cazalea[Seiko Moderator]
18996
If you paid the tax to a retailer in California you don't pay again
Mar 18, 2023,03:05 AM
If the watch came from outside the United States, then you wouldn't have paid state sales tax and you owe Use Tax.
Since the normal carriers (Fedex, DHL, TNT, UPS, etc or ) electronically report your imports to the
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), you should go to their website, OR you can ask your tax preparer OR you can put it on your 540 Return yourself. Otherwise they will contact you and it's up to you to explain and pay. It doesn't always happen but when it does you will have a penalty to pay and they will monitor your stuff in the future (I'm speaking from personal experience).
If you bought it from another state retailer, they may or may not have collected the tax. The retailer will know and show you but won't have declared the value of the watch to the carrier who brings it to you.
I file separately with CDTFA and then I can make sure things are done properly. I can explain why I am not paying if an item is returned, like a watch or a couple years ago, my defective hi-tech hip flask.
Send me a private message if you want to discuss.
Cazalea
BTW - you have all year to pay that Use Tax.