Any Iowa residents bought a vehicle outside the state?

**UNIGuy4Cy** · 07-01-2010, 01:03 PM

I am going to look at a truck on Saturdy in Minnesota, the salemen claims that I dont pay sales tax until I license the vehicle with the state of Iowa, is this right, I thought this was done at the time of purchase, like you would with anything else? Also would you recommend not buying out of the state of Iowafor other reasons? Thanks in advance.

**jdoggivjc** · 07-01-2010, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by UNIGuy4Cy

I am going to look at a truck on Saturdy in Minnesota, the salemen claims that I dont pay sales tax until I license the vehicle with the state of Iowa, is this right, I thought this was done at the time of purchase, like you would with anything else? Also would you recommend not buying out of the state of Iowafor other reasons? Thanks in advance.

That's really odd to me - I purchased a car in Illinois 3 months ago - I paid for the vehicle, tax, and registration (license) before I was able to take the car home.

**southernfriedCY** · 07-01-2010, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by UNIGuy4Cy

I am going to look at a truck on Saturdy in Minnesota, the salemen claims that I dont pay sales tax until I license the vehicle with the state of Iowa, is this right, I thought this was done at the time of purchase, like you would with anything else? Also would you recommend not buying out of the state of Iowafor other reasons? Thanks in advance.

The salesman is correct.

Personally, I'd pick states south if I was going out of state to buy a vehicle. But that's just me.

**ISUAgronomist** · 07-01-2010, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by UNIGuy4Cy

I am going to look at a truck on Saturdy in Minnesota, the salemen claims that I dont pay sales tax until I license the vehicle with the state of Iowa, is this right, I thought this was done at the time of purchase, like you would with anything else? Also would you recommend not buying out of the state of Iowafor other reasons? Thanks in advance.

He is correct about the taxes.

**aauummm** · 07-01-2010, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by UNIGuy4Cy

I am going to look at a truck on Saturdy in Minnesota, the salemen claims that I dont pay sales tax until I license the vehicle with the state of Iowa, is this right, I thought this was done at the time of purchase, like you would with anything else? Also would you recommend not buying out of the state of Iowafor other reasons? Thanks in advance.

You pay the sales tax of 5% in Iowa when you register the vehicle in Iowa. In Polk County they take your word for what you paid for the vehicle. It's also now called a "registration fee" instead of a "sales tax" if I'm not mistaken. There are no drawbacks to purchasing out-of-state, I've done it numerous times.

**Tre4ISU** · 07-01-2010, 01:08 PM

Last time I bought a vehicle in Minnesota I paid sales tax when I licensed. You used to be able to register and pay tax on your own in Iowa which is always what I did because I don't trust people but now I think the dealerships are required to do it before you take the vehicle.

**UNIGuy4Cy** · 07-01-2010, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by aauummm

You pay the sales tax of 5% in Iowa when you register the vehicle in Iowa. In Polk County they take your word for what you paid for the vehicle. It's also now called a "registration fee" instead of a "sales tax" if I'm not mistaken. There are no drawbacks to purchasing out-of-state, I've done it numerous times.

Thanks guys. If I buy in Iowa, I pay sales tax at the point of sale, correct?

**clonehead48** · 07-01-2010, 01:20 PM

You will be given a 31 day permit to dirve you vehicle home. You will pay your taxes and reg. fee in Iowa. Taxes, lic and reg fees are always paid in the state in which you live. That is the law.

**VeloClone** · 07-01-2010, 01:22 PM

A reputable dealer will arrange for the registration and sales tax in your home state at the time of sale.

**greatshu** · 07-01-2010, 01:24 PM

Don't have a heart attack when you get your tax bills from DMV. I remember buying a car in Omaha and coming back to Ames to pay my registration @DMV, almost passed out from $$$$ that I had to pay!

**aauummm** · 07-01-2010, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by UNIGuy4Cy

Thanks guys. If I buy in Iowa, I pay sales tax at the point of sale, correct?

You can pay the tax either way, at the point of sale or when you register it with the county, it's your choice, regardless of what the dealer tells you.

**aeroclone** · 07-01-2010, 03:02 PM

I purchased a car at Holmes in Des Moines a couple years ago while I was living in Kansas City. I paid my sales tax at the Kansas DMV when I went to register the vehicle. What the sales guy is telling you is spot on, but it does seem like a big check when you have to pay it all at once as opposed to hiding it in your financing!

**dmclone** · 07-01-2010, 04:22 PM

Bought from Woodhouse Mazda in Omaha last year and had to pay the tax when I registered. I've bought two from KC and both times the dealer handled it. My guess is that the dealers can do it if they want.

**mkadl** · 07-02-2010, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by UNIGuy4Cy

I am going to look at a truck on Saturdy in Minnesota, the salemen claims that I dont pay sales tax until I license the vehicle with the state of Iowa, is this right, I thought this was done at the time of purchase, like you would with anything else? Also would you recommend not buying out of the state of Iowafor other reasons? Thanks in advance.

I purchased my last 5 vehichles in Nebraska. I paid my tax at when I registered at the courthouse in Harlan. Either way is fine pay now or later.