USATourist Community

 HI EVERYBODY.

I'M A SPANISH MAN THAT IS IN SAN FRANCISCO PER HOLIDAYS AND I HAVE BOUGHT A NEW CAMERA PER 1.200$.

IN MY COUNTRY SPAIN, WHEN A TOURIST WANTS TO BUY SOMETHING THE TAXES THAT HE PAYS IN THE SHOP WILL BE RECOVER IN THE CUSTOMS AT LEAVE SPAIN .

DO YOU THING THAT I CAN RECOVER THIS AMUONT OF TAXES OR IT NOT IS POSSIBLE IN THE UNITED STATES?

IF IT'S POSSIBLE PLEASE, LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD BE DO.

THANKS  

In the USA, we do not have value added taxes (VAT) as you have in most European countries.  Each state in the USA has its own system of state sales taxes.  These are usually only 5% to 8%. 

I some states, you can get a refund of this state sales tax if you export your purchase out of the country.  To do this, you must get an application form from the state or the shop where you purchased the item.  You must submit this application form to the state office and they will send you a refund check some weeks later.