A stupid question, but...(out of state tax question) (Portland: sales, buy)

[Wolf14016]

Alright, this is probably a dumb question, but I wanted to ask anyway. I'm used to looking dumb, after all.

I currently live in Washington state - stationed at Ft. Lewis - and am currently shopping for a new car (well, truck). I've never bought a vehicle before - inherited my current beater car when I graduated high school - and so I'm still learning the ropes here.

My question: Due to Washington's sales tax (9.8%!), would it be possible for me to get a lift and buy my car in Portland and save myself some money?

I know, a dumb question, but it seems like there's something I'm missing here - why would you pay nearly 10% extra when you could go a few hours south?

Anyway, thanks, and Merry Christmas

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by Wolf14016

Alright, this is probably a dumb question, but I wanted to ask anyway. I'm used to looking dumb, after all.

I currently live in Washington state - stationed at Ft. Lewis - and am currently shopping for a new car (well, truck). I've never bought a vehicle before - inherited my current beater car when I graduated high school - and so I'm still learning the ropes here.

My question: Due to Washington's sales tax (9.8%!), would it be possible for me to get a lift and buy my car in Portland and save myself some money?

I know, a dumb question, but it seems like there's something I'm missing here - why would you pay nearly 10% extra when you could go a few hours south?

Anyway, thanks, and Merry Christmas

In Washington, tax is paid when you register the car - so it doesn't matter where you buy it, you'll still pay Washington tax on it when you register it in Washington.

If you are not a resident of the state of Washington (as in your Fort Lewis posting is only temporary and you claim residency in another state), this might not be true.

[Wolf14016]

Ah. Okay, that makes more sense. Thanks!

[skinem]

Originally Posted by PNW-type-gal

If you are not a resident of the state of Washington (as in your Fort Lewis posting is only temporary and you claim residency in another state), this might not be true.

If the above is true, perhaps you could. My parents were legal residents of Oregon the entire 20+ years dad was in the AF and he kept his cars registered in Oregon plates.

I would think it's as PNW-type-gal says though...I think the only way it would save you money is if you are still a legal resident of Oregon.

[GeorgiaTransplant]

When stationed at Fort Lewis, I bought a car in Oregon. I am a *legal*, bona fide, resident of Oregon-grew up there and kept the residency in the military.

To register at the out-of-state rate, I had to prove to Washington state that I was an Oregon resident with things like voter registration, checking account, etc.-it was pretty similar to proving you are a resident to colleges for in-state tuition.

Your plan's going to fall down on that little wrinkle.

[Nell Plotts]

But it can make a difference where you purchase your car in WA. Not every county has the same sales tax rate. Shop not only for the car but for the county you purchase it in and have them register the car. We lived in Kitsap County, their rate was higher than Clark County so we paid the Clark County tax - it has been several years since we did that so the law may have changed. Be careful when purchasing from a dealer in Seattle metro as, at least then, they had the highest sales tax in the state and required that all cars purchased there be taxed at their rate.