Are there any guitar stores that do not charge sales...

[gibpicker]

tax to Ca., or is that something they all do? I know that some string stores that we all use don't, but buying a guitar might be something else?

[LakewoodM32Fan]

Most large-ish shops will charge the appropriate state sales tax because they want to be in line with the federal and state laws requiring assessing internet sales tax. California's is here: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclope...sales-tax.html

Here's the relevant passage

Effective April 1, 2019, retailers located outside of California (remote sellers) are required to register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and collect California sales tax if they sell more than $500,000 in tangible personal property for delivery in California. The registration requirement applies if you sold more than $500,000 in property during the prior calendar year. It also comes into effect any time you sell more than $500,000 during the current year.

So if a business does less than $500K sales to CA a year, they may be able to stay under the radar and not assess sales tax, leaving it up to you to do so on your tax returns. The ones I know don't assess a sales tax tend to 1) be small in nature so they stay under $500K sales to any state, and 2) located in states with no sales tax themselves, like Oregon, Montana and New Hampshire. For the latter two states, I know Music Villa and Northern Lights Music are fairly well known shops. Never bought from either (and I'm not affiliated with either).

[L20A]

Offer the store a price bid that you are willing to pay for the guitar tax free.

[hairpuller]

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments in Missoula does not charge tax. He has been exceptional to work with. Can't recommend him highly enough!

Definitely a small mom & pop shop.

And yes, I am in CA...for now!

scott

[AH Acoustic]

Edited by member.

[Mr. Paul]

Last time I made the round of dealers, Music Villa in MT was the only one that said they wouldn't charge sales tax to me if shipping to CO. I suspect that would be the case for CA as well. Montana does not have a state sales tax, that could be the reason.

[Goat Mick]

Your state is the one that decides if an online retailer has to charge sales tax. The business doesn't make a profit on the tax charged they have to pass that along to your state.

[personatech]

Your question suggests that you're looking for a way to not to have to pay that tax. There is no such legal way. Unless you live in a state without a sales or use tax, you are required by law to pay the appropriate tax - whether the vendor collects said tax or not. If the shop doesn't charge you sales tax, then it is your responsibility to pay the appropriate use tax (usually paid along with income tax). Personally, I'd rather the vendor take care of it than have to keep the necessary receipts to track out-of-state expenditures.

[gibpicker]

Actually it wouldn't be the end of the world paying sales tax on less than a $800.00 Guild 1212 guitar.

[MikeBmusic]

If you buy something from out-of-state and don't pay sales tax at the time of purchase, you are supposed to report in your annual state income tax filing.

[LakewoodM32Fan]

I do wonder if those who live on the Oregon Washington border ever get busted. There’s that scenario where one doesn’t charge income tax and the other doesn’t charge sales tax so you live and work in the no income tax place and do all your shopping in the no sales tax state

[Kyle215]

I think most will charge tax (or factor it into the sales price if they say they don’t), but you can find free shipping. Maury’s Music, for example

[Jwills57]

I never try to figure out a way not to pay my taxes, just the price of living in a civilized society.

[martinhubltz]

Originally Posted by Jwills57

I never try to figure out a way not to pay my taxes, just the price of living in a civilized society.

I always pay taxes without even thinking about it. That's our civic duty to pay tax in a civilized society. That being said, according Leona Hemsley: "We don't pay taxes; only the little people pay taxes,"

[scotchnspeed]

Fascinating the number of lawyers in this group...or those who feel so strongly that they should be.