I probably couldn't find a more inappropriate place to ask this, but

[complain jane]

since I also can't seem to find an <b>appropriate</b> place either, here's my stupid question that I can't find an answer to.

If I live in NJ and I bought a motorcycle online from someone in Michigan (and am having it shipped to me in NJ) do I have to pay tax on it? The guy's not sure, I told him I didn't think so.

I tried Google. Apparently I don't know how to phrase my search terms to get the right info.

[yankeeinlouisiana]

1. In Louisiana

if you buy something from out of state, you don't pay taxes at the time of purchase, but you are suppose to report the purchase when you file your income taxes. So, you pay the state tax at a later date. I think most states are like this, but I really do not think people follow this rule.

[nevergiveup]

2. You should not have to pay sales tax if

he ships it to you in New Jersey. It would be considered the same as a mail order purchase shipped out of state. The exception would be if he also has a dealership in New Jersey then it becomes questionable. The dealer in Michigan should know all about this......it is really his problem as he is the one collecting or not collecting the sales tax. When you talk to him ask him to contact his accountant. The dealer in Michigan would have to record this as a purchase shipped out of state when he files his monthly state sales tax form. Be aggressive as it would be ashamed if you ended up paying an extra 6% on your purchase if it is not legally required.

[Orangepeel]

3. I don't think so.

I'm not an accountant, so don't take this to the bank (har, har), but I believe that you only have to pay sales tax on online purchases if the entity from which you are purchasing has a physical presence in your state.

[RushIsRot]

4. You will have to get a license plate in NJ to ride there.

They'll probably ask to see the bill of sale to learn the price you paid and then they'll tax you.