Sales tax exceptions

visitor.us helps international visitors register vehicles in Montana, in most cases, without having to pay sales tax. But when buying from auto dealers in a handful of US states, extra planning may make sense to avoid an unexpected tax hit.

Understanding Sales Tax on Vehicle Purchases

In the U.S., sales tax on vehicles is managed by individual states, not the federal government. The amount of sales tax due is typically based on the state where the vehicle is registered. Auto dealers are often required by law to collect sales tax at the time of sale for “in-state” buyers, but “out-of-state” buyers are usually exempt.

If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller—an individual rather than a dealer—sales tax is paid upon registration in the state where you choose to register the vehicle. Private sellers are not required to collect sales tax on behalf of the state, which simplifies the transaction.

How Dealers Handle Sales Tax for In-State and Out-of-State Buyers

Auto dealers are generally required to collect sales tax for buyers they consider “in-state.” For example, if you live in New York and buy from a New York dealer, you are classified as an “in-state” buyer, and the dealer will add sales tax and registration fees to your purchase.

However, if you live in New Jersey and purchase a vehicle from a New York dealer, you’re considered an “out-of-state” buyer. The dealer will likely exempt your purchase from New York sales tax, understanding that you’ll pay the appropriate taxes when you register the vehicle in New Jersey.

California’s Unique Sales Tax Rules

California follows a different set of rules. Auto dealers in California are required to collect California sales tax on all vehicle sales and deliveries made within the state, even for out-of-state buyers. This can result in a significant tax burden for travelers looking to purchase a vehicle there.

To manage this, dealers can exempt vehicles from sales tax if they are delivered to the buyer outside of California. This is a logistical workaround many dealers in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego use to help buyers avoid unnecessary taxes:

• San Francisco Bay Area: Vehicles are often delivered to Reno, Nevada.
• Los Angeles Area: Deliveries are often made to Las Vegas, Nevada.
• San Diego Area: Deliveries are often made to Yuma, Arizona.

Some California dealers also issue “one-trip permits” that allow buyers to drive their vehicles off the lot without paying California sales tax. This permit acts as a temporary tag for out-of-state buyers and depends on the dealer’s interpretation of California’s rules.

If you’re buying a vehicle from a California dealer, it’s crucial to ask about their sales tax policies for out-of-state buyers upfront. This way, you can avoid any surprises and plan for any necessary logistics.

Washington State’s Sales Tax Regulations

Washington State, like California, has specific rules when it comes to vehicle purchases by out-of-state buyers. To exempt an out-of-state buyer from Washington State sales tax, auto dealers must provide proof of the buyer’s residency in another state to the Washington State Department of Revenue. If the dealer does not provide this documentation, they will be charged the applicable sales tax.

Washington’s approach stems from its proximity to states like Oregon and Montana, which have significantly lower sales taxes. Oregon and Montana charge less than 1% sales tax on vehicles, while rates in Washington can reach as high as 10%. To protect its revenue, Washington requires strict documentation for out-of-state sales.

The Washington State Department of Revenue does not accept documents from Montana LLCs as proof of residency. However, similar to California, private sellers in Washington State are not required to collect sales tax from buyers. So, if you purchase your vehicle from an individual rather than a dealer, you won’t have to worry about sales tax at the point of sale.

Arizona’s Policies on Sales Tax for Out-of-State Buyers

Arizona, like California and Washington, has its own specific regulations regarding sales tax for out-of-state buyers. While many states exempt out-of-state buyers from paying sales tax at the point of sale, Arizona requires dealers to collect sales tax on all vehicle sales made within the state, even if the buyer plans to register the vehicle in another state.

This policy creates a unique challenge for travelers or non-residents purchasing vehicles in Arizona. To mitigate this, Arizona dealers can issue a "Tax Exempt Certificate" if the vehicle is delivered outside of Arizona. This process is similar to California’s workaround and often involves delivering the vehicle to a neighboring state, such as New Mexico or Nevada.

However, if the dealer does not handle the transaction carefully and does not properly document the delivery of the vehicle outside of Arizona, the buyer could end up paying Arizona sales tax, regardless of their residency status.

To avoid this, it's essential to discuss the dealer’s policies and delivery arrangements beforehand. Ensure that all paperwork clearly indicates the vehicle’s out-of-state delivery to qualify for the tax exemption. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying Arizona sales tax, even if you never planned to drive the vehicle within the state.

Other States’ Sales Tax Rules for Out-of-State Buyers

While this article highlights the unique sales tax regulations in California, Washington, and Arizona, it’s important to note that other U.S. states may have—or may implement in the future—similar rules requiring auto dealers to collect sales tax on vehicle sales to out-of-state buyers. These policies can change rapidly, and visitor.us may not always be immediately aware of updates to each state’s regulations.

The list of states mentioned in this article is not exhaustive, and customers should always confirm the current tax policies directly with their dealership before finalizing a vehicle purchase. Even in states where out-of-state buyers have traditionally been exempt from sales tax, new legislation or tighter enforcement of existing rules can change how dealers handle out-of-state sales.

To avoid any unexpected tax liabilities, it’s crucial to ask your salesperson upfront whether your purchase will qualify for an out-of-state sales tax exemption. Make sure to clarify what documentation is required and whether the dealership has experience processing tax-exempt sales for buyers from other states. Understanding these details before completing your transaction can help you manage your tax burden effectively and prevent any last-minute surprises.

Conclusion

Navigating vehicle sales tax regulations in the U.S. can be complex, especially for international visitors. States like California, Washington, and Arizona have unique rules that can complicate the process. However, with proper planning and understanding, you can minimize or even eliminate your sales tax obligations by purchasing and registering your vehicle in Montana.

If you’re planning to buy a vehicle during your visit to the U.S., consider partnering with visitor.us to simplify the registration process and make your experience as smooth and cost-effective as possible.