This is motorcycle stimulus?
Page 204:
SEC. 1008. ADDITIONAL DEDUCTION FOR STATE SALES TAX AND
EXCISE TAX ON THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN MOTOR
VEHICLES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 164 is amended
by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph:
‘‘(6) Qualified motor vehicle taxes.’’.
(b) QUALIFIED MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES.—Subsection (b) of section
164 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(6) QUALIFIED MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this section, the
term ‘qualified motor vehicle taxes’ means any State or
local sales or excise tax imposed on the purchase of a
qualified motor vehicle.
‘‘(B) LIMITATION BASED ON VEHICLE PRICE.—The
amount of any State or local sales or excise tax imposed
on the purchase of a qualified motor vehicle taken into
account under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the portion
of such tax attributable to so much of the purchase
price as does not exceed $49,500.
‘‘(C) INCOME LIMITATION.—The amount otherwise taken
into account under subparagraph (A) (after the application
of subparagraph (B)) for any taxable year shall be reduced
(but not below zero) by the amount which bears the same
ratio to the amount which is so treated as—
‘‘(i) the excess (if any) of—
‘‘(I) the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross
income for such taxable year, over
‘‘(II) $125,000 ($250,000 in the case of a joint
return), bears to
‘‘(ii) $10,000.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term ‘modified
adjusted gross income’ means the adjusted gross income
of the taxpayer for the taxable year (determined without
regard to sections 911, 931, and 933).
‘‘(D) QUALIFIED MOTOR VEHICLE.—For purposes of this
paragraph—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘qualified motor
vehicle’ means—
‘‘(I) a passenger automobile or light truck
which is treated as a motor vehicle for purposes
of title II of the Clean Air Act, the gross vehicle
weight rating of which is not more than 8,500
pounds, and the original use of which commences
with the taxpayer,
‘‘(II) a motorcycle the gross vehicle weight
rating of which is not more than 8,500 pounds
and the original use of which commences with
the taxpayer, and
‘‘(III) a motor home the original use of which
commences with the taxpayer.
‘‘(ii) OTHER TERMS.—The terms ‘motorcycle’ and
‘motor home’ have the meanings given such terms
under section 571.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations
(as in effect on the date of the enactment of
this paragraph).
‘‘(E) QUALIFIED MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES NOT INCLUDED
IN COST OF ACQUIRED PROPERTY.—The last sentence of subsection
(a) shall not apply to any qualified motor vehicle
taxes.
‘‘(F) COORDINATION WITH GENERAL SALES TAX.—This
paragraph shall not apply in the case of a taxpayer who
makes an election under paragraph (5) for the taxable
year.
‘‘(G) TERMINATION.—This paragraph shall not apply
to purchases after December 31, 2009.’’.
(c) DEDUCTION ALLOWED TO NONITEMIZERS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1) of section 63(c) is amended
by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of subparagraph (C), by striking
the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting ‘‘,
and’’, and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(E) the motor vehicle sales tax deduction.’’.
(2) DEFINITION.—Section 63(c) is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(9) MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX DEDUCTION.—For purposes
of paragraph (1), the term ‘motor vehicle sales tax deduction’
means the amount allowable as a deduction under section
164(a)(6). Such term shall not include any amount taken into
account under section 62(a).’’.
(d) TREATMENT OF DEDUCTION UNDER ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM
TAX.—The last sentence of section 56(b)(1)(E) is amended by
striking ‘‘section 63(c)(1)(D)’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraphs (D) and
(E) of section 63(c)(1)’’.
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section
shall apply to purchases on or after the date of the enactment
of this Act in taxable years ending after such date.
Sales taxes are assessed by every state except Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Hawaii has a similar tax although it is charged to businesses instead of consumers. In some cases, sales taxes are also assessed at the county or municipal level.
Alabama
Alabama has a state general sales tax of 4%, plus any additional local taxes which can amount to a combined total sales tax of up to 10% in some cities such as Montgomery. Alabama is one of several states that do not exempt food from state taxes.[3]
Alaska
There is no state sales tax in Alaska; however, local governments (boroughs and their municipalities) may levy up to 7%, and 108 of them do so.[4] Municipal sales taxes are collected in addition to borough sales taxes, if any. Regulations and exemptions vary widely across the state.[5] Anchorage and Fairbanks do not charge a local sales tax.
Arizona
Arizona has a transaction privilege tax (TPT) that differs from a “true” sales tax in that the tax is levied on the gross receipts of the vendor and is not a liability of the consumer.[6] (As explained in Arizona Administrative Code rule R15-5-2202,[7] vendors are permitted to pass the amount of the tax on to the consumer, but remain the liable parties for the tax to the state.) TPT is imposed under sixteen tax classifications (as of November 1, 2006),[8] with the tax rate most commonly encountered by Arizona consumers (e.g., for retail transactions) set at 5.6%. The current tax as of 2009 is 6.1%,[9] though cities and counties can add as much as 6% to the total rate.[10] Food for home consumption and prescription drugs (including legend drugs and certain prescribed homeopathic medication) are two of many items of tangible personal property that are statutorily exempt from the retail TPT. Arizona’s TPT is one of the few excise taxes in the country imposed on contracting activities rather than sales of construction materials.[11]
Arkansas
Arkansas has a state sales tax of 6%, plus any additional local taxes.
Effective July 1, 2007, Arkansas state sales tax on unprepared food (groceries) reduced to 3%. Local sales taxes on groceries remained unchanged.
California
California has a statewide sales tax of 7.25%, and local supplementary taxes are allowed up to 9.25%. Sales and use taxes in the state of California are collected by the publicly elected tax commission in the United States. The statewide 7.25% is allocated as:[12]
* 7.25% – State
o 5.00% – State – General Fund
o 0.25% – State – Fiscal Recovery Fund
o 0.50% – State – Local Revenue Fund
o 0.50% – State – Local Public Safety Fund
o 1.00% – Uniform Local Tax
+ 0.25% – Local County – Transportation funds
+ 0.75% – Local City/County – Operational funds
California has increased the statewide sales tax to 8.25% as a result of the budget crisis. [13]
Supplementary sales tax may be added (with voter approval) by cities, counties, service authorities, and various special districts (such as the Bay Area Rapid Transit district). The effect is that sales tax rates vary from 7.25% (in areas where no additional taxes are charged) to 8.75% (for example, in the city of Avalon, on Santa Catalina Island, in National City, and in Alameda County). On Oct. 1, 2008, the city of South Gate increased their sales-tax rate to 9.25%, the highest in California.[14]
The last changes to the published local tax rates took effect on April 1, 2007. Official updates are published on the Board of Equalization website and also in Publication 71.[15][16]
In general, sales tax is required on all purchases of tangible personal property to its ultimate consumer. Services are not subject to sales tax (but may be subject to other taxes).
Vehicle purchases are taxed based on the city and county in which the purchaser registers the vehicle, and not on the county in which the vehicle is purchased. There is therefore no advantage in purchasing a car in a cheaper county to save on sales tax (a one-percent difference in sales tax rate would otherwise result in an additional $300 loss on a $30,000 car).
In grocery stores, unprepared food items are not taxed but vitamins and all other items are. Ready-to-eat hot foods, whether sold by supermarkets or other vendors, are taxed. Restaurant bills are taxed. As an exception, hot beverages and bakery items are tax-exempt if and only if they are for take-out and are not sold with any other hot food. If consumed on the seller’s premises, such items are taxed like restaurant meals. All other food is exempt from sales tax.
Also excluded are food animals (livestock), food plants and seeds, fertilizer used to grow food, prescription drugs and certain medical supplies, energy utilities, certain alternative energy devices and supplies, art for display by public agencies, and veterans’ pins. There are many specific exemptions for various veterans’, non-profit, educational, religious, and youth organizations. Sale of items to certain out-of-state or national entities (mostly transportation companies) is exempt, as are some goods sold while in transit through California to a foreign destination.
Occasional or one-time sales not part of a regular business are exempt, except that sales of three or more non-food animals (puppies, kittens, etc.) per year are taxed. [17]
There are also exemptions for numerous specific products, from telephone lines and poles, to liquid petroleum gas for farm machinery, to coins, to public transit vehicles. There are partial exemptions for such varied items as racehorse breeding stock, teleproduction service equipment, farm machinery, and timber-harvesting equipment.[18] For an organized list of exemptions, with estimates for how much revenue the state loses and the people saves for each, see Publication 61 of the Board of Equalization.[19]
Sales tax is charged on gasoline. The tax is levied on both the gasoline and on the federal and state excise taxes, resulting in double taxation. The sales tax is included in the metered price at the pump. The California excise tax on gasoline is 18 cents a gallon.[20]
Motor vehicle gasoline and jet fuel are subject to special taxation regimes. In 2005, there was a political dispute in the San Francisco Bay Area about whether revenues for jet fuel should be credited to San Mateo County (where San Francisco International Airport is physically located), the City and County of San Francisco, which owns the airport, or Alameda County, where Oakland International Airport is located. (The distinction is largely point of delivery vs. point of negotiation for the sale.) This is controlled by Regulation 1802,[21] which has other provisions about businesses which have multiple locations.
Critics of the current sales tax regime charge that it gives local governments an incentive to promote commercial development (through zoning and other regulations) over residential development, including the use of eminent domain condemnation proceedings to transfer real estate to higher sales tax generating businesses.[22]
Colorado
Colorado’s state sales tax is 2.9% with some cities and counties levying additional taxes. Denver’s tangibles tax is 3.62%, with food eaten away from the home being taxed at 4%. There is also a football stadium tax, mass transit tax, and scientific and cultural facilities tax. Most transactions in Denver and the surrounding area are taxed at a total of about 8%. Colorado does not charge sales tax on unprepared food (groceries).
Connecticut
Connecticut has a 6% sales tax, with no additional local taxes. Most non-prepared food products are exempt, as are most prescription and nonprescription medications, all internet services, all magazine and newspaper subscriptions, and textbooks (for college students only). Most clothing costing less than $50 per item is also exempt; items costing more than $50 are charged sales tax on the entire price.[23]
Shipping and delivery charges (including charges for U.S. postage) made by a retailer to a customer are subject to sales and use taxes when provided in connection with the sales of taxable tangible personal property or services. The tax applies even if the charges are separately stated and applies regardless of whether the shipping or delivery is provided by the seller or by a third party. No tax is due on shipping and delivery charges in connection with any sale that is not subject to sales or use tax. Shipping or delivery charges related to sales for resale or sales of exempt items are not taxable. Likewise, charges for mailing or delivery services are not subject to tax if they are made in connection with the sale of nontaxable services.[24]
Delaware
Delaware does not assess a sales tax on consumers. The state does, however, impose a tax on the gross receipts of most businesses. Business and occupational license tax rates range from 0.096 percent to 1.92 percent, depending upon the category of business activity.
District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. has a sales tax rate of 5.75%. The tax is imposed on sale of tangible personal property and selected services. A 9% tax is imposed on liquor sold for off premises consumption, 10% on restaurant meals and rental cars, 12% on parking, and 14% on hotel accommodations. Groceries, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and residential utilities services are exempt from the District’s sales tax. [25]
The District has two sales tax holidays each year, one during “back-to-school” and one preceding the holiday shopping season.[26]
Florida
Florida has a general sales tax rate of 6%.[27] The tax is imposed on the sale or rental of goods, the sale of admissions, the lease, license, or rental of real property, the lease or rental of transient living accommodations, and the sale of a limited number of services such as commercial pest control, commercial cleaning, and certain protection services. There are a variety of exemptions from the tax, including groceries and prescriptions.[28]
A “discretionary sales surtax” may be imposed by the counties of up to 1.5%, charged at the rate of the destination county (if shipped). This is 1% in most counties, 0.5% in many, 1.5% in very few, and 0.25% in one county. A few have none at all. Most have an expiration date, but a few do not. Only the first $5,000 of a large purchase is subject to the surtax rate.[29] Most counties levy the surtax for education or transportation improvements.
There are annual sales tax holidays, such as a back-to-school holiday on clothing, books, and school supplies under a certain price, as well as a new one in June 2007 to promote hurricane preparedness. The 2008 Legislators did not enact any sales tax holidays.
Florida also permits counties to raise a “tourist development tax” of up to an additional 6% on hotel rooms.
Georgia
Georgia has a 4% state sales tax rate. Groceries are exempt from the state sales tax, but still subject to tax by the local sales tax rate. Counties may impose local sales tax of 1%, 2%, or 3%, consisting of up to three 1% local-option sales taxes (out of a set of five) as permitted by Georgia law. These include a SPLOST, a homestead exemption (HOST), and one for public schools which can be put forth for a referendum by the school board instead of the county commission (in cooperation with its city councils). Also, the city of Atlanta imposes an additional 1% municipal-option sales tax (MOST), as allowed by special legislation of the Georgia General Assembly, solely for the purpose of fixing its water and sewerage systems.
As of July 2008, total sales tax rates in Georgia are 3% for groceries and 7% for other items in the vast majority of its 159 counties. A few counties charge only 2% local tax (6% total on non-grocery items), and four partially exempt groceries from the local tax by charging 2% on food, and 3% (7% total) on other items. Fulton and DeKalb counties charge 1% for MARTA, and adjacent metro Atlanta counties may do so by referendum if they so choose. For the portions of Fulton and DeKalb within the city of Atlanta, the total is at 8% (4% on groceries) due to the MOST.[30]
Similar to Florida and certain other states, Georgia has two sales tax holidays per year. One is for back-to-school sales the first weekend in August, but sometimes starting at the end of July. A second usually occurs in October, for energy-efficient appliances with the Energy Star certification.
Georgia has many exemptions available to specific businesses and industries. To identify potential exemptions, businesses and consumers must research the laws and rules for sales and use tax and review current exemption forms. [31]
Hawaii
Hawaii does not have a sales tax, but it does have an excise tax which applies to nearly every conceivable type of transaction (including services), and is technically charged to the business rather than the consumer. Unlike other states, businesses may or may not show the tax separately on the receipt, as it is technically part of the selling price. 4.0% is charged at retail with an additional 0.5% surcharge in the City and County of Honolulu (for a total of 4.5% on Oahu sales), and 0.5% is charged on wholesale [6]. However the state also allows “tax on tax” to be charged, which effectively means a customer is billed 4.166% (4.712% on Oahu). The exact dollar or percentage amount to be added must be quoted to customers within or along with the price. The 0.5% surcharge on Oahu was implemented to fund the new rail transport system. [32] The use of an excise tax means that tax-exempt non-profit organizations must pay the tax, unlike states where they are exempt from sales taxes.
Idaho
Idaho has a 6.0% state sales tax. Some localities levy an additional local sales tax.[33]
Illinois
Illinois’ sales and use tax scheme includes four major divisions. Retailers’ Occupation Tax, Use Tax, Service Occupation Tax and the Service Use Tax. Each of these taxes is administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue. The Retailers’ Occupation Tax is imposed upon persons engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property to purchasers for use or consumption. It is measured by the gross receipts of the retailer. The base rate of 6.25% is broken down as follows: 5% State, 1% City, 0.25% County. Local governments may impose additional tax resulting in a combined rate that ranges from the State minimum of 6.25% to a current high of 11.50% in certain business districts in Cook County.[34]. A complementary Use Tax is imposed upon the privilege of using or consuming property purchased anywhere at retail from a retailer. Illinois registered retailers are authorized to collect the Use Tax from their customers and use it to offset their obligations under the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act. Since the Use Tax rate is equivalent to the corresponding Retailers’ Occupation Tax rate, the amount collected by the retailer matches the amount the retailer must submit to the Illinois Department of Revenue. The combination of these two taxes is what is commonly referred to as “sales tax”. If the purchaser does not pay the Use Tax directly to a retailer (for instance, on an item purchased from an Internet seller), they must remit it directly to the Illinois Department of Revenue.[35]
The Service Occupation Tax is imposed upon the privilege of engaging in service businesses and is measured by the selling price of tangible personal property transferred as an incident to providing a service. The Service Use Tax is imposed upon the privilege of using or consuming tangible personal property transferred as an incident to the provision of a service. An example would be a printer of business cards. The printer owes Service Occupation Tax on the value of the paper and ink transferred to the customer in the form of printed business cards. The serviceperson may satisfy this tax by paying Use Tax to his supplier of paper and ink or, alternatively, may charge Service Use Tax to the purchaser of the business cards and remit the amount collected as Service Occupation Tax on the serviceperson’s tax return. The service itself, however, is not subject to tax.
Qualifying food, drugs, medicines and medical appliances[36] have sales tax of 1% plus local home rule tax depending on the location where purchased. Newspapers and magazines are exempt from sales tax as are legal tender, currency, medallions, bullion or gold or silver coinage issued by the State of Illinois, the government of the United States of America, or the government of any foreign country.
Illinois’ system is exceptionally complicated. A brief overview is detailed on the Illinois Department of Revenue website.[37]
The city of Chicago has the highest total sales tax of all major U.S. cities.[38] It is also one of the most complex. 10.25% is levied on all non-perishable goods purchased, while 2% is levied on qualifying food, drugs, medicines and medical appliances.[38] The Illinois Department of Revenue collects a 3% Chicago Soft Drink Tax and a 1% Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) “Food and Beverage Tax”, on prepared food and beverage purchases in the downtown area (These “downtown” boundaries are: Surf Street on the north, Ashland Avenue on the west, Stevenson Expressway (I-55) on the south, & Lake Michigan on the east. Furthermore, O’Hare and Midway airports also fall under the 1% MPEA tax district).[39] In addition, the Chicago Department of Revenue collects additional sales taxes on items such as fountain drinks, bottled water, liquor, and cigarettes.[40]
Indiana
Indiana has a 7% state sales tax. The tax rate was raised from 6% on April 1, 2008, to offset the loss of revenue from the statewide property tax reform, which is expected to significantly lower property taxes. Untaxed retail items include medications, water, ice and unprepared, raw staple foods or fruit juices. Many localities, inclusive of either counties or cities, in the state of Indiana also have a sales tax on restaurant food and beverages consumed in the restaurant or purchased to go. Revenues are usually used for economic development and tourism projects. This additional tax rate may be 1% or 2% or other amounts depending on the county in which the business is located. For example, in Marion County, Indiana, the sales tax for restaurants is 9%.
Iowa
As of July 1, 2008, Iowa has a 6% state sales tax. All counties impose local option sales taxes of up to 1% each, bringing the total up to 7%. There is no tax on most unprepared food, excluding corn. The Iowa Department of Revenue provides information about local option sales taxes,[41] including sales tax rate lookup.
Kansas
Kansas has a 5.3% state sales tax. More than 700 jurisdictions within the state (cities, counties, and special districts) may impose additional taxes. For example, in the capital city of Topeka, retailers must collect 5.3% for the state, 1.15% for Shawnee County, and 1% for the city, for a total rate of 7.45%. As of February 2007, the highest rate was 8.65%, in the Roeland Park Transportation District.
Kansas
Kansas has a 5.3% state sales tax. More than 700 jurisdictions within the state (cities, counties, and special districts) may impose additional taxes. For example, in the capital city of Topeka, retailers must collect 5.3% for the state, 1.15% for Shawnee County, and 1% for the city, for a total rate of 7.45%. As of February 2007, the highest rate was 8.65%, in the Roeland Park Transportation District.
Kentucky
Kentucky has a 6% state sales tax. Alcohol and most staple grocery foods are exempt.
Louisiana
Louisiana has a 4% state sales tax: 3.97% to sales tax and .03% to Louisiana tourism district.[42] There are also taxes on the parish (county) level and some on the city levels.[43] Parishes may add local taxes up to 5%, while local jurisdictions within parishes may add more. Louisiana also bids out sales tax audits to private companies, with many being paid on a percentage collected basis.
Orleans Parish collects the maximum 5% tax rate for a total of 9% on general purpose items.[44]
Maine
Maine has a 5% general, service provider and use tax.[45] The tax on lodging and prepared food is 7% and short term auto rental is 10%. These are all generally known as “sales tax”.
Maryland
Maryland has a 6% state sales and use tax as of January 3, 2008 (it was 5% before this), with exceptions for medicine, residential energy, and most non-prepared foods. Currently, many services (e.g., auto repair labor, haircuts, accounting) are not taxed. With this tax increase, Maryland added sales tax on Internet purchases and other mail items such as magazine subscriptions. Clothing is also taxable.
Certain computer services were to be subject to sales tax and use tax effective July 1, 2008 after being approved without public hearing during the 2007 Special Legislative Session.[46] However, after effective lobbying by computer services professionals, the tax was repealed April 6th during the final days of the General Assembly. Following declining approval ratings and intense public pressure, Governor Martin O’Malley relented and authorized the repeal.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a 5% sales tax, replete with numerous exceptions including (among other things): “food products” (but excluding prepared meals); residential water, gas, electric services; returnable containers, clothing and footwear up to $175 (for clothing over $175, tax is due only on the amount over $175 per item[47]); prescription medicines, prostheses and medical appliances or services; publications for use in education or religious worship; poultry and livestock, as well as their feed; fruit and vegetable stock for generating food for humans; tools, machinery, parts, etc., for use in agriculture; cloth or other materials used for making clothing; residential heat pump, solar or wind power system; items purchasable with federal food stamps; the American Flag; etc. An enacted change in 2006 taxes computer software that is downloaded for use in Massachusetts, whereas previously this was viewed as a non-taxable “service”.[48]
Every year since 2004, the State Government has enacted tax holidays suspending the sales tax on purchases for one weekend in August. Motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products, and any single item with a price exceeding $2,500 were excluded from the holiday.[49]
Michigan
Michigan has a 6% sales tax. Michigan has a use tax of 6%, which is a tax that is applied to items brought into Michigan but not bought there, and on rentals in some situations, and is supposed to be paid when filing income tax.[50] A service tax was approved in September 2007, effective December 1st, 2007, allowing certain services to be taxed. The services tax was repealed the same day it went into effect. There is no local sales tax in Michigan. Food, periodicals[51], and prescription drugs are not taxed. Restaurants, however, do have a tax, but the tax is for the service and not on the food. Michigan also has recently introduced a business tax called the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) which replaces the Single Business Tax (SBT).[52]
Minnesota
Minnesota currently has a 6.5% state sales tax. A statewide referendum passed on Nov. 4, 2008 which will add 3/8 of 1 percent, bringing the total to 6.875%. The new rate will go into effect on July 1, 2009.[53] As of July 1, 2008, an additional 0.25% Transit Improvement tax was phased in across five counties in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area for transit development. These counties include Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington. The Transit Improvement tax brings taxes in these counties to 7.125%. Saint Paul imposes an additional 0.5% tax, bringing the total to 7.625%. An additional 0.15% is imposed in Hennepin County to finance a new Minnesota Twins stadium, in addition to 0.5% imposed in Minneapolis, bringing the total rate in the city of Minneapolis to 7.775% and 7.275% in the rest of Hennepin County. Food (not including prepared food, some beverages such as soda pop, and other items such as candy) and clothing are exempt from the sales tax. Prescription drugs are also exempt.[54] Municipalities may be allowed by the state legislature to institute local option taxes. Rochester imposes a 0.5% for a total of 7.375% sales tax. Current local option taxes include a “lodging” tax in Duluth (3%), Minneapolis (3%), and Rochester (4%), as well as served “food and beverage” tax in Duluth (2.25%). An additional 1% sales tax is imposed in Duluth, bringing the total to 7.875%. Alcohol has a 9% sales tax statewide (6.5% sales tax, plus 2.5% gross receipts tax) not including any applicable local taxes. In addition to the local 1% sales tax added to Duluth sales, Duluth imposes an additional 2.25% tax on all food, beverage and alcohol sales at restaurants.
Minnesota
Minnesota currently has a 6.5% state sales tax. A statewide referendum passed on Nov. 4, 2008 which will add 3/8 of 1 percent, bringing the total to 6.875%. The new rate will go into effect on July 1, 2009.[53] As of July 1, 2008, an additional 0.25% Transit Improvement tax was phased in across five counties in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area for transit development. These counties include Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington. The Transit Improvement tax brings taxes in these counties to 7.125%. Saint Paul imposes an additional 0.5% tax, bringing the total to 7.625%. An additional 0.15% is imposed in Hennepin County to finance a new Minnesota Twins stadium, in addition to 0.5% imposed in Minneapolis, bringing the total rate in the city of Minneapolis to 7.775% and 7.275% in the rest of Hennepin County. Food (not including prepared food, some beverages such as soda pop, and other items such as candy) and clothing are exempt from the sales tax. Prescription drugs are also exempt.[54] Municipalities may be allowed by the state legislature to institute local option taxes. Rochester imposes a 0.5% for a total of 7.375% sales tax. Current local option taxes include a “lodging” tax in Duluth (3%), Minneapolis (3%), and Rochester (4%), as well as served “food and beverage” tax in Duluth (2.25%). An additional 1% sales tax is imposed in Duluth, bringing the total to 7.875%. Alcohol has a 9% sales tax statewide (6.5% sales tax, plus 2.5% gross receipts tax) not including any applicable local taxes. In addition to the local 1% sales tax added to Duluth sales, Duluth imposes an additional 2.25% tax on all food, beverage and alcohol sales at restaurants.
Mississippi
Mississippi has a 7% state sales tax. Cities and towns may implement an additional tourism tax on restaurant and hotel sales. The city of Tupelo has a 0.25% tax in addition to other taxes. Restaurant and fast food tax is 9%. The city of Hattiesburg also has a 9% sales tax on Restaurant and fast food tax.
Missouri
Missouri has a 4.225% state sales & use tax rate. The state sales tax rate on certain foods is 1.225%. Counties, cities, and special taxing districts may impose additional sales & use taxes.
Transportation Development Districts and Museum Districts may impose sales tax (but not use tax) up to 1%, in addition to all other sales taxes. However, the Missouri Department of Revenue does not administer sales tax for these districts, nor does it publish their sales tax rates. As of August 2007, there is no public, comprehensive and complete list of these districts, their locations, and the sales tax rates they impose.
Montana
Montana does not have a state sales tax but some municipalities which are big tourist destinations, such as Whitefish, Red Lodge, Big Sky, and West Yellowstone, have a small sales tax (0.25%).
Nebraska
Nebraska has a 5.5% state sales tax. Municipalities have the option of imposing an additional sales tax of up to 1.5%. Specific tax rates per counties are available on the web.[55]
Nevada
Nevada’s state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent. Counties may impose additional rates via voter approval or through approval of the Legislature; therefore, the applicable sales tax varies by county from 6.5 percent to 7.75 percent (in Clark County), as of October 1, 2007. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, imposes four separate county option taxes in addition to the statewide rate – 0.25 percent for flood control, 0.50 percent for mass transit, 0.25 to fund the Southern Nevada Water Authority, and 0.25 percent for the addition of police officers in that county. In Washoe County (which includes Reno), the sales tax rate is 7.375 percent, due to county option rates for flood control, the ReTRAC train trench project, mass transit, and an additional county rate approved under the Local Government Tax Act of 1991.[56]
For travelers to Las Vegas, note that the lodging tax rate in unincorporated Clark County, which includes the Las Vegas Strip, is 9%. Within the boundaries of the City of Las Vegas, the lodging tax rate is 11%.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of only five states that do not impose any form of general sales tax on the sale or use of tangible personal property within the state. New Hampshire does, however, levy a tax on meals, room occupancies, motor vehicle rentals, and use of electricity (55 cents per megawatt-hour) and phone services (7 percent). A transfer tax is levied on real estate sales, currently 0.15 percent.
In New Hampshire, any food or beverage that is prepared and served by a “restaurant,” whether served for consumption on or off the restaurant premises, is considered to be a meal. Excluded from the tax is any food and beverage that is wholly packaged off the premises and sold in the original package, such as chips, candy, soda or fruit beverages in sealed containers, and frozen novelties. Catered or delivered meals or party platters are taxable, as are charges for any service or items related to preparing or serving the food (plates, ovens, etc). Restaurants include most places where you can buy any food. There are several other exceptions. For example, meals served or furnished on the premises of a religious or charitable nonprofit organization are not taxable, nor are bakery products sold in quantity of 6 or more servings, or a whole pie, cake, or loaf of bread with multiple servings.
The New Hampshire meals and rooms tax rate is 8% on any amount over 35 cents (including any alcohol served on premise). The rooms tax is imposed on any occupancy in a hotel, house, apartment, dormitory, camp, cottage or any similar establishment offering sleeping accommodations in the State of New Hampshire, for any rental less than 185 days, not including bare campsites without shelter. The tax rate is currently 8% of the rent for each occupancy. A motor vehicle rental tax is imposed under the meals and room tax classification at a rate of 8% on the gross rental receipts of each rental, but not including separately itemized fuel, insurance or damage charges.
Gasoline tax is 20.6¢ per gallon. Cigarettes: $1.08 per pack. Beer: 30¢ per gallon.
See also tax-free shopping.
New Jersey
New Jersey The State of New Jersey’s sales and use tax rate is seven percent (7%). However, there are exceptions to this statewide rate. In Urban Enterprise Zones, UEZ-impacted business districts, and in Salem County, sales tax may be charged at 3.5% (50% of the regular rate) on certain items. In addition, local sales taxes are imposed on sales of certain items sold in Atlantic City and Cape May County. For additional information, see Tax Topic Bulletin S&U-4, New Jersey Sales Tax Guide, available at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/pubs/sales/su4.pdf
A full list of Urban Enterprise Zones is available on the State of New Jersey Web site.[57]
New Jersey does not charge sales tax on unprepared food (except certain sweets and pet food), household paper products, medicine, and clothing. New Jersey does not charge sales tax on goods purchased for resale or on capital improvements but does charge sales tax on certain services. See the NJ Division of Taxation website at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/su.shtml
New Jersey does not charge sales tax on gasoline, but gasoline is subject to a $0.145/gallon excise tax.
Sales of clothing and accessories that are made of fur from the hide or pelt of an animal that is valued at $500 or more are subject to a 6% Fur Clothing Gross Receipts Tax.
New Mexico
New Mexico does not technically have a sales tax, but it has a 5% statewide gross receipts tax which is applied on typically everything including sales of goods and services, but not sales of food for offsite consumption.
The state does not prohibit retailers from collecting this tax directly from the consumer, so the gross receipts tax is commonly just passed on from the retailer to the consumer as if it were a sales tax.
New York
New York has a 4% state sales tax. All counties and some cities add local taxes ranging from 3% to 4.75%. The combined sales tax in Utica, New York, for example, is 8.75%. In New York City, total sales tax is 8.375%, which includes 0.375% charged for the service of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
There is no New York City sales tax imposed on the purchase of clothing and footwear regardless of the amount. As of September 1, 2007, New York State has eliminated sales tax on all clothing and shoes if the single item is priced under $110. Most counties and cities have not eliminated their local sales taxes on clothing and shoes. There are however, 11 counties and 5 cities (most notably New York City, New York, Queens, Kings, Richmond, and Bronx, which make up New York City are not counted)) that have done so. The counties where the year-round exemption will apply include: Chautauqua, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Hamilton, Madison (outside the City of Oneida), Rensselaer, Tioga, Broome, and Wayne. The cities where the year-round exemption will apply include: Gloversville, New York City, Norwich, Olean, Binghamton, and Sherrill. New York also exempts college textbooks from sales tax.
As of June 1, 2008, when products are purchased online and shipped within New York State, the retailer must charge the tax amount appropriate to the locality where the goods are shipped, and in addition, must also charge the appropriate tax on the cost of shipping and handling.
North Carolina
North Carolina has a state-levied sales tax of 4.5%, effective October 1, 2008, with most counties adding an additional 2.5% tax, for a total tax of 7%. Mecklenburg County levies an additional 0.5% tax, which is directed towards funding the light rail system, for a total of 7.5%.
There is a 30.2¢ tax per gallon on gas, a 35¢ tax per pack of cigarettes, a 79¢ tax per gallon on wine, and a 53¢ tax per gallon on beer. Most non-prepared food purchases are taxed at a reduced rate of 2%. Candy, soft drinks, and prepared foods are taxed at the full combined 7% rate, with some counties levying an additional 1% tax on prepared foods. In order to benefit back-to-school shoppers, there is a sales tax holiday that exempts certain items of tangible personal property sold between the first Friday in August and the following Sunday.
North Dakota
North Dakota has a 5% state sales tax for general sales. Sales Tax in North Dakota varies depending on the category. (5%, 7%, 3% and 2%) [58]
Ohio
Ohio has a 5.5% state sales tax. [59] Counties may levy a permissive sales tax of from 1/4% up to 2.5% and transit authorities, mass transit districts usually centered on one primary county, may levy a sales tax of from 1/4% up to 2.5%. Cuyahoga county has the highest sales tax of 7.75%. Tax increments may not be less than 1/4%, and the total tax rate, including the state rate, may not exceed 8.5%. County permissive taxes may be levied by emergency resolution of the county boards of commissioners. Transit authority taxes must and county permissive taxes may be levied by a vote of the electors of the district or county. Shipping and handling charges are considered part of the retail price and are also taxable. Ohio also has a gross receipts tax called the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) that is applicable only to businesses but shares some similarities to a sales tax.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a 4.5% sales tax rate. Cities have an additional sales tax which varies, but is generally 3-4% resulting in a total sales tax rate of 7.5% to 8.5%.
Oregon
Oregon has no statewide sales tax, although local municipalities may impose sales taxes if they so choose. The city of Ashland, for example, charges a 5% sales tax on prepared food. Several Oregon communities assess sales taxes on lodging.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a 6% sales tax rate. Allegheny County and Philadelphia County have an additional 1% sales tax.
Food, most clothing, and footwear are among the items most frequently exempted.[60] However, taxed food items include soft drinks and powdered mixes, sports drinks, hot beverages, hot prepared foods, sandwiches, and salad bar meals, unless these items are purchased with food stamps. Additionally, catering and delivery fees are taxed if the food itself is taxed.
Additional exemptions include internet service,[61] newspapers, textbooks, disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, wet wipes, prescription drugs, many over-the-counter drugs and supplies, oral hygiene items (including toothbrushes and toothpaste), contact lenses and eyeglasses, health club and tanning booth fees, burial items (like coffins, urns, and headstones), personal protective equipment for production personnel, work uniforms, veterinary services, pet medications, fuel for residential use (including coal, firewood, fuel oil, natural gas, steam, and electricity), many farming supplies and equipment, and ice.[62]
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a 5.5% commonwealth sales tax that applies to both products and services with few exemptions (including items such as unprocessed foods, prescription medicines and business-to-business services). Additionally, most municipalities have a city sales tax of 1.5% for a total of 7%. Some items that are exempt from commonwealth state tax, specifically unprocessed foods, may still be subject to the city sales tax in the municipalities.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a state sales tax of 7%. The rate was raised from 1% to 6% as a temporary measure in the 1970s, but has not since been lowered.
Rhode Island raised its sales tax from 6% to 7% in the early 1990s to pay for the bailout of the state’s failed credit unions. The change was initially proposed as a temporary measure, but was later made permanent.
Other taxes may also apply, such as the state’s 1% restaurant tax.
Many items are exempt from the state sales tax, e.g., food, prescription drugs, clothing and footwear, newspapers, coffins, and original artwork.[63]
South Carolina
South Carolina has a 6% state sales tax, as of June 1, 2007 (7% for accommodations), but counties and some cities may impose an additional 1% or 2% sales tax. As of mid-2005, 35 of 46 counties do so. Restaurants may also charge an extra 1-2% tax on prepared food (fast food or take-out) in some places. The state’s sales tax on unprepared food disappeared completely November 1, 2007. There is a cap of $300 on sales tax for most vehicles.
Additionally, signs posted in many places of business inform that South Carolina residents over the age of 85 are entitled to a 1% reduction in sales tax.
South Dakota
South Dakota has a 4% state sales tax, plus any additional local taxes. An additional 1% sales tax is added during the summer season on sales occurring in tourism-related businesses and dedicated to the state’s office of tourism.
Tennessee
Tennessee charges 5.5% sales tax on groceries as of January 1, 2008, and 7% on other items. Counties also tax up to 2.75% in increments of 0.25% — most do so around 2.25%. If a county does not charge the maximum, its cities can charge and keep all or part of the remainder. Several cities are in more than one county, but none charge a city tax, thus paying only the county taxes.[64][65]
Texas
The Texas state sales and use tax rate is 6.25%, but local taxing jurisdictions (cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities) may also impose sales and use taxes up to 2% for a total of 8.25%.[66] Medicine, produce, eggs, meats, bakery products, and others are exempt from tax.[67] In May 2006, Texas imposed a 1% tax on the gross receipts of businesses (retailers pay a .5 percent rate), but exempts sole proprietorships and general partnerships.[68]
If merchants file and pay their sales & use tax on time, they may subtract 1/2 percent of the tax collected as a discount, to encourage prompt payment and to compensate the merchant for collecting the tax from consumers for the state. [69]
Utah
Utah has a 4.75% state sales tax. Additionally, local taxing authorities can impose their own sales tax. Currently the majority of Utah’s aggregate sales taxes are in the range of 5.5% – 7.0%.[70]
Vermont
Vermont has a 6% sales tax.[71]
Virginia
Virginia has a general sales tax rate of 5% (4% state tax and 1% local tax). Consumers are taxed on every ‘eligible food item.’ For example, fresh local produce sold at farmers markets and grocery stores, or basic, unprepared cold grocery foods, are taxed 2.5% (1.5% state tax and 1% local tax).[72] Cities and counties may also charge an additional “Food and Beverage Tax” on restaurant meals.[73]
Virginia’s use tax also applies at the same rate for out of state purchases (food 2.5%, non-food 5%)exceeding $100 per year.[74] Various exemptions include prescription and non-prescription medicine[75], gasoline [need citation, but was told not to report gas purchases], and postage stamps, or the labor portion of vehicle repair (parts portion only, citation needed). “Cost price” does not include separately stated shipping or delivery charges but it does include a “shipping and handling” charge if listed as a combined item on the sales invoice.[76] However, unlike Maryland and West Virginia consumer use tax forms, the Virginia CU-7 Consumer Use Tax Form does not recognize that it is possible to be under-taxed in another state and so only addresses untaxed items only. Unlike Maryland’s quarterly filing, Virginia’s CU-7 is due annually between January 1 and May 1 or can be filed optionally instead with Schedule ADJ with Form 760, or Schedule NPY with Form 760PY. As with all states, Virginia has penalties and interest for non-filing, but Virginia’s use tax is no more practically enforceable than that of any other state.
Washington
Washington has a 6.5% statewide sales tax. As of October 31, 2007, sales tax is not applied on most food items and prescription medications (not including over-the-counter medications). Individual counties, municipalities and regional transit authorities are entitled to collect a sales tax, which vary from 0.5% to 2.5%. Within King County, the King County Food & Beverage (KCF&B) tax adds an additional .5% to food and beverages purchased in bars, taverns and restaurants resulting in an effective tax rate of 9.5% (9.0% on all other items).[77] Additionally, the sale or lease of motor vehicles for use on the road incur an additional 0.3% tax, rental of a car for less than 30 days has an additional state/local tax of 8.9%.[77] When renting a car for less than 30 days in Seattle, the total sales tax is 18.6%. When purchasing an automobile, if you trade in a car, the state subtracts the price of the trade when calculating the sales tax to be paid on the automobile (e.g., purchasing a $40,000 car and trading a $20,000 car, you would be taxed on the difference of $20,000 only, not the full amount of the new vehicle).
When staying at hotel (60+ rooms capacity) in Seattle, the sales tax is 15.6%. Residents of Canada and US states or possessions (only US and Canadian locations having a sales tax of less than 3%, e.g., Oregon, Alaska & Alberta) are exempt from sales tax on purchases of tangible personal property for use outside the state. Stores at the border will inquire about residency and exempt qualified purchasers from the tax.[78] Washington also has a Gross receipts tax called the Business and Occupations Tax (B&O).
Also, the seller of a house pays excise taxes on the full sale price. The amount of the varies by county. In King and Snohomish counties, it is up to 1.78%. For example, selling a house for $500K will cost you $8900 in taxes.
Residents of Washington are also obligated to pay a sales and use tax, which is incurred when a resident makes a purchase in another state and uses it within state lines, regardless of whether or not sales tax was paid in another state. This tax is based on an honor system for its residents and is seldom, if ever, paid.
The lowest combined sales tax (statewide and municipality) in Washington is 7.0% in most of Klickitat and Skamania Counties, while the highest combined sales tax in Washington is the aforementioned 9.5% tax on prepared food and beverages in King County.
April 1, 2008 saw tax increases in King County (+.001), Kittitas County (+.003), Mason County (+.001), and the city of Union Gap (+.002)[79].
On July 1, 2008, Washington stopped charging an origin-based sales tax, and started charging a destination-based sales tax. This change only applies to transactions beginning and ending within state lines and does not apply to other states.[77] Additionally, Washington started collecting taxes from online retailers that have voluntarily agreed to start collecting the sales tax in return for not being sued for back taxes.[80]
The city of Seattle charges a 7.5% tax on charges for parking garages to go toward mass transit.
On November 4, 2008, voters in King County (Seattle) approved a 0.5% increase in the sales tax. Taxes will now be 9.5% on retail purchases, excluding uncooked food, restaurants and bars will now be 10%. (Washington State does not currently have an income tax)
West Virginia
West Virginia has the distinction of being the first US state to enact a sales tax.[1] It currently stands at 6%. The sales tax on food currently stands at 3%. Effective January 1, 2006, the sales tax on food was lowered to 5%, and on July 1, 2007, it was lowered further to 4%. The sales tax on food was again lowered to 3% on July 1, 2008.[81] However, the reduced rate of tax does not apply to sales, purchases and uses by consumers of prepared food. Prescription drugs are not subject to sales tax. Credit is allowed for sales or use taxes paid to another state with respect to the purchase.
An individual who titles a motor vehicle with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles must pay a $5.00 title fee and a 5 percent title privilege tax (rather than the 6 percent sales tax). For vehicles purchased new by West Virginia residents, the measure of this tax is the net sales price of the vehicle. For used vehicles, and for vehicles previously titled in other states, the tax is measured by the National Automobile Dealers Association book value of the vehicle at the time of registration. No credit is issued for any taxes paid to another state. Trailers, motorboats, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles are also subject to this tax.[82] As of June 7, 2007, new residents of West Virginia no longer have to pay the 5 percent title privilege tax on vehicles, as long as the vehicles were validly titled to the same owner outside the state.[83]
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax, with most of the 72 counties charging an extra 0.5% “County Tax”. Five counties (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, Waukesha) have a 0.1% tax that funds the building of Miller Park in Milwaukee. Brown County (Green Bay) has a 0.5% tax for the reconstruction of Lambeau Field. Prescriptions, most non-prepared foods (including meat and dairy) are exempt; however over-the-counter medications are not.[84]
Wyoming
Wyoming has a 4% state sales tax, with counties adding an additional 0% to 2%, resulting in a maximum rate of 6%. In addition, resort district areas have the option to impose an additional 1% tax. Food for domestic home consumption is exempt from sales tax.
References
# ^ a b TaxToken FAQ
# ^ Sales and Use Tax info for all 50 states
# ^ ADOR – State Tax Rates
# ^ Alaska state taxes
# ^ Business Owner’s Toolkit: Sales and Use Taxes in Alaska
# ^ Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 42-5008
# ^ Arizona Administrative Code R15-5-2202
# ^ 2006 Ariz. Sess. Laws ch. 354
# ^ [1]
# ^ [2]
# ^ A.R.S. § 42-5075
# ^ California Board of Equalization – Detailed Description of the Sales and Use Tax Rate
# ^ California Legislature Passes Tax Plan, Ends Impasse
# ^ [3]
# ^ California Board of Equalization
# ^ California Publication 71
# ^ http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub122.pdf
# ^ New Sales and Use Tax Exemptions
# ^ California Publication 61
# ^ California Board of Equalization Online Tax Rates
# ^ http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/reg1802.pdf
# ^ http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/R_799PLR.pdf
# ^ DRS: Exemptions from Sales and Use Taxes
# ^ SN 93(7) 1993 Legislation Affecting the Sales and Use Taxes, the Tourism Fund Surcharge and the Tire Fee, State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
# ^ Office of the Chief Financial Officer: Sales and Use Taxes
# ^ Office of Tax and Revenue: Sales Tax Holiday
# ^ FL Dept Rev – Florida Sales and Use Tax
# ^ FL Dept Rev – Florida Sales and Use Tax
# ^ Florida sales tax laws, rules, rates SalesAndUseTax.com
# ^ Food rates
# ^ Georgia sales and use tax laws, rules, rates and exemptions
# ^ http://www.hawaii.gov/tax/csurchg/cs_announcement.pdf
# ^ Idaho State Tax Commission – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
# ^ Illinois Tax Rate Finder
# ^ http://iltax.com/Individuals/usetax.htm Illinois Use Tax Requirements
# ^ http://iltax.com/LegalInformation/regs/part130/130-310.pdf Illinois Food, Drugs, Medicines and Medical Appliances
# ^ Retailer’s Overview of Sales and Use Tax
# ^ a b Stroger, county commissioners close to budget deal – Medical Services, Cook County, Cook County Board – chicagotribune.com
# ^ The Civic Federation – Selected Consumer Taxes in the City of Chicago
# ^ Chicago City Taxes
# ^ Iowa Department of Revenue Web Site – Iowa Taxes
# ^ Louisiana Sales Tax, Louisiana Department of Revenue
# ^ “Louisiana Parish tax agencies”. http://www.laota.com/pta.htm. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
# ^ “Orleans Parish tax rate”. http://www.laota.com/parish/Orleans.html. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
# ^ Maine Revenue Services, Sales Tax Reference Guide
# ^ “Momentum Builds to Repeal Maryland Computer Services Tax”
# ^ http://www.mass.gov/Ador/docs/dor/Publ/PDFS/sales_use_07.pdf
# ^ MGL 64H s.6.
# ^ [4]
# ^ TREASURY – Michigan’s Use Tax (Remote Sales Tax)
# ^ http://egov.oakgov.com/econ/oakland_county/profile/taxes/sales_tax.pdf
# ^ GRANHOLM – Granholm: New Michigan Business Tax Key to State’s Economic Future, Creating Jobs
# ^ Meersman, Tom (2008-05-11). “Outdoors, arts amendment passes”. The Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/33873884.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUec7PaP3E77K_0c::D3aDhUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
# ^ Minnesota House of Representatives, Minnesota Sales Tax Base
# ^ New Local Option Sales and Use Tax Rates – April 1, 2008
# ^ Microsoft Word – Revised Draft – RRM.doc
# ^ New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones
# ^ Office of State Tax Commissioner, Bismarck, North Dakota | Sales and Use
# ^ 2007AR.indb
# ^ How do I know which items or services are subject to Pennsylvania Sales Tax?, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
# ^ PA Code § 60.20. Telecommunications service
# ^ Retailers’ Information: Taxes (PDF), Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
# ^ [5][dead link]
# ^ Sales and Use Tax
# ^ http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:lVXYljJ0gRsJ:www.state.tn.us/revenue/pubs/taxlist.pdf+&hl=en
# ^ Local Sales and Use Tax
# ^ Texas Taxes Publication
# ^ Dubay, Curtis S. (2006-05-19). “Texas Implements Gross Receipts Tax”. Tax Foundation. http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/1512.html. Retrieved on 2007-02-04.
# ^ http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/01-922.pdf
# ^ Utah Sales and Use Tax Rates
# ^ “Vermont Sales & Use Tax Rate Tables”. State of Vermont. 2008-08-29. http://www.state.vt.us/tax/pdf.word.excel/business/streamlinedtaxratetable.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-01-06.
# ^ http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=SalesUseTax#Retail VA Dept of Taxation
# ^ Code of Virginia § 58.1-3842
# ^ Virginia Department of Taxation
# ^ http://www.tax.virginia.gov/Web_PDFs/txbull_984.pdf
# ^ http://www.tax.virginia.gov/Web_PDFs/indForms/currentyear/cu7.pdf
# ^ a b c Local Sales & Use Tax Rates & Changes, October 2007, Washington State Department of Revenue
# ^ http://dor.wa.gov/content/taxes/LocalSales_Use.aspx
# ^ Qtr 2 08 LSU Flyer.indd
# ^ Taxes catch up to online sales
# ^ Food tax lowers to 3 percent in West Virginia, still higher than surrounding states | Markets | Headline News | Canadian Business Online
# ^ http://www.state.wv.us/taxrev/taxdoc/tsd387.pdf
# ^ “Vehicle License Information: New Residents”. West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles. http://www.wvdot.com/6_motorists/dmv/6g2a_licenseinfo.htm#NewResidents. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
# ^ Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Treatment
# ^ http://www.iowa.gov/tax/educate/78516.html
# ^ State sales and use tax laws SalesAndUseTax.com
http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/571-3-definitions-19948517
Text:
TITLE 49 – TRANSPORTATION
SUBTITLE B – OTHER REGULATIONS RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER V – NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
SUBCHAPTER B – SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS
PART 571 – FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS
subpart a – GENERAL
571.3 – Definitions.
(a) Statutory definitions. All terms defined in section 102 of the Act are used in their statutory meaning.
(b) Other definitions. As used in this chapter Act means the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 718).
Approved, unless used with reference to another person, means approved by the Secretary.
Boat trailer means a trailer designed with cradle-type mountings to transport a boat and configured to permit launching of the boat from the rear of the trailer.
Bus means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed for carrying more than 10 persons.
Curb weight means the weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment; maximum capacity of engine fuel, oil, and coolant; and, if so equipped, air conditioning and additional weight optional engine.
Designated seating capacity means the number of designated seating positions provided.
Designated seating position means any plan view location capable of accommodating a person at least as large as a 5th percentile adult female, if the overall seat configuration and design and vehicle design is such that the position is likely to be used as a seating position while the vehicle is in motion, except for auxiliary seating accommodations such as temporary or folding jump seats. Any bench or split-bench seat in a passenger car, truck or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR less than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds), having greater than 127 centimeters (50 inches) of hip room (measured in accordance with SAE Standard J1100(a)) shall have not less than three designated seating positions, unless the seat design or vehicle design is such that the center position cannot be used for seating. For the sole purpose of determining the classification of any vehicle sold or introduced into interstate commerce for purposes that include carrying students to and from school or related events, any location in such vehicle intended for securement of an occupied wheelchair during vehicle operation shall be regarded as four designated seating positions.
Driver means the occupant of a motor vehicle seated immediately behind the steering control system.
Emergency brake means a mechanism designed to stop a motor vehicle after a failure of the service brake system.
5th percentile adult female means a person possessing the dimensions and weight of the 5th percentile adult female specified for the total age group in Public Health Service Publication No. 1000, Series 11, No. 8, Weight, Height, and Selected Body Dimensions of Adults.
Firefighting vehicle means a vehicle designed exclusively for the purpose of fighting fires.
Fixed collision barrier means a flat, vertical, unyielding surface with the following characteristics: (1) The surface is sufficiently large that when struck by a tested vehicle, no portion of the vehicle projects or passes beyond the surface.
(2) The approach is a horizontal surface that is large enough for the vehicle to attain a stable attitude during its approach to the barrier, and that does not restrict vehicle motion during impact.
(3) When struck by a vehicle, the surface and its supporting structure absorb no significant portion of the vehicle’s kinetic energy, so that a performance requirement described in terms of impact with a fixed collision barrier must be met no matter how small an amount of energy is absorbed by the barrier.
Forward control means a configuration in which more than half of the engine length is rearward of the foremost point of the windshield base and the steering wheel hub is in the forward quarter of the vehicle length.
Full trailer means a trailer, except a pole trailer, that is equipped with two or more axles that support the entire weight of the trailer.
Gross axle weight rating or GAWR means the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, as measured at the tire-ground interfaces.
Gross combination weight rating or GCWR means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination vehicle.
Gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
H point means the mechanically hinged hip point of a manikin which simulates the actual pivot center of the human torso and thigh, described in SAE Recommended Practice J826, Manikins for Use in Defining Vehicle Seating Accommodations, November 1962.
Head impact area means all nonglazed surfaces of the interior of a vehicle that are statically contactable by a 6.5-inch diameter spherical head form of a measuring device having a pivot point to top-of-head dimension infinitely adjustable from 29 to 33 inches in accordance with the following procedure, or its graphic equivalent: (a) At each designated seating position, place the pivot point of the measuring device (1) For seats that are adjustable fore and aft, at (i) The seating reference point; and (ii) A point 5 inches horizontally forward of the seating reference point and vertically above the seating reference point an amount equal to the rise which results from a 5inch forward adjustment of the seat or 0.75 inch; and (2) For seats that are not adjustable fore and aft, at the seating reference point.
(b) With the pivot point to top-of-head dimension at each value allowed by the device and the interior dimensions of the vehicle, determine all contact points above the lower windshield glass line and forward of the seating reference point.
(c) With the head form at each contact point, and with the device in a vertical position if no contact points exists for a particular adjusted length, pivot the measuring device forward and downward through all arcs in vertical planes to 90 each side of the vertical longitudinal plane through the seating reference point, until the head form contacts an interior surface or until it is tangent to a horizontal plane 1 inch above the seating reference point, whichever occurs first.
Interior compartment door means any door in the interior of the vehicle installed by the manufacturer as a cover for storage space normally used for personal effects.
Longitudinal or longitudinally means parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
Low-speed vehicle (LSV) means a motor vehicle, (1) that is 4-wheeled, (2) whose speed attainable in 1.6 km (1 mile) is more than 32 kilometers per hour (20 miles per hour) and not more than 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour) on a paved level surface, and (3) whose GVWR is less than 1,134 kilograms (2,500 pounds).
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
Motor-driven cycle means a motorcycle with a motor that produces 5-brake horsepower or less.
Motor home means a multi-purpose vehicle with motive power that is designed to provide temporary residential accommodations, as evidenced by the presence of at least four of the following facilities: Cooking; refrigeration or ice box; self-contained toilet; heating and/or air conditioning; a potable water supply system including a faucet and a sink; and a separate 110125 volt electrical power supply and/or an LP gas supply.
Multifunction school activity bus (MFSAB) means a school bus whose purposes do not include transporting students to and from home or school bus stops.
Multipurpose passenger vehicle means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a low-speed vehicle or trailer, designed to carry 10 persons or less which is constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operation.
Open-body type vehicle means a vehicle having no occupant compartment top or an occupant compartment top that can be installed or removed by the user at his convenience.
Outboard designated seating position means a designated seating position where a longitudinal vertical plane tangent to the outboard side of the seat cushion is less than 12 inches from the innermost point on the inside surface of the vehicle at a height between the design H-point and the shoulder reference point (as shown in fig. 1 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210) and longitudinally between the front and rear edges of the seat cushion.
Overall vehicle width means the nominal design dimension of the widest part of the vehicle, exclusive of signal lamps, marker lamps, outside rearview mirrors, flexible fender extensions, and mud flaps, determined with doors and windows closed and the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
Parking brake means a mechanism designed to prevent the movement of a stationary motor vehicle.
Passenger car means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a low-speed vehicle, multipurpose passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer, designed for carrying 10 persons or less.
Pelvic impact area means that area of the door or body side panel adjacent to any outboard designated seating position which is bounded by horizontal planes 7 inches above and 4 inches below the seating reference point and vertical transverse planes 8 inches forward and 2 inches rearward of the seating reference point.
Pole trailer means a motor vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another motor vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach or pole, or by being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle, for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes, or structural members capable generally of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections.
School bus means a bus that is sold, or introduced in interstate commerce, for purposes that include carrying students to and from school or related events, but does not include a bus designed and sold for operation as a common carrier in urban transportation.
Seating reference point (SgRP) means the unique design H-point, as defined in SAE J1100 (June 1984), which: (a) Establishes the rearmost normal design driving or riding position of each designated seating position, which includes consideration of all modes of adjustment, horizontal, vertical, and tilt, in a vehicle; (b) Has X, Y, and Z coordinates, as defined in SAE J1100 (June 1984), established relative to the designed vehicle structure; (c) Simulates the position of the pivot center of the human torso and thigh; and (d) Is the reference point employed to position the two-dimensional drafting template with the 95th percentile leg described in SAE J826 (May 1987), or, if the drafting template with the 95th percentile leg cannot be positioned in the seating position, is located with the seat in its most rearward adjustment position.
Semitrailer means a trailer, except a pole trailer, so constructed that a substantial part of its weight rests upon or is carried by another motor vehicle.
Service brake means the primary mechanism designed to stop a motor vehicle.
Speed attainable in 1 mile means the speed attainable by accelerating at maximum rate from a standing start for 1 mile, on a level surface.
Speed attainable in 2 miles means the speed attainable by accelerating at maximum rate from a standing start for 2 miles, on a level surface.
Torso line means the line connecting the H point and the shoulder reference point as defined in SAE Recommended Practice J787g, Motor Vehicle Seat Belt Anchorage, September 1966.
Trailer means a motor vehicle with or without motive power, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by another motor vehicle.
Trailer converter dolly means a trailer chassis equipped with one or more axles, a lower half of a fifth wheel and a drawbar.
Truck means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed primarily for the transportation of property or special purpose equipment.
Truck tractor means a truck designed primarily for drawing other motor vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and the load so drawn.
Unloaded vehicle weight means the weight of a vehicle with maximum capacity of all fluids necessary for operation of the vehicle, but without cargo, occupants, or accessories that are ordinarily removed from the vehicle when they are not in use.
95th percentile adult male means a person possessing the dimensions and weight of the 95th percentile adult male specified in Public Health Service Publication No. 1000, Series 11, No. 8, Weight, Height, and Selected Body Dimensions of Adults.
Vehicle fuel tank capacity means the tank’s unusable capacity (i.e., the volume of fuel left at the bottom of the tank when the vehicle’s fuel pump can no longer draw fuel from the tank) plus its usable capacity (i.e., the volume of fuel that can be pumped into the tank through the filler pipe with the vehicle on a level surface and with the unusable capacity already in the tank). The term does not include the vapor volume of the tank (i.e., the space above the fuel tank filler neck) nor the volume of the fuel tank filler neck.
[33 FR 19703, Dec. 25, 1968. Redesignated at 35 FR 5118, Mar. 26, 1970] Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting 571.3, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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For Immediate Release
14 February 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Affairs, MRF
Email: jeff@mrf.org
Stimulus Bill Passes House and Senate
Friday the 13th is traditionally a day known for fright and bad luck.
However, Friday, February 13th 2009 could be a departure from that point of view, especially if you are in the market for a new motorcycle.
Congress passed a massive spending bill (HR-1) the largest ever passed by any US Congress February 13, 2009. The bill is supposed to revive an ailing economy and put out of work Americans back into a job.
There is one tucked away provision that should appeal to motorcyclists, a tax break for purchase of a new –not used- motorcycle.
Here is the breakdown:
* From now until the end of 2009 any one will be able to deduct all state and local taxes from the purchase of a new motorcycle so long as the purchaser makes less than $125,000 a year as a single tax filer or $250,000 for those filing jointly.
* The deduction applies to new motorcycles with a purchase price of up to $49,500 and a gross vehicle curb weight of less than 8,500 lbs.
* This is what is known as an “above the line deduction” which means all taxpayers are eligible whether the purchaser itemizes other deductions or not.
This deduction also applies to passenger cars, light trucks and recreational vehicles so long as they meet the same qualifiers.
So what are you waiting for? Go do your part to jump start the economy and buy a new bike.
The bill has passed the US Congress and now heads to the President for his signature before becoming law. The MRF is not taking an official position on HR 1.
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(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’
rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.
The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.
Motorcyclists benefit from historic economic stimulus bill
Language that provides a tax deduction for the purchase of a motorcycle has been added to the current economic stimulus bill, the AMA reports. The AMA, working in conjunction with other stakeholders, worked diligently to secure the motorcycle provision within the measure. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law shortly.
“This inclusive and equitable solution will provide much-needed relief to riders, as well as to those who sell motorcycles,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “When it appeared that motorcycles were going to be overlooked in this bill, the AMA and the Association’s members, along with Harley-Davidson and others, took our case straight to Capitol Hill and persuaded lawmakers that this was the right decision.”
Moreland added that motorcycle riders are just as likely to have been hit hard by the economic downturn as those who buy automobiles and light-duty trucks. Moreover, motorcyclists typically purchase new bikes, apparel, vehicle servicing and aftermarket equipment from local dealers that are family-owned small businesses.
Specifically, motorcycles are included as “qualified vehicles” in Section 1008 of the legislation. Those purchasing a new motorcycle will be able to deduct the sales and excise taxes on their 2009 tax returns. Prior to the actions taken by the AMA and others, the deductions only applied to the purchase of a new car or light truck.
“We want to thank all motorcyclists who took the time to contact their elected officials,” said Moreland. “This victory is particularly gratifying because it represents a community-wide effort to elevate motorcycles as a recognized and viable means of transportation in America. Motorcycles are vital to the reduction of traffic congestion, provide efficient use of limited parking, have far less impact on our roads and bridges, and contribute significantly to our nation’s efforts to consume less fuel. Our success today clearly indicates that our legislators are listening.”
http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=627
There are some people who get it and are putting it out.
Motorcycle Incentives from Economic Stimulus
Posted: 11:14 PM Feb 20, 2009
Last Updated: 11:14 PM Feb 20, 2009
Reporter: Blaine Tolison
Email Address: blaine.tolison@wctv.tv
New tax incentives are available for those who like to travel on two wheels. The economic stimulus bill states that those who buy a motorcycle between now and January first 2010 can receive tax benefits. The motorcycles must cost less than $49,500, and the bike must be less than 8,500 pounds. Owners must make less than $125,000 a year, or $250,000 for joint filers. It also says deductions depend on your modified adjusted gross income. The benefits also apply to three wheeled vehicles.
Kevin Smith, a Tallahassee man who owns a show-quality Harley said the tax on his bike was more than $1,800. He also believes motorcycle owners should get a break because of the break they give the gas pump. “I think, you know, in today’s economy every little bit will help out with that. I think it helps cut down on fuel costs and stuff. You know, obviously the less gas we purchase, the lower they’ll start dropping the prices on fuel.”
Amazing transmit i sine qua non venture that was worth reading