State sales tax refund for US Apple Store purchase?

Gordon Eastman · Nov 27th, 2005, 12:26 PM

I bought a refurb iBook that was shipped for pick up in NY. As expected, Apple charged California state sales tax on the computer.

I believe there is a way for a Canadian buyer to get this refunded. I spent some time with Google and on the California government web site, but couldn't find anything.

Anyone know if this can be done? How?

jasonwood · Nov 27th, 2005, 12:37 PM

Did you properly declare it and pay GST & PST when you brought it to Canada?

Cause I bet you'll need evidence of that!

mikef · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:07 PM

n/m

CanadaRAM · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:12 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Gordon Eastman
	I bought a refurb iBook that was shipped for pick up in NY. As expected, Apple charged California state sales tax on the computer. I believe there is a way for a Canadian buyer to get this refunded. I spent some time with Google and on the California government web site, but couldn't find anything. Anyone know if this can be done? How?

Isn't it more likely you paid NY state taxes?

trentcanuck · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:33 PM

There is no refund for US sales tax paid.

jasonwood · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:35 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by mikef
	He's not asking for the Canadian taxes back, he's asking for the taxes from the US state gov't. It has nothing to do with the GST & PST.

I know, but if you were entitled to the California sales tax back, I bet California would want proof that you exported the item to Canada - in other words - documentation that you paid GST and PST at the border, which you are legally required to do!

mikef · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:39 PM

n/m

MACSPECTRUM · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:44 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Gordon Eastman
	I bought a refurb iBook that was shipped for pick up in NY. As expected, Apple charged California state sales tax on the computer. I believe there is a way for a Canadian buyer to get this refunded. I spent some time with Google and on the California government web site, but couldn't find anything. Anyone know if this can be done? How?

you can't avoid paying ANY taxes
did you declare the ibook and pay PST/GST when crossing into canada after you picked it up?

MACSPECTRUM · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:45 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by mikef
	I'm sure having a bill and proof that you're a Canadian citizen would be sufficient...

that could get the attention of Revenue Canada and the PST people

mikef · Nov 27th, 2005, 01:48 PM

Legally the OP should be paying Canadian taxes for an item imported into Canada.