Can we shop tax free in the USA?

Rachel27

As I work in retail, I know all about tax free shopping for customers who are from outside the EU.

I have tried to search online for info about us British tourists being able to claim back the sales tax that is added on to almost everything in the US. Does anyone know if this is possible?

luci

No, you generally cannot claim back the tax on shopping in the US. I believe there is one state where this is possible, but it's not one of the usual tourist destinations IIRC.

ETA - If you are shopping at Macy's, you can get a discount card for 10% off by showing out of state ID at customer services.

littlereddevil

This stopped a few years ago in the USA. Shopping is so cheap though it doesn't really matter

Murphy_The_Cat

If its any help for you, there is no Sales tax in Deleware (nothing to pay, so nothing to reclaim )

& there is a tax claim back scheme for International visitors in Louisiana

jackieblack

Murphy_The_Cat wrote: »

If its any help for you, there is no Sales tax in Deleware (nothing to pay, so nothing to reclaim )

Sales tax is 0% in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon

Sales tax can also be reclaimed in Texas (subject to a $10 minimum), did you forget about that Murphy?

Murphy_The_Cat

jackieblack wrote: »

Sales tax is 0% in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon

Sales tax can also be reclaimed in Texas (subject to a $10 minimum), did you forget about that Murphy?

Thankfully on our Texas trip, we didn't spend much in the Malls, as the exchange rate didn't really work in our favour (but, YES, I did miss it).

It does make it more 'civilised' when they don't put the tax on in the first place

shaun_from_Africa

Another state that offers visitors the chance to reclaim their sales tax is Louisiana

http://www.louisianataxfree.com/

phatbear

Murphy_The_Cat wrote: »

& there is a tax claim back scheme for International visitors in Louisiana

So it would seem

Murphy_The_Cat

phatbear wrote: »

So it would seem

so good, we mentioned it twice

OP, you also need to be aware that HMRC will want their 'pound of flesh' if you bring back purchases to the UK, from outside the eu, over the limits.

phatbear

We dont use the term "pound of flesh" anymore for fear of offending vegans etc

Murphy_The_Cat

phatbear wrote: »

We dont use the term "pound of flesh" anymore for fear of offending vegans etc

or 'kilo of quorn'