What is Use Tax?

Question: What is Use Tax?

Answer: Use tax is a form of sales tax designed to distribute the tax burden fairly among consumers and assure fair competition between in-state and out-of-state businesses. 

For example, You live in New York City where there is an 8.875% sales tax on general merchandise.  You decided to buy a $1,000 TV on NewEgg website (based in California) where they charge 0% sales tax for out-of-state residents.  You saved $88.75 on taxes if you were to shop online.   That is the use tax.  You purchased from an out-of-state retailer who didn’t charge sales tax that was meant for use in-state.

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