No, you cannot claim a sales tax refund at JFK airport or anywhere in New York State as a tourist. The United States does not have a federal VAT refund system for international visitors, and New York does not offer tax refunds on retail goods for foreign shoppers.
Neither JFK Airport nor New York state provide sales tax refunds. The state of Texas and some areas within Louisiana are the only U.S. locations that provide tax refunds to international shoppers.
The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax. Some countries won't refund after the fact, so check with the Foreign Embassies & Consulates office of the country you visited.
Can tourists get a tax refund in New York? No, there is no possibility for a tax refund.
In most cases, you'll present your refund documents at the airport on the way home (explained later). Some stores may offer to handle the process for you (if they provide this service, they likely have some sort of "Tax Free" sticker in the window).
The Australian Government's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows international travellers to claim a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET).
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
Tourists do not qualify for any major tax exemptions in NYC. Yet, foreign diplomats and certain government representatives might be naturally exempt from paying sales tax on specific purchases when presenting proper documentation.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows Australians and overseas visitors to claim a refund (subject to certain conditions) of the goods and services tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australian and then taken out of Australia.
Officially no. They're sealed as part of the tax free process so that you don't use or sell on the item in Japan, as the point of taking the tax off is that the money is spent in Japan but the goods are leaving. Customs may also check these things when you're leaving the country.
Nonresident Alien Tax Withholding
If we determine that you meet the substantial presence test for a year in which SSA has withheld nonresident alien tax, you may request a refund. SSA can refund taxes erroneously withheld in the current tax year.
How to get a GST refund
Use tax - applies if you buy tangible personal property and services outside the state and use it within New York State. Clothing and footwear under $110 are exempt from New York City and NY State sales tax. Purchases above $110 are subject to a 4.5% NYC sales tax and a 4% NY State sales tax.
The most common exemption is “sale for resale,” which allows businesses with a valid certificate to purchase products free of tax. In this scenario, the buyer would then assume the responsibility of charging the applicable tax when they sell the item or accrue the use tax if used internally within the business.
To check your refund status, you need the amount of the New York State refund you requested. See Requested refund amount to learn where to find this amount. Note: You cannot use Check Your Refund Status to view the status of a payment.
The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax. Some countries won't refund after the fact, so check with the Foreign Embassies & Consulates office of the country you visited.
How New York's clothing sales tax exemption works. Items of clothing in New York under a $110 purchase price are exempt from New York's 4% state tax. This exemption applies only to clothing and footwear worn by humans, as well as fabric, zippers, yarn, buttons, etc. used to make or repair exempt clothing.
You may apply for a refund of incorrectly charged sales tax by filling out Form AU-11: Application for Credit or Refund of Sales or Use Tax. Send the form to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at the address listed on the form, along with a copy of the sales receipt showing the sales tax you paid.
Once the validation has been confirmed on the screen or at the office, you can obtain the refund directly at the Tax Free offices in the boarding areas.
How to claim a refund. To make a claim, you must: have spent $300 or more (including GST) with a single business at a store or a chain of stores covered by the same Australian Business Number (ABN) purchase goods no more than 60 days before departing Australia.
Get Customs validation
Before you depart from your destination, complete your Tax Free Form and get it validated by Customs.
You can claim a GST refund in the following situations, when additional tax is paid or deposited due to errors or omissions. When dealers and deemed export goods or services are subject to refund or refund. Refunds can also be made for purchases made by UN agencies or embassies.