Value-added tax?

Hi!

I was thinking of ordering one of the new Intel macs, but then I compared the prices that are in Estonia and the prices that are on the Apple's website. Well, the difference was huge - about 7000 EEK, which is about 569 USD. So here is the question: Apple's website price is final or it doesn't include value-added tax, sales tax or what so ever?

PS: if this is in wrong section, then sorry that I put this in wrong section.

Greetings,
dr4cula

Apple's prices on the US store are without VAT, as the VAT is not the same in every state (just like in the EU, where each country still has it's own VAT).

But the difference isn't only VAT, but also what I would call the "localization tax". Apple's prices in Europe (excluding VAT) are higher than in the US, which they justify for the higher shipment costs, localized keyboards, documentation, packaging and power plug.

But that is still cheaper than ordering it in the US, because you would have to pay an additional import tax. That means you would pay more, and it comes with american keyboard, documentation and power plug, means you need to add the price of a new keyboard and plug (the english doc shouldn't be a problem).

What you can do is buy in an EU country that has lower VAT than yours. For example, a 17" iMac costs 1156.20€ without VAT. In Belgium, that's 1399,- (21% VAT) and in Luxembourg it's 1329.63 (15% VAT).
As you pay the VAT in the country in which you buy it, you can make some economies, as long as it doesn't leave the EU.

Think about it on your next vacation...

The US does not have VAT. We do have sales tax, which varies from state to state, and is roughly anywhere from 5% to 9% of the purchase price. Not all states have sales tax. Not all online purchases are subject to sales tax, depending on where the business lists their home office. Apple charges the standard California 8.75% for all on-line transactions within the 50 United States. Apple stores will charge whatever the state sales tax is.

baggss said:

Apple charges the standard California 8.75% for all on-line transactions within the 50 United States. Apple stores will charge whatever the state sales tax is.

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And just to further clarify, California sales tax is 7.25%, but various local governments tack on extra. My town jacks it up to 7.75%, but the hippies (JOKE )over in the SF Bay Area (where Apple is located, and is probably were to 8.75% comes from) have much higher rates. Apple's website says that they charge sales tax based on the shipping address, not the local California rate.

Ok, that's cool, so you would only pay the tax based on where you live, not where Apple is based. I live in SoCal and it 8.75% here too.

Thank you!

baggss said:

The US does not have VAT. We do have sales tax, which varies from state to state, and is roughly anywhere from 5% to 9% of the purchase price. Not all states have sales tax. Not all online purchases are subject to sales tax, depending on where the business lists their home office. Apple charges the standard California 8.75% for all on-line transactions within the 50 United States. Apple stores will charge whatever the state sales tax is.

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Thank you for clarification. I'm not that much informed about the US tax system. Nevertheless, it's still much lower than over here, Luxemburg having one of the lowest tax in Europe is at 15% (just to compare: France 19.6%, Belgium 21%, Germany 16% going to be raised soon).

Yeah, it's 16% over here...
In our shop, I'm constantly asked why Apple "rips" people off with higher prices over here, because a large number of people don't realize that the Applestore website's prices don't include sales tax and the largest part of the increase is due to the VAT.

VAT = 25% in Sweden

MAC-simus said:

VAT = 25% in Sweden

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whoa!!

0% tax in delaware with student discount you get additional 10% off :dummy:

MAC-simus said:

VAT = 25% in Sweden

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Yeah, but you guys have perfect healthcare, schools etc. so it's all swings & roundabouts I suppose

Aptmunich said:

Yeah, but you guys have perfect healthcare, schools etc. so it's all swings & roundabouts I suppose

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We better do, as 25-35% of income goes in taxes