[Wingboot]

This is a question for those of you who had some military affiliation overseas and purchased a new car before you returned to the states. I have just returned from overseas and I need to register my car in the states. One of the reasons I bought a BMW over there is the “rumored” savings on the sales tax. The car has been driven for over eight months now (overseas) and most states that I have checked want me to pay 5% to 7% sales tax. That’s just ridiculous if you ask me. I don’t have to pay tax on any other item I bought overseas and brought back to the states. Why should I give the state of Tennessee $1800 dollars in taxes in addition to regular registration fees when I register my $31,000 car there? Other states that I have checked are TX, VA, MD, PA and FL and they all require me to pay sales tax (plus personal property tax in VA). Anyone have some luck in another state and not have to pay sales tax on your USED car? Thanks.

 

[aldo]

Try Alabama!

Did you check out Alabama? I registered one of my cars there several years ago after having returned from an overseas tour in Italy. The AFI registration was accepted without any problem and with me having to pay a sales tax.

 

[IndyMike]

Although my experience is not very recent, in 1985 I shipped a Porsche 944 that I purchased through the Canadian Post Exchange Branch in Germany into California and only had to buy the normal CA registration tags. So you might contact the CA DMV in Sacramento for information if CA is an option for you.

Word of warning! Make absolutely sure that you have an original copy of the manufacturers certificate of origin. I was totally oblivious to what this was until I tried to sell the car a few years later. What a hassle

So regardless of where you ultimately ship it to you make sure you have this original copy document.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!

 

[russ330]

Yeah, try Alabama

That's where I'm stationed now, and I brought a '93 325 over from Germany and didn't have to pay any sales tax. Now unfortunatley I'm headed to Oklahoma, and will be awaiting my '02 330ci and with my luck, I'm sure I'll have to pay sales tax there

 

[Wingboot]

Thanks guys. I will check out your suggestions, I may even be TDY in Alabama. But that would be several months. IndyMike, I lost my certificate of origin for my 99 328I and it was an ordeal when I wanted to sell it. I had to wait a long time for a replacement. Russ325, are you buying your car from a dealer in OK?

 

[DaveN323i]

The reason is because it is not a sales tax but a property tax (like the property tax on your house) eventhough the rate is usually the sales tax rate. In California, the DMV specifiess the portion of the license fee that can be considered a property tax (and you can deduct that portion from your federal income tax if you itemize).

Hope this helps.

 

[aldo]

Stick with Alabama!!!

I also brought over an Alfa with AFI plates and kept them on for over a year after returning stateside. Stopped three times for exceeding the limit, however the officers were always forgivng of the AFI registration but I still collected a couple of fines for speeding. If you are heading to Alabama, I'd try an keep your USAREUR plates until you reach your TDY post. Maxwell Golf & Country Club or Ft Rucker?

 

[Wingboot]

Thanks, I will check out AL. When I go it will be to Ft. Rucker.

 

[theresa]

A friend of mine just returned to Texas from Germany, and she didn't have to pay any taxes. She just paid to register the car. I just bought my 2002 32Ci, and I get it next week. I've been looking into this because I have about 20 months left here in Germany.