Sales Tax on New Golf Cart

[idlewild]

We’re shopping around for a golf cart outside the bubble and have been quoted three different tax rates:

* Dealer #1 (Leesburg): tax is 7% on first $5,000 and 6% on the remainder.

* Dealer #2 (Ocala): sales tax is based on the county in which they are located: 7.5%

* Dealer #3 (Clermont): sales tax is based on the county in which we reside, irrespective of the sales office we buy from. But then he said “the villages” (comprised of 3 counties) is 7%

It’s pretty odd/shady that they would all be saying different things, but I imagine one of them is right.

I’ll research myself but wanted to post/share as hopefully this will also help others.

[villagetinker]

You might save yourself some time by just calling the county tax collector office and asking them the question.

[Bill14564]

We’re shopping around for a golf cart outside the bubble and have been quoted three different tax rates:

* Dealer #1 (Leesburg): tax is 7% on first $5,000 and 6% on the remainder.

* Dealer #2 (Ocala): sales tax is based on the county in which they are located: 7.5%

* Dealer #3 (Clermont): sales tax is based on the county in which we reside, irrespective of the sales office we buy from. But then he said “the villages” (comprised of 3 counties) is 7%

It’s pretty odd/shady that they would all be saying different things, but I imagine one of them is right.

I’ll research myself but wanted to post/share as hopefully this will also help others.

Both 2 and 3 may be right.

If I buy something in Marion County then I owe 7.5% tax. The vendor would pay the tax to Marion County.

If I buy something and take delivery of it in Sumter County then I owe 7% tax. The vendor would pay the tax to Sumter County.

#1 seems to be trying to have it both ways but made a mistake. Their logic might have been that you paid $5,000 while standing in Leesburg so you owe 7% on that but then you were taking delivery of the cart in Sumter County and would only pay Sumter County tax on the balance. I don't know if the State or Leesburg would say that is appropriate and Sumter tax would be 7% anyway. (or the business was trying to avoid County tax altogether and neither Leesburg nor Sumter would be happy about that).

In any case, 1.5% on a $20,000 cart would be $300. I have to believe the difference in options and dealer prices would make the $300 insignificant.