Live in Washington---Shop in Oregon (Vancouver, Longview: sales, insurance, assessor)

[thrillobyte]

I'm getting ready to retire and like everyone else I have to think about reducing my costs. Taxes are eating me alive here in Cali. I've been considering the possibility of retiring along the Columbia river in Washington for the "no state tax" benefit and doing shopping for major purchases on the Oregon side for the "no sales tax" benefit. Yes, I know state and local govt's are hurting but so am I and it's a survival issue right now. I was wondering about this strategy. I know Washington is aware of it, but do they vigorously enforce stopping merchandise purchased in Oregon from coming into Washington without a tax at the border? Is this a feasible plan, laying aside all arguments of "you should be a more loyal American and enjoy paying taxes"? I'll be paying plenty in property taxes to Washington anyway.

[cdelena]

I live in Washington and do most of my daily shopping at local stores but for larger purchases often go to Oregon, not only for the tax break but also to obtain a larger selection. Stores that have their own delivery and locations on both sides of the border (like Home Depot) will make sure the sales tax is collected on delivered items, but those that use third party delivery will not collect tax. I bought furniture from five different stores in Oregon and paid for third party delivery to Washington but no tax. Buying an auto is different so the registration issue will insure you pay tax regardless of where in the country you buy it.

[StealthRabbit]

Depending where you move along the border you may be paying plenty to drive across a bridge to OR. Vancouver area is considering tolling the 2 bridges, and while I don't like the idea, the sleazy crowd (politicians) making rules will probably get it implemented. Looks to be proposed at $4 -$6. I frequently pay at Cascade Locks and Hood River ($1 & 0.75). The Dalles and east is free for the time being, and Longview and now Astoria is free too.

There is no strong effort on WA part to collect sales tax revenue for goods flowing into WA, (Unless you are a business, then it is a 'use-tax'). I doubt your little consuming as a retired individual will ring any alarms. There has been mention of using credit card data to track tax obligations, but OR stores like cash too! I will venture to guess that 'down-the-road' technology (surgical GPS implants) will automate tax data collection, but I expect to see insurance companies lead the charge on this 'big-brother-ing'. Hopefully we 'seniors' will be 'safe' in our remaining short lifespan.

Do shop wisely for properties, I would pay $8/ day instead of $33 if my house was 1/4th mile up the road. (different county / schools / fire protection / EMS, but most importantly a different assessor (a reasonable one)). I am suspecting there will be some class action suits against some overly aggressive assessors who also influenced the county Board of Equalization (Safety net that doesn't work for individual home owners). My last 'contested assessment' proved my home to be worth 50% less than assessor, they dropped it .5%, and said "I'll get you next yr". Then my assessment went up 17% and 43 of my neighbors averaged 3% increases.... Obey "The Man"

[thrillobyte]

Well, I can't blame Washington politicians for trying everything in their power to get every last dime they can. It's become an "us" vs. "them" atmosphere. You're right, as a senior I won't be making big purchases except for furniture and appliances that are blowing out every year one day past warranty (don't laugh, it's happened more times than I can count lately ). Small purchases I can handle the tax fine as the gas just to drive across the bridge would probably cost more, especially if they implement the toll. I'll remember that advice on the assessor and location of property too. Thanks much for your feedback, both of you.

[M3 Mitch]

Thrillobyte, a lot of us do what you are talking about. Keep in mind that most foods are not subject to the sales tax here in WA.

Welcome aboard, sign up with Captain Tim Eyeman, help us keelhaul the Coastie Scallawags! Arrgh!

[thrillobyte]

Arrgh!

[pw72]

Hopefully not to repeat another post, but there is virtually NO enforcement of purchasing products w/o sales tax in OR if you are a WA resident. (Cars, other big tickets items a different story). The only argument against it would be moral, as it IS technically illegal to not report these no-tax purchases on your tax forms. I seriously wonder how many actually do that. My guess is less than 1%.