tax refund usa tourist florida

How to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist, Resident for Shopping ? FAQs

America is one of the best places to buy clothes, electronics, etc. You get the best value for the money spent. If you are a tourist from Asia or Europe, you will find the prices much cheaper when you buy things in the US at outlet malls.

Many are not aware that you may be able to get tax refunds as a tourist if you buy in some states like Texas in the US. In this article, we will cover all the details on how to get tax refunds, the requirements and conditions, and address some commonly asked FAQs.

Do you get a Tax Refund for Shopping in the US at Malls or Online Stores?

It depends on the US state you do shopping in. If you shop in certain states like Texas, you will likely get a tax refund for your purchases in the US as a tourist. The US Government or US Tourism websites do not have a published list that says that you get a Sales Tax Refund when you buy things in a certain US state.

It is unclear if you would get a tax refund if you buy stuff online. You need to check with the online retailer on this, as this depends on where you ship your goods and how the seller will charge you state tax. Also, even if you get a refund, there are way too many conditions to get a decent refund back. We will look at these details in later sections of the article.

Tax Refund: State Sales Tax vs. Federal Sales Tax?

In America, there is no Federal Sales Tax (national-level sales tax). When you buy goods in the US, the respective State or Local Government charges you State Sales Tax . The US Federal Govt., usually imposes customs duty or tariffs on the federal level and is not charged directly to the end consumer.

The sales tax you pay for shopping in the US goes to the respective state govt. or local govt and does not go to the federal government. So, you usually get the State Sales Tax or Local Govt. Sales tax as a refund if you are exporting the goods outside of the US.

Below is a reference image from Taxfoundation.org that shows approximate State tax by the state for your reference.

Sales Taxes in the US by State for Year 2023

As you would usually get the State Tax as a refund, it is important for you to review the respective tax you paid for you to get an estimate. You can see that in the purchase receipt. There will be a section that clearly tells as Sales Tax. That is nothing but the State Sales Tax.

Below is one of the purchases in Houston, Texas, done by me for your reference. You can see the Sales Tax highlighted to get an idea.

Sales Tax Receipt for Refund in US as Tourist Sample

The US Government does not refund Sales Tax to Visitors

US Customs and Border Protection has clarified on the CBP website that says the below:

“The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. Sales tax charged in the United States is paid to individual states, not the Federal government …” . – US Customs and Border Protection(CBP) Website

It means that the US Federal Government on a country level does not refund any sales tax and you need to check with the respective US State, where you made the purchase from.

Check the below screenshot from the US CBP Website that clarifies the tax refund status from the US Govt. side.

US Sales Tax Refund Clarification by CBP Website - 2023

Hence, it is important to be clear that the Sales Tax refund completely depends on the US State, where you purchased your goods as a visitor and has nothing to do with the US Govt. or Federal Govt. We will look at some states and requirements to get a tax refund in the next section.

Requirements to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist or Resident

The requirements to get a tax refund varies by the US State. Also, they are slightly tricky to get a decent refund, as they force you to purchase more at a single store. Most of the requirements or conditions are common for foreigners and US Citizens. The only difference is where they can claim a tax refund and when.

Below are the general requirements for Tax Refund for Tourists

Minimum Amount : Depending on the state, there is a minimum amount of tax you need to have per receipt or purchase from a brand store or outlet store. In Texas, you need to have a minimum of $12 tax per receipt or combined receipts from the same brand stores. Technically, in Texas with an 8.25% sales tax, you need to purchase for at least $150 USD in a single store or brand outlet to be eligible for the refund.
Original Receipts : You need to submit original receipts at the Tax refund counter. They do not accept duplicate, photocopy, or reprint sales receipts. You need to submit the first original receipt that is printed. No digital or e-mail receipts are accepted unless it is an online purchase item from a brand store and if the receipt has the delivery address of the goods in that state. You need the packaging slip of delivery for online purchases.
Within 30 days: You need to have the purchase done within 30 days from the day of your international travel or departure date from the US.
International Travel : You get a refund only if you are traveling outside of the US, and the items you buy will stay outside of the US. Technically exporting it to another country. That’s why they ask for the original receipt and take it for a refund. It means that the sale is final in the US, and there are no returns for the same goods you bought here in the US.
Physical Inspection : You need to show your item purchased for physical inspection and it has to be in new and unused condition with all the tags.
Passport, I-94 / Entry Stamp : You need to show your Visa/ Passport and I-94 with an entry stamp on it if holding a foreign passport.
Departure Information / Flight Tickets : You need to show your international departure info or flight ticket itinerary. For US citizens, you need to show the boarding pass to get a tax refund.
Items should Depart US & State: The items purchased in the US must be taken with you and should depart the state you purchased in and America.
Food or Services: No refund for food or services purchased.
Participating Stores: You get Tax Refund only if you purchase goods from the participating stores. This depends on the state as well. In Texas, they claim the stores’ list is over 6,500+ stores…but watch out for the brands. I purchased from a few brands that were not eligible for a refund, such as Abercrombie & Fitch.
Instant Cash : If you want instant cash, it is a 50% processing fee for a tax refund.
Check / PayPal : If you want a check or can get a refund to PayPal, then it is 35% of the tax refund. Also you may also be charged $4 USD for every single store or brand purchase.
Refund Locations: Both US Citizens and non-US citizens can claim tax refunds at all major international airport terminals. They usually would have a Tax refund desk at these locations. Check the airport for the details on the terminal. Also, if you are a non-US citizen, then you can even claim tax refunds at certain mall locations in the state. Check the state website for the exact locations in a state. For example, for Texas, here are the refund locations .
Tax Refund Policies: Tax refund policies can vary by state, and there is no standard sales tax percentage set as well. You should check the Sales Tax and Tax Refund policies in that respective state before you shop to ensure you get a tax refund. For instance, if you shop in Delaware, there is no sales tax, so no refund. For policies in Texas, check out Requirements for Sales Tax Refund in Texas

Tips for Tax Refund as a Tourist or Resident in the US

Overall, a Tax refund is definitely a good thing, if you are doing a lot of shopping and taking it home. The only downside is that you have to give the original receipt of purchase. I did shopping for over $900 USD, but could not get a sizable tax refund as I did not know all of these facts and conditions. If you plan it ahead of time, you may be able to get a decent tax refund. Below are some tips

Duplicate Receipt / Re-prints : When you buy your item, request a duplicate receipt or re-print of the receipt. You can use this duplicate receipt for a warranty in your home country or international location.
Take a Photo of Original Receipt: Take a picture of the original receipt and if requested by the warranty location outside of the US, then you can use the photo and duplicate the receipt.
Buy maximum at One Brand Store: Make sure you pick a few brands and do shopping in those brands’ outlets so that you meet the minimum requirement of a Tax refund. If not, you will not be eligible for a tax refund, as you will miss out on the minimum. I did not get anything as I bought in multiple brands and they were less than $150 purchase per store, so I was not meeting the minimum amount of tax refund in Texas.
Register for Warranty: If you are buying an electronic item and if there is an option to register online, register for warranty, when you have the original receipt.

Common FAQs

We have addressed some of the commonly asked questions below.

The sales tax refunds are paid by the respective State Govt. or local Govt. where you made the purchases. It is a state sales tax refund and not a Federal govt refund. IRS does not give any sales tax refunds.

Yes, your visa status does not matter for tax refunds. All visa types are eligible, including H1B, L1, F1, etc. Anyone traveling outside of the US is eligible for a tax refund. All the tax refund conditions described in the above article apply to everyone.

Yes, US Citizens are also eligible for a tax refund, provided they travel outside the US within 30 days after the purchase of the goods. You can only claim it at airports on the day of your departure. All the conditions and requirements are described in the above article

When you shop in America, you are not subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST). The concept of VAT and GST exist in many countries, but in the US it is different, and you are only subject to Sales Tax when you do shopping.

This depends on the state and if they offer the tax refund. In certain states, if they charge sales tax and have a policy in place to refund sales tax, then you would likely get the tax refund. It is best to check with the online vendor and then the state policy for the same.

What are your experiences with tax refunds as tourists? Did you get any tax refund as a Resident? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Generally, no refund of sales tax is available if you took possession of the item from the vendor with a given state. In the United States, sales tax is imposed at the point of transfer of title or possession. Therefore, if a non-resident visitor to the United States purchases any taxable items and takes possession of the goods at the retailer’s location, sales tax is due and there is generally no refund of the sales tax paid simply because the goods will be removed from the United States. The United States is different from many other countries that have a VAT structure, where it is more common to get this type of refund.

If the retailer ships the goods out of the United States to the non-resident’s location in another country, then the sales tax is generally not due. However, the retailer must export the goods and the customer cannot take possession of the goods in the United States.

There is an exception to this rule in Louisiana, Texas and Washington.

The city of New Orleans offers a tax-free shopping program – the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping Program – for foreign visitors to the United States. Individuals travelling in the United States for 90 days or less with a foreign passport and/or a current US visitor’s visa and an international transportation ticket can apply for a refund of sales tax paid on qualifying items purchased from New Orleans retailers taking part in the program.

U.S. resident aliens residing in the U.S. and elsewhere, foreign students residing in the U.S., United States citizens living in another country, dual citizens (United States & another country), and visitors in the U.S. for more than 90 days are not eligible for the program.

Refunds are authorized for purchases of material movable property that is permanently removed from the state by the foreign visitor. Purchases of food and beverages that are consumed within the state are not eligible for sales tax refunds. For more information, visit the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping website .

Texas allows international visitors meeting certain requirements to acquire a refund of sales tax paid on their purchases. In Texas, the refund process takes place through private companies. In order to qualify for the refund, the private companies require the purchaser to shop at a participating store, process the refund at one of their specified locations, and produce the following items:

Purchased merchandise (new and unused). A minimum amount of sales tax per store location may be required.
Original receipts (no photocopies, duplicates, emails, etc. are accepted)
Travel documents (such as passport, visa, etc.)
Flight or transportation information (such as an airline ticket or boarding pass)

Additionally, the items must be purchased within 30 days of the visitor’s departure. The sales tax refund for international visitors is allowed through Texas’s tax statutes for imports/exports and customs brokers.

In Washington state, sales tax does not apply to sales of tangible personal property, digital goods and digital codes to non-residents of the state when:

the property is for use outside of Washington;
the purchaser is a resident of a province or territory of Canada or a state, territory or possession of the United States (other than the state of Washington), and that state, possession, territory or province does not impose a sales tax, use tax, value added tax, gross receipts tax on retailing activities or similar generally applicable tax, of 3% or more or, if imposing such a tax, provides an exemption for sales to Washington residents by reason of their residence; and
the purchaser agrees, when requested, to grant the department of revenue access to such records and other forms of verification at his place of residence as to provide assurance that such purchases are not first used substantially in the state of Washington.

This exemption applies when a non-resident makes a purchase of a taxable good within Washington but the use of the good will occur outside of Washington. Nothing in the provision requires a retailer to make the tax-exempt sale to non-residents (Washington, Sec. 82.08.0273). Sales within designated free trade zones may have an exemption as long as the customer does not take possession of the goods and the retailer has responsibility for export of the goods. For more information, visit the Washington DOR’s webpage .

Washington State has provided guidance on the requirements for a sale to qualify as an export sale exempt from retail sales tax when a customs broker is involved. To qualify as an exempt export sale, a sale must meet one of the following requirements:

the goods must be delivered to the buyer in another country;
the goods must be delivered to a carrier who transfers the goods to another country; or
the goods must be delivered to the buyer at shipside or aboard the buyer’s vessel or other vehicle.

If goods are delivered to an out-of-state buyer’s customs broker in Washington for subsequent delivery to the out-of-state buyer in Washington, the sale is not an exempt export sale. The seller must collect retail sales tax and must pay retailing business and occupation (B&O) tax on the sale.

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Tax-Free in the USA for Foreigners and Tourists from Other Countries

April 7, 2023

Is There a Tax-Free Program in the USA?

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection department, the United States Government doesn’t refund sales tax to tourists and foreign visitors .

Even though the USA does not have a tax-free program like Europe, foreigners and tourists can return taxes or buy without taxes by:

Making a purchase in a state where there is no sales tax
Making a purchase in a state that has a sales tax refund (or VAT refund)

Tax-Free Shopping in the USA – List of States

By 2023, only five states do not charge VAT on the purchase of goods:

New Hampshire

Although these states charge other forms of tax instead of VAT, the absence of a sales tax can make shopping more rewarding, especially for out-of-state visitors or tourists.

Everyone (both locals and foreigners) can buy goods without VAT in tax-free states. However, there are two more states, where just foreign tourists, such as people from Mexico, can return sales tax in the USA:

In those states, the program is similar to the European one: buy product and then return sales taxes. With that said, the approach varies per state:

Louisiana – Shop at a tax-refundable store and show your passport to the cashier. To find out stores where you can shop without taxes, search for the white-red-blue stickers that indicate “Louisiana Tax-Free Shopping”. The seller will provide a tax return voucher that you can exchange for money at the New Orleans airport or downtown Lafayette. You can find out more about Tax-Free in the USA on the official website of the tax refund program .
Texas – It works similarly, but in addition, a flight ticket or other travel document is also required. In Texas, you can also make a tax refund at the airport or at 14 other locations across the state.

Tax-Free in the USA allows you to save money while shopping in the US by buying goods without taxes or receiving return taxes for purchases that you have already made.

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Can US tourists get a sales tax refund when leaving the country?

by TaxJar January 5, 2024

Please note: This blog was originally published in 2021. It’s since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

I remember traveling in Ireland and a nice shopkeeper reminding me that I could get any VAT I paid as a tourist back before leaving the country. How handy! But that led me to wonder, since the US is so fragmented (what with 46 states and Washington D.C. all administering their own sales tax), does the US do the same thing for tourists when it comes to sales tax?

The short answer is: not really.

But there are some exceptions. Let’s take a look at what tourists from outside the US can expect when it comes to a sales tax refund.

There’s no federal US sales tax

Before we get into the how of sales tax refunds, it is first important to understand the “why.” Unlike Europe, where a nationwide value added tax (VAT) is applied to most transactions, the US allows each state to set their own sales tax rules and laws.

Sales tax is charged at the point of sale and is a percentage of the price of the product. Sales tax is a “consumption tax,” meaning that it is charged for use of the product. That’s why a retailer who is buying a product to resell does not have to pay sales tax while an end user does have to pay sales tax – because they are the one “consuming” the product.

And even if sales tax weren’t a consumption tax, because the US’s sales tax is fragmented among the forty-six different states (and Washington D.C.) that all have a sales tax, there’s no easy or commonsense way for a tourist in the US (especially one who has traveled and made purchases in multiple states) to collect any sales tax paid before leaving the country.

Exceptions to the tourist sales tax refund rule

According to the Sales Tax Institute , there are a few exceptions which allow international tourists to claim sales tax paid. They are:

Louisiana tax free shopping program – Individuals traveling in the US for less than 90 days and who hold a foreign passport, US Visitor’s Visa and an international transportation ticket to leave the country can apply for a refund on sales tax paid at a few qualifying retailers. Learn more at the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping Program website .
Texas private sales tax refunds – Some private companies in Texas will refund the sales tax paid by international visitors who shop at certain stores. This is very limited, and requires the buyer to purchase from a participating store and provide proof such as original receipts, travel documents, flight or transportation numbers and even spend a certain amount of sales tax per store in order to participate.
Washington non-resident sales tax exemption – The state of Washington provides a sales tax exemption to buyers who make a purchase of an item in Washington but do not intend to use the item in the state of Washington. Learn more about Washington’s non-resident sales tax exemption here .

You can also read more about each program here: “ I am visiting from another country. Can I get a refund of sales tax paid? ”

Diplomatic sales tax exemptions

Diplomats serving in the US, as well as their families and dependents, are not required to pay sales tax. In this case, the diplomat and their contingent are given a sales tax exemption card. According to the US Department of State, “Diplomatic tax exemption cards can generally be used to obtain exemption in person and at point-of-sale from sales taxes and other similarly imposed taxes on purchases of most goods and services, hotel stays, and restaurant meals in the United States.”

These cards must be presented each time the diplomat is required to pay sales tax. The vendor must look up the card’s validity or risk having to pay the unpaid sales tax out of pocket.

You can learn more about the US diplomatic sales tax exemption here .

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3 To Know: Tourism down slightly, Florida residents want free tax filing

1. florida tourism down slightly in 2023.

Visitors to Florida last year fell short of 2022’s record numbers, as a post-pandemic rebound in international travelers couldn’t overcome a noticeable drop-off in domestic tourism late in the year.

The Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency reports that Florida had an estimated 135.02 million tourists in 2023, down from 137.4 million in 2022.

Visit Florida, however, pointed to increases from 2019, the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel, and improved international tourist numbers. The state drew about 131.1 million tourists in 2019.

“Even as we faced the challenges of rising travel costs and widespread inflation, Florida's tourism sector not only persevered but flourished (in 2023),” Visit Florida President and CEO Dana Young said in a prepared statement. “From record air travel numbers to the significant return of international visitors, Florida continues to shine.”

The agency said 2.34 million overseas visitors in the fourth quarter of 2023 marked a 15.9 percent increase from the final quarter of 2022. Also, 1.07 million Canadians in the fourth quarter of 2023 was a 22 percent improvement from the same period in 2022.

But the overall fourth-quarter number in 2023 of 29.8 million tourists was down from 32.9 million during the same period in 2022. U.S. travelers dropped 12.1 percent. Florida totaled 122.89 million U.S. tourists in 2023, down from almost 127.8million in 2022. The domestic tourist number was about 117.2 million in 2019. – Jim Turner/News Service of Florida

2. Target to team up with iconic fashion brand

Target has announced a limited-edition collaboration with the iconic fashion brand Diane von Furstenberg, heading to stores this spring.

The Diane von Furstenberg for Target collection is a collaboration between the fashion designer and her granddaughter, Talita von Furstenberg. It will be available beginning March 23 both in stores and on Target’s website, while supplies last.

Target is also offering customers a chance to shop the collection early at a public event March 15-16 at The Shed in New York City.

According to a release, the Diane von Furstenberg for Target collection includes over 200 items featuring archival von Furstenberg prints, as well as new patterns and pieces exclusive to Target. In addition to the brand’s iconic wrap dresses, the collection will include apparel for women, girls and babies and accessories, beauty and home decor, with most items priced under $50.

It will also feature made-to-order furniture starting at $300, including headboards, benches and room dividers that can be customized in one of seven exclusive fabrics made for the Target collection. – Emily DeLetter/USA Today

3. Poll: 95% of Florida taxpayers want free tax filing service from IRS, Direct File

Last month the Internal Revenue Service launched a new free tax filing service for the 2023 tax season designed to be easy to use, mobile-friendly and accurate for qualified residents in 12 states. Florida is one of them.

And Florida taxpayers seem to approve of the new Direct File service, or at least the idea of it. A lot.

In a recent poll conducted by polling service GQR for the progressive advocacy nonprofit group Groundwork Collaborative's Groundwork Action “Better IRS” campaign, a “near-unanimous majority” (95%) of the Florida residents polled support the IRS offering a free online tax service, according to a recent news release.

Of the 95%, 62% said they “strongly support” it. Only five percent of the respondents opposed the new free service. – C. A. Bridges/Staff

More 3 To Do: Author luncheon in Bonita, 5K in Estero, ‘Marco in Bloom’

And SWFLA To Do List: March marches in and we have all the events

All offices are open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday Through Friday. All customers are encouraged to complete their transactions online, rather than in person. Click here to renew your vehicle registration , Click here to renew your driver’s license , Click here to pay property taxes .

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George Albright Marion County Tax Collector

Main Office, McPherson Complex 503 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471 • (352) 368-8200

Tourist Tax Refunds

Refunds may be applied for by any individual or business in the following situations:

tourist payment not owed
tourist payment made in error
tourist overpayment

Florida Statutes require that an application for refund must be supported by all appropriate documentation. You may be required to provide additional documentation as each refund request is unique.

A refund claim will be processed within 90 days provided the application and necessary documentation is complete.

Please note: a three-year statute of limitation on refunds exists, measured from the date the tax was paid.

You must complete an Application for Tourist Development Tax Refund. Send the completed application with supporting documentation to:

Tax Collector, Marion County Attn: Tourist Tax/Refund P.O. Box 63 Ocala, FL 34478-0063 (352) 368-8202

ALL OFFICE ARE OPEN 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Customers are still encouraged to complete transactions Online whenever possible or call our call center at 352-368-8200

How can we help you.

Renew My Driver's License Online
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Pay my Property Taxes Online
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The most accurate updates are available at www.FloridaHealth.gov and www.CDC.gov.

Florida Coronavirus Hotline: 866.779.6121 (M-F, 8AM-5PM)

Our primary goals are to keep our office safe, stop the spread, and educate our community.

Use your tax refund for an unexpected vacation this spring

Paris skyline with Sacre Coeur basilica and Montmartre, Paris, France

With tax season upon us, many Americans are anxious to know what it will mean for their tax payments — and refunds. The good news is that the average tax refunds have been increasing over the past few years, and according to the IRS , that trend is still continuing as of the latest data. This means, there's the potential for even more surprise money to hit your pocket this tax season.

Tax returns vary state to state and person to person, but past data and future estimates can still give taxpayers a sense of what they'll be forking over to the IRS — or getting back as a return — come April. As the data shows, the average refund as of late February is $3,213 — up 4.3% from last year.

Some states also typically have higher averages than other. With data put together from LendingTree for the tax year 2021, residents of Wyoming, Massachusetts, Florida and Washington, D.C., received the largest average refund, at over $5,000. On the flip side, for the same tax year, residents of Maine, West Virginia and Vermont received the smallest average refunds — with numbers in the low $3,000s. While the exact averages for this year will be slightly different, the highest and lowest states usually stay pretty similar.

Each individual will spend their tax refund differently, and some will even use it to pay off their debt or put into savings. But, if you were hoping to put your refund towards travel, we have some great options for you. And really, what better way to celebrate spring (and the end of tax season) than with a trip paid for in full with a tax refund?

Despite the refund amount, you might be pleasantly surprised to see how far it can take you. There are also many sites you can use, such as Going.com and Skyscanner.com, to figure out last-minute vacation deals.

$3,000 to $3,200

With a more modest tax refund, visitors can still plan an awesome trip, either domestically or abroad. The lowest tax refund is, typically, in Maine, where the average taxpayer saw a refund of $3,144 (based on tax year 2021). With that money, a solo traveler could travel to Cartagena, Colombia. We found nonstop flights from New York City for $669 in May or, if you're willing to have a layover, flights as low as $363.

You could also enjoy Dublin this spring for just $607 round-trip. With close to $2,500 remaining, that could go a long way for accommodations, food and entertainment.

Related: JetBlue plots 'opportunistic' growth in Europe as carrier inaugurates new Dublin routes

Of course, the budget won't go as far for couples, but we were able to find flights to Reykjavik on low-cost carrier PLAY for as low as $387 round-trip. This means a couple can fly across the pond for less than $800 round-trip and enjoy a multi-day trip exploring Iceland. While Iceland isn't necessarily the cheapest destination, there are many points-friendly properties in the city .

If you're looking for somewhere to take the entire family, you can spend a week in Sedona, Arizona, hiking the red rocks or choose to lounge on the beach in Florida's Key West — as we found round-trip flights around $200 to $300 from many East Coast airports.

Related: 4 family-friendly road trips you can take through Arizona

$3,250 to $3,450

Taxpayers who fall into this band — which is currently the average person as of February — can escape still-chilly temperatures with trips to sunny and beautiful destinations across the U.S.

For a lower-budget trip, you can fly nonstop from Burlington, Vermont, to Orlando for as low as $151 round-trip on Breeze Airways . A visit to Orlando absolutely doesn't have to include visiting the mouse, as both Disney World and Universal offer many attractions that don't require a park ticket. You'll find many fun and entertaining hotels — at inexpensive rates — throughout the area.

Related: Splash into fun — The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando

For international vacations, we found flights from Boston to Frankfurt for just $437 round-trip per person. You could also take a quick flight to the island of Aruba from Washington, D.C., for just $396. Entire families can enjoy a trip here by using points to reserve a stay at one of the island's many great points properties .

$3,550 to $4,550

If you're able to snag a refund higher than the current average, this could potentially allow you to spend some portion on travel and save the rest.

For residents of Nevada, Alaska, or any other western states, the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington are a short flight and boat ride away. The idyllic archipelago is filled with state parks and greenery, making it the perfect option for nature lovers who want to hike, kayak, swim or watch for orcas starting in May. Flights originating from the west can be as low as $90 per person (from what we saw from Las Vegas to Seattle on Frontier Airlines), and hotels on the islands usually cost from $115 to $285 per night in late May.

Related: Earn points, miles and cash back while doing your taxes

For international locations, residents of the West Coast can fly to parts of South America in just a few hours. Flights from California to Bogota, Colombia, are typically between $300 and $400 in May.

East Coast residents can turn to St. Martin for a great getaway as flights cost around $300 on Delta. Or, take a nonstop flight to Paris for about $500 from New York on airlines such as French Bee, Air Caraibes or Norse Atlantic Airways. Travelers can splurge at one of the best hotels in Paris , such as the Ritz Paris or Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome . Or, cash in your hotel points for an award night, and you'll have plenty of refund money left over to experience some incredible French dining.

$4,800 to $6,000

If you happen to live in one of the highest refund states — which typically includes Connecticut, Nevada, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming — you could embark on the vacation of a lifetime.

Southeast Asia can be extremely inexpensive, allowing your refund to go quite far. While your flight will eat up the bulk of your refund — we found flights to Bali starting at $1,500 per person — hotels, experiences and dining are extremely inexpensive. So, even though flights might cost north of $3,000 if you're traveling as a couple, you can easily stay for 10 days with just $1,800 to $3,000 in your back pocket.

For example, we found rates at the Aloft Bali, Seminyak for less than $100 per night (and you'll be within walking distance of the beach). You can then enjoy the spectacular scenery in and around Ubud for just $125 per night at the Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (another Marriott property).

Related: Bali on a budget: Booking 6 nights in luxury hotels for just 36,000 points

If you're looking for something completely different, North African temperatures tend to be relatively mild in the spring, making it a great time to visit Morocco. Flights to Africa tend to run on the more expensive side, regardless of the time of year. However, flights to Casablanca are actually quite reasonable and can be found between $500 and $900 round-trip — depending on whether you want a nonstop flight or one with a layover. Visitors can rent entire homes near Casablanca with Airbnb for slightly over $100 per night, and many even include their own pools.

Bottom line

Although your tax refund is technically excess taxes you've paid throughout the year — or have had withheld from your paycheck — it can often feel like free money. There's no better way to travel than with unexpected money that just landed on your lap.

With my travel options, you can put this tax refund to good use and truly experience a fun vacation.

Obtaining a Tax Refund in Florida

How to check your florida tax refund.

Every state in the U.S. has its own timetable for issuing state income tax refunds. Because Florida does not collect individual income tax, you will not get a tax refund in Florida for individual taxes.

How to Check Your Federal Tax Refund Status

More Help Filing a Florida Tax Return as a Business

While individuals are not subject to individual income taxes in Florida and will not have to fill out a Florida tax return, businesses are another story. Learn more about H&R Block business services now.

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Tax refunds

Check the status of your tax refund. Learn about unclaimed tax refunds and what to do if your refund is lower than expected.

Check your federal or state tax refund status

If you expect a federal or state tax refund, you can track its status. Learn how and what information you will need.

Set up direct deposit to receive your tax refund

Get your tax refund faster through direct deposit instead of by mail. Learn how direct deposit works, how to set it up, and change your account’s information.

What to do if your tax refund is lower than expected

If you owe money to a federal or state agency, the federal government may use part or all of your federal tax refund to repay the debt. This is called a tax refund offset.

Undelivered and unclaimed tax refund checks

Every year, millions of federal and state tax refunds go undelivered or unclaimed. Learn how to claim your refund if you did not file a return or if your check never got to you.

Tax Deduction and Tax Refund USA Tourist: A Comprehensive Guide

Tax refund policies in the US states are not similar in all states. If you are a tourist in the US, you can avail tax refund if you are eligible. You can save a ton of money with it. Check out this article to know more about tax refunds and deductions for US tourists.

Table of Contents

Tax refund USA tourist, every year the US attracts a lot of tourists from across the world. Diverse in culture and food, tourism in the US generates a lot of revenue for the country. The US market is ideal for shoppers who like to buy electronic gadgets, clothes, accessories, etc. It is because the price of the commodities in the US market is much cheaper than in other countries.

Approximately 79 million foreign visitors come to the United States each year. They travel here, go shopping, enjoy themselves, and then go back home. However, they have to pay sales tax on purchases they make as foreigners, just like American citizens.

Certain states in the US let visitors request refunds of the sales tax they pay when they buy specific goods. It might be a bit challenging to get a refund but it is possible. In this article, you will know about tax rebate, tax deductions and tax refund USA tourist.

Tax Rebate for Shopping in the US

Tax refund on products completely depends on the state in which you shop. You are quite likely to receive a tax refund for your purchases made while visiting the US if you shop in select states like Texas.

It is still unclear whether you will get tax refund USA tourist for online purchases. The buyer needs to communicate with the concerned online retailer on how he is planning to charge sales tax which again depends on the nature of the items the purchaser wishes to ship at his place.

Sales Tax Vs Value-Added Tax

The retailer who is selling to the final customer, or the seller at the end of the supply chain, is responsible for collecting sales tax. Most of the time, it is the retailer you are using. Sales tax is collected by tax authorities, but they don’t get their hands on it until the customer is served.

On the other hand, value-added tax (VAT) is gathered by every seller in a supply chain, from manufacturers all the way down to delivery services. At each link in the supply chain, tax departments are given the appropriate VAT.

When you request a tax refund USA tourist, you are claiming sales tax, not VAT tax.

Requirements to Avail Tax Deduction and Tax Refund USA Tourist

Each US State has its own criteria for tax refunds. Additionally, because they make you buy more at a single place, it can be a little difficult to get a reasonable refund. The majority of conditions apply to both foreigners and US citizens. The sole distinction is the location and time for a itr return filing .

The primary requirements for tourists to receive tax refunds are as follows:

Minimum Figure: There may be a minimum tax requirement per receipt or purchase from a brand retail or outlet store, depending on the state. In Texas, each receipt must contain a minimum of $12 in tax, or multiple receipts from the same chain retailers may be pooled. To be eligible for the return, you must technically spend at least $150 USD in a single store or brand outlet in Texas, where the sales tax rate is 8.25%.
Time Limit: The purchase must be done within 30 days of the day of your foreign departure or the day you left the US.
Overseas Journey: Only if you are traveling outside of the US and the products you are purchasing will remain outside of the US will you be eligible for a refund. They request the original receipt in order to process a refund because technically they are exporting the item to another nation. It indicates that the sale is final in the US and that the same products you purchased here in the US cannot be returned.
Physical Verification: You must present the item you purchased for physical inspection, and it must be brand-new, unused, and complete with all of the tags.
Flight Information: You need to present tickets with information about your foreign flight’s departure time or itinerary. Your boarding pass may also be required.
Refund Locations: All significant international airport terminals include a tax refund USA tourist desk where US citizens and non-US people can file tax refund claims. For information on the terminal, consult the airport. Additionally, non-US citizens may even file tax refund claims at specific state retail locations. For specific state locations, visit the state’s website. Here are the refund locations, for Texas, as an illustration.

You can request your refunds at the airport when you’ll be flying home. Contact the main information desk at the airport; they should be able to direct you. Though it is advisable to arrive at least a few hours earlier than usual because the inspection can take longer.

For everyone, the sales tax rebate is beneficial. Tourists are able to purchase more and benefit from refunds, while retailers are able to offer more goods. In the foreseeable future, more states are likely to follow suit. For updates, always visit the state’s department of revenue website.

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A second hurricane tax-free holiday is set to start in Florida

It runs during the peak of hurricane season, from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6.

Floridians can once again purchase hurricane-related items tax-free during the second tax holiday of 2024.

The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6 ahead of what Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said is the "historical peak of hurricane activity."

The holiday includes items such as batteries ($50 or less), pet supplies, generators ($3,000 or less) and flashlights ($40 or less).

It follows the first holiday, which ran from June 1-14 at the start of hurricane season, and is part of a tax package that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in May.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

A complete list of eligible items can be found here .

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Here’s how florida’s tourist tax, big for rays and beaches, works.

Budget season for local governments is around the corner, and with it the usual talk of property values and the tax bills local homeowners can expect to face.

But in Pinellas County, over the next few months, the pot of money that may get the most talk outside government chambers is one that most residents don’t supply: the tax dollars generated by visitors staying at hotels, motels and other short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs.

Pinellas has put those dollars toward the emergency restoration of its beaches after last year’s storms, and it could eventually use them to pay for large-scale beach renourishment to keep the tourists and locals visiting. And it’s the fund that county commissioners will consider when they vote on whether to commit more than $300 million to a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium in St. Petersburg.

Counties collect an array of taxes. Ad valorem taxes — the ones people and businesses pay based on value of property they own — cover much of Pinellas’ operating costs, paying most salaries and for many services. A lmost all counties in Florida have their own sales taxes on top of the 6% sales tax the state collects; in Pinellas, it’s a 1% tax on goods and services purchased. The so-called the Penny for Pinellas is used to build roads and bridges, maintain and improve parks, and support construction of affordable housing.

And for nearly 50 years, Pinellas has collected a local option tourist development tax, commonly called a bed tax or tourist tax. Florida began letting counties tax overnight stays in 1977, and the next year, Pinellas was among the earliest counties to take advantage of the new law.

“The hoteliers and the folks in the industry said, ‘Hey, we could impose this on ourselves, essentially, and with the collection of these funds we can then market the destination as a whole,’” said Brian Lowack, the president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, the county’s tourism bureau. “The better we are at doing that, the more visitation we have, the more tourist development tax is collected, and the more impact we have on our local economy.”

Today, Pinellas is one of 11 counties to impose a 6% surcharge on short-term living and sleeping accommodations, the most allowed by state law. In the 2023 fiscal year, the county collected $98 million , its most money ever from the tax . The post-pandemic years have marked a major boon for the county bed tax: Just a few years earlier, in 2017, the county pulled in $54 million in its first year with the 6% tax.

The county, in turn, has money to spend: According to this year’s budget, the county entered this fiscal year with more than $220 million in tourist tax reserves, a gain of $50 million over the previous year. About $110 million of that can be used on capital projects such as new construction.

That money can’t be used to pay police, build new libraries or widen roads. It’s limited by state law to a narrower range of tourism-oriented uses, including marketing and capital projects that attract visitors, and further focused by a tourism plan approved by county commissioners.

In Pinellas, 60% of those taxes go to marketing and advertising, including Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, which is fully funded by the tax. The other 40% goes to building things: Tropicana Field, the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, the softball fields at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium have all involved bed taxes.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater hasn’t taken applications for capital funding since before the pandemic, Lowack said, so money for capital projects has been building in reserves. But two such projects could soon dominate future spending.

One is the renourishment of Pinellas’ beaches, which are the cornerstones of the local tourism economy but are badly eroded. For decades, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pumped fresh sand onto the county’s beaches every few years, and the federal government covered about two-thirds of the cost. Pinellas paid for its share using a piece of the bed tax.

Now a change in policy interpretation at the Army Corps is requiring that 100% of beachfront property owners grant permanent public access to land they own within the project area. Previously, the Army Corps only required temporary access while the work was happening. Only about half the property owners in the largest project area, Sand Key , have been willing to give access. That has resulted in a yearslong standoff that has put renourishment on hold.

Last year, county officials said Pinellas would likely be able to pay for renourishment on its own through bed tax dollars, at a cost of nearly a half-billion dollars over the next 40 years. If projections hold, officials said then, Pinellas still may bring in enough money to pay for other large projects, but Lowack said recently that it’s critical for the county to solve the beaches issue first.

“Until we get some closure on this issue with the Corps,” he said, “I think other things take a back seat.”

County commissioners, though, may soon have to make a call on the other big project, a new ballpark for the Rays. Though no vote has yet been set for commissioners or for the St. Petersburg City Council, there are meetings planned in May for City Council members to discuss the terms that city, county and team officials have been hammering out behind the scenes for months.

Under the broad terms unveiled last fall, the city and county would each pay for about a quarter of the $1.3 billion stadium project. While the city will face complex decisions on how to fund its portion, the county’s is relatively straightforward: if it funds the stadium, it’ll be through tourist taxes. (Pinellas would not pay its whole $312.5 million portion at once, but details about how it would finance it haven’t been publicly discussed.)

Commissioners wary of subsidizing a private sports enterprise, such as Brian Scott, have signaled that using bed tax dollars makes the idea more appealing — especially in concert with the planned redevelopment around the stadium, which would eventually turn now-unused publicly owned land into tax-generating homes and businesses. It’s also an easier sell to their constituents, who wouldn’t be footing the bill for the stadium.

When it comes to residents and tourists, Lowack said he knows there’s some friction. Many locals may not realize that visitors’ spending supports the beaches, ballparks and museums they love.

“I was in the dentist’s chair, for example, and she said, ‘What are we going to do about all these tourists?’” Lowack said. “And I said, ‘Well, we’re going to get more to come here.’”

IMAGES

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A Quick Look at Tax (Tourist) Refund Schemes
How do I get a tax refund for a tourist in USA?
How to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist, Resident for Shopping ? FAQs
Manatee County, Florida
NOTICE ON REGULAR TRAVEL TAX REFUND

COMMENTS

How to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist for Shopping? [2023]
Requirements to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist or Resident. ... I was in Florida for 2 weeks, I purchased an Iphone 11 Max Pro, 2 Airpods, and many electronic products from Best Buy at millenia store orlando. and I asked the people there, a staff at apple store how can i claim the tax back. He mention that I can claim either at the airport ...
COMPLETE guide to visitor tax refunds in the USA [2024]
Foreign visitors to the U.S., including those on B1 and B2 visas, contribute to the 79 million international tourists annually. While shopping, they pay sales tax like U.S. citizens. Some states offer sales tax refunds for these visitors, although the process varies.
I am visiting from another country. Can I get a refund of sales taxes
In the United States, sales tax is imposed at the point of transfer of title or possession. Therefore, if a non-resident visitor to the United States purchases any taxable items and takes possession of the goods at the retailer's location, sales tax is due and there is generally no refund of the sales tax paid simply because the goods will be ...
Florida Dept. of Revenue
Florida Department of Revenue. Refund Process. PO Box 6490. Tallahassee, FL 32314-6490. Fax number: 850-410-2526. Note: Reemployment tax overpayments are automatically refunded. If you have questions or are due a reemployment tax refund, contact the Department's Refund Process at 850-617-8585. Federal Employer Identification Number for your ...
Tax-Free In The USA For Foreigners And Tourists From ...
Tax-Free Shopping in the USA - List of States. By 2023, only five states do not charge VAT on the purchase of goods: Alaska. Delaware. Montana. New Hampshire. Oregon. Although these states charge other forms of tax instead of VAT, the absence of a sales tax can make shopping more rewarding, especially for out-of-state visitors or tourists ...
Tourist and Restaurant Taxes
For returned checks in the amount $800.01 or more, there will be a service charge of $40. The penalties for late payments or unpaid taxes are: A penalty of 10 percent on a fraction of or the total tax for each 30 days or a fraction up to 50 percent, but not less than $50. Interest is calculated daily and can change.
How to Claim Sales Tax Back When Leaving the United States
You will need to show original retail receipts that total a minimum of $12 in sales taxes per store location. Visit one of many "Texas Tax Back" offices to get refunds before you leave the state. Refunds require your passport and a photo ID, along with a valid tourist visa if applicable.
Sales Tax Refund for Tourist
Florida Hotels and Places to Stay. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Answer 1 of 4: Most countries have a sales tax refund scheme for tourists from other countries. Does Florida have a way for tourists to apply for a sales tax refund. Thanks.
Can US tourists get a sales tax refund when leaving the country?
Louisiana tax free shopping program - Individuals traveling in the US for less than 90 days and who hold a foreign passport, US Visitor's Visa and an international transportation ticket to leave the country can apply for a refund on sales tax paid at a few qualifying retailers. Learn more at the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping Program website.
3 To Know: Tourism down slightly, Florida wants free tax filing
The Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency reports that Florida had an estimated 135.02 million tourists in 2023, down from 137.4 million in 2022. ... - Emily DeLetter/USA Today. 3. Poll: 95% of Florida taxpayers want free tax filing service from IRS, Direct File.
Florida Dept. of Revenue
Florida Department of Revenue - The Florida Department of Revenue has three primary lines of business: (1) Administer tax law for 36 taxes and fees, processing nearly $37.5 billion and more than 10 million tax filings annually; (2) Enforce child support law on behalf of about 1,025,000 children with $1.26 billion collected in FY 06/07; (3) Oversee property tax administration involving 10.9 ...
Is there any way for tourists to get the sales tax refunded?
Sales taxes in the US are a state thing, not federal. States don't verify anyone's national identity and don't refund sales taxes. Sales taxes from foreign tourists is a large share of Florida's income and the reason why I don't have to pay the state income tax. 😉
How to Claim Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refunds by Rick Steves
And the process is fairly easy: Bring your passport along on your shopping trip (a photo of your passport should work), get the necessary documents from the retailer, and file your paperwork at the airport, port, or border when you leave. In Europe, standard European Union Value-Added Tax ranges from 8 to 27 percent per country.
Refund Payments Marion County, Florida
You must complete an Application for Tourist Development Tax Refund. Send the completed application with supporting documentation to: Tax Collector, Marion County. Attn: Tourist Tax/Refund. P.O. Box 63. Ocala, FL 34478-0063. (352) 368-8202. Florida Statutes require that an application for refund must be supported by all appropriate documentation.
Florida Dept. of Revenue
Florida Department of Revenue - The Florida Department of Revenue has three primary lines of business: (1) Administer tax law for 36 taxes and fees, processing nearly $37.5 billion and more than 10 million tax filings annually; (2) Enforce child support law on behalf of about 1,025,000 children with $1.26 billion collected in FY 06/07; (3) Oversee property tax administration involving 10.9 ...
How to use your tax refund for travel
With tax season upon us, ... With data put together from LendingTree for the tax year 2021, residents of Wyoming, Massachusetts, Florida and Washington, D.C., received the largest average refund, at over $5,000. On the flip side, for the same tax year, residents of Maine, West Virginia and Vermont received the smallest average refunds — with ...
Obtaining a Tax Refund in Florida
This is an optional tax refund-related loan from Pathward®, N.A.; it is not your tax refund. Loans are offered in amounts of $250, $500, $750, $1,250 or $3,500. Approval and loan amount based on expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting.
Tax refunds
Undelivered and unclaimed tax refund checks. Every year, millions of federal and state tax refunds go undelivered or unclaimed. Learn how to claim your refund if you did not file a return or if your check never got to you. Check the status of your tax refund. Learn about unclaimed tax refunds and what to do if your refund is lower than expected.
Taxes
State sales tax ranges from nearly 3 to 7.5 percent nationally. However, counties and cities can levy additional sales taxes. So if you are making a large purchase, it pays to ask about the sales tax in advance. (It will also be printed on your sales receipt.) When you are securing a service you might also be charged a tax.
Tax Refund USA Tourist: A Comprehensive Guide
Tax Deduction and Tax Refund USA Tourist: A Comprehensive Guide. Tax refund policies in the US states are not similar in all states. If you are a tourist in the US, you can avail tax refund if you are eligible. You can save a ton of money with it. Check out this article to know more about tax refunds and deductions for US tourists.
Sales Tax Refund for Tourist
Florida Hotels and Places to Stay. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers' questions frequently. Answer 1 of 4: Most countries have a sales tax refund scheme for tourists from other countries. Does Florida have a way for tourists to apply for a sales tax refund. Thanks.
Where's My Refund?
Where's My Refund shows your refund status: Return Received - We received your return and are processing it. Refund Approved - We approved your refund and are preparing to issue it by the date shown. Refund Sent - We sent the refund to your bank or to you in the mail. It may take 5 days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks ...
A second hurricane tax-free holiday is set to start in Florida
Floridians can once again purchase hurricane-related items tax-free during the second tax holiday of 2024. The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6 ahead of what Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said is the "historical peak of hurricane activity."
Here's how Florida's tourist tax, big for Rays and beaches, works
US English; US y LATAM Español; Australia English; ... Here's how Florida's tourist tax, big for Rays and beaches, works. Jack Evans, Tampa Bay Times. Updated Sat, Apr 20, 2024, 1:12 PM 6 min ...