax/Re...

Answer 2

No you won't be exempt from sales tax...there are different exemption rules if you live here temporarily regarding income tax, but everyone pays sales tax.