If im a tourist can i get the taxes (for the things that i buy in the trip) returned in San Francisco?

im going to san francisco and i would like to buy a computer there. I know that there are some places where you can get your taxes returned since you are not an american citizen and thus should not pay taxes there.



I would like to know if its possible to do it there and how????



RegardsIf im a tourist can i get the taxes (for the things that i buy in the trip) returned in San Francisco?
The United States doesn't do GST or VAT refunds at the national level. Some states might allow merchants to offer refunds on a voluntary basis. But I certainly haven't encountered such generousity in my travels.



If such schemes exist, California isn't involved in any of them. You'll have to pay taxes on all your purchases. Indeed, California cities have some of the highest sales tax rates (by American standards). Still, it is only around 8-9%. In most European countries, GST or VAT is 15-25%.



If you want to do tax-free shopping on major purchases, the neighboring state (Oregon) has no sales tax. None at all. Thus, Portland is a great place to stock up on electronic goods for Americans and international visitors alike. No need to jump through the bureaucratic hoops to get a refund because there's no tax.If im a tourist can i get the taxes (for the things that i buy in the trip) returned in San Francisco?
Ok, I've dealt with this a BUNCH! No, you don't get your taxes back because it is a state sales tax and NOT a federal government tax. That being said, not only will you have to pay taxes here, you will have to pay the import fee when you go home through customs.
no you cant. sorry. San Francisco is great by the way i lived there for 8 years and i'll be moving to Berkeley quite soon. ANYWAY! it doesn't matter if you're a foreigner you have to pay. perhaps b/c it is an American product??...doesn't matter who you are. good luck! and sorry. i am actually quite jealous of you b/c you'll be in San Fran. have fun! the tax isn't too bad.If im a tourist can i get the taxes (for the things that i buy in the trip) returned in San Francisco?
Canada does (or at least used to) refund GST up to a certain amount once you returned to the States. I've never heard of it in the States. Be advised that if you're taking that computer back to another country, that country may charge you "duty" on it. It would be wise to check into this beforehand.
I don't think you'll get any sales tax refund in California.

Also, if you're buying electronic items, remember that the US uses 110-volt, 60-Hz electrical current. If your home country uses anything different, you will need a transformer to use it when you get home.If im a tourist can i get the taxes (for the things that i buy in the trip) returned in San Francisco?
The US does not have a national VAT, and thus the tax cannot be refunded.



If you can find your computer in the duty-free shop when you're leaving the US, you could avoid the tax.
Citizen or not, the answer is no.

Once you pay for something, the money is gone.
You're joking ? 9.75% on anything you buy.Citizen or not.If that were true, everyone would claim they're from out of the country.Try China.
The only way to avoid the sales tax is if you are a Diplomat from another country.



Other than that you pay just like anyone else.
No.