sales tax on purchase outside the country

[dmerck]

I am a US citizen and resident. If I buy a yacht outside the country and bring it back to the States, do I have to pay a US sales tax or some kind of federal import duty? It is a south african made boat, I had heard that in the 90's a waiver was put in place, not sure if that's still true.

Thanks

[Dsanduril]

Check out this CBP article for information straight from the horse’s mouth. Check the harmonized tariff schedule, duty is usually 1.5% but there are exceptions. I didn’t see one for ZA (South Africa) but was not thorough.

Read the information on EPA 3520-21, this can be a big gotcha, make sure any engines can be imported.

Sales/use tax will depend on the state of principal use, every state is different. Some have exceptions for time owned, some for taxes paid in other jurisdictions, all depends on the state where you intend to keep the boat.

PS Welcome to CF

[Gudgeon]

Not sure what state you in but I would suggest you get a maritime lawyer who has done this type of work before. We used Wenthur law group in San Diego. We we given and assistance was give filling out all of the forms required and instructed what receipts to save.