I work retail and almost daily someone from out-of-state comes into my place of employment, makes a purchase and then asks to be exempted from paying our state sales tax. It seems to be common knowledge in Canada and certain states that an out-of-state driver’s license can exempt one from paying our state sales tax, which is one of the highest in our country. I have been told exempting sales tax for people from certain states and provinces is not a law, but a courtesy extended out of friendship to our neighbors near our state.
Isn’t sales tax to be nonpreferential?
How long has this courtesy been in effect and by whose authority?
When state sales tax is exempt so is the county and city tax. Is this OK with local governments?
How much tax dollars is our state and local governments loosing because of this courtesy?
How can a sales clerk be assured that a driver’s license is a true status of residency or that an out-of-state relative isn’t buying for a Washington resident?
As a resident of Washington, I resent the heavy tax burden I must pay to live here. Exempting our neighbors from paying sales tax makes my burden even heavier and triggers more paper work for business. I want our state government to make a public announcement that this practice is to be stopped.
Snohomish
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