Mandana

Someone told me today that we can claim tax back on our purchases where we can provide reciepts

Tried to search on this, but found nothing.

Doubt it's correct as we're now resident - but no doubt someone here will know the full facts!

Thanks in advance

Thydney

Purchases such as?

penguinsix

On your US income taxes, you can deduct sales tax paid on items instead of I think local income tax. But unless you bought something big (car) it isn't likely to exceed your state and local taxes so it isn't quite worth it.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p600.pdf

Some shoddy stores in NY have been known to tell EU tourists they can 'claim the sales tax back at the airport' (just like it is with VAT in the EU) only to have tourists arrive at the airport and be stumped. They figure the guy is getting on a plane, who is he going to complain to. Don't shop from those gits.

Mandana

Thanks for that Penguin, I'll take a look at the link.

Thydney - I'm not sure exactly. I was buying something from Radioshack and it was the guy behind the counter who said about it. I think he thought I was a Brit on holiday (couldn't understand him very well, so didn't pursue the conversation) and he said that if I take my receipts for anything I buy to somewhere in the Galleria (big mall Downtown), they will give me the tax back!

Didn't stop to ask where in the mall, or what for exactly!

Oh, and he muttered something about my passport too!

Jerseygirl

I've never heard of anything like that in the US...the UK and Canada yes but here no.

Even if it was it would only be for tourists...as a resident you could probably find yourself in trouble for tax fraud.

Mandana

Well that was my first thought - that the guy assumed (should never assume - it makes an ASS out of U and ME) I was a tourist.

I knew I'd find the right answer on BE! (albeit I was hoping this guy was right lol)

Thanks guys

lapin_windstar

I think Louisiana had a tax back for tourists scheme at one point, but very small. No idea if it's still there.