Can overseas visitors get a refund of the sales tax paid in California?
California sales tax is unfortunately not refundable for international visitors. The taxes are calculated at the time of sale and can only be exempted when, at the time of purchase, a tax exemption card is presented. These cards are issued for certain uses of the purchased goods but are not for exempting regular purchases made by visitors or residents. One possible method that may avert this is to have the goods shipped home rather than traveling with them. Additionally, there are considerations for foreign consuls’ purchases. Sources: http://www.sandiego.org/article/… http://germany.usembassy.gov/ger… http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/stax…
