January 07, 2025
Do nonresidents have to pay Georgia taxes on a new vehicle purchase?
Dear Consumer Ed:
I live in South Carolina. If I buy a used car in Georgia and drive it back to my home state, would I have to pay any taxes or fees in Georgia?
Consumer Ed says:
Nonresidents of Georgia are not required to pay Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) or Georgia sales tax for the purchase of a vehicle. They will, however, still be subject to the taxing rules and policies of their home state when they apply for a certificate of title and register their vehicle in that state.
If you are not a resident of Georgia and you are purchasing a vehicle in Georgia—for which you will apply for certificate of title in another state— you can request a Certificate of Exemption for Nonresident Purchase of a Motor Vehicle (also referred to as Form ST-8). This certificate is signed by the purchaser to affirm that he/she will immediately transport the vehicle out of Georgia and apply for title in his/her state of residence.
Do keep in mind that if you later become a Georgia resident, you will be required to pay the TAVT on your vehicle.
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