Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyw8469
These are used items though. Technically, wasn't the sales tax paid when the items were purchased? Can the government tax something indefinitely?
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yup, every time a sale is made.
In California, at least, it's sales and USE tax. I've got a lot of photographer friends that have bought equipment via mail order in order to save the tax, only to be audited and have to remit the tax on that purchase, plus penalties and interest. An auditor told me they often look for insurance payouts on stolen gear and then audit the insured. I don't think CA is unique in this way.
In regards to Heritage, they have an office about 10 blocks from me, but I can't remit payment or pick up items there. Still, the mere presence means that I effectively have to pay about 30% above my bid. I just factor that in, and consequently don't win much from them.
Another local auction house just told me to give them a friends address out of state. I was shocked they would advocate blatant fraud (probably shouldn't have been) but there is no way it's worth it. Better to just suck it up and figure it into the bid.