Do canadians have to pay US state tax when buying over the internet?

Question

I am buying something from a store in California and they made me pay the 8.25% sales tax. They will not refund me unless I come up with a proof that I should not pay the state tax. Any online resource where i could show them the law? Thanks

Answer 1

I order from the states alot...I've never had to pay state tax.  I do however pay GST and customs when its shipped to canada.

Are you confusing the two?  GST = 5% and customs varies on what you buy but could be the amount of 8.25% that you say

Answer 2

Sales delivered outside of California are not subject to California sales tax. Here is a link to the regulation regarding interstate and foreign commerce in California

http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/reg1620.pdf

Specifics about sales shipped out of state are on page 2

Answer 3

Its a state law that you have to pay as the items are being sold the owner of the items are required to pay tax on them which they pass along to the buyer regardless of were that actual buyer is. You may wish the try to buy items from a state that does not have sales tax.

Answer 4

Nope. If they charged you the tax and you paid it then that's it. Some states and locales make you pay sales tax on products bought over the internet.  

Answer 5

The simple fact is that each state has the right to tax however it wants. Perhaps California taxes any shipments that originate there. Contact the California state sales tax authority and ask them about the rules. If you are entitled to a refund, it might be them that you have to apply to.

Answer 6

No. A person has to pay sales tax if the Billing Address is in the state taxing. If you are visiting or buying online, show you are out of the area and you don't have to pay sales tax

Exception: must pay tax for goods comsumed while in the taxing state, like food

Answer 7

Think of it this way:

If you were to drive to California on a trip and walked into a store and bought an item would you expect to pay tax?  Of course you would!  Just because you are from a different Country does not mean you are exempt from paying tax.  

The only bad thing is, once the goods return to Canada you will have to pay tax again!  Yes, GST (5%) on any goods coming into Canada.  (With few exceptions)

Answer 8

they souldn`t

Answer 9

I don' t think so.  Other states do not make you pay their state taxes, check your area to see what your sales tax is, and have the guy factor it in.