Page 5, section 8 of this California Board of Equalization newsletter has the answer:
Answer from mkennedy on Stack Exchange
- Items Sold to Residents of a Foreign Country or Another State
We have received complaints from foreign buyers that they were incorrectly advised by retailers that they could receive a refund of the sales tax on items they purchased and picked up in California. They were told they could do this by presenting their receipts at the airport. Although many countries have such a provision for foreign travelers, California does not.
Nor does California have this provision for residents of other states. Consequently, if foreign tourists ask about a refund of tax paid on purchases, you should inform them that tax applies to merchandise delivered in California regardless of its ultimate destination.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/asksf › can i get tax refund at the airport as a tourist?
r/AskSF on Reddit: Can I get Tax refund at the airport as a tourist?
November 7, 2023 -
I have found conflicting information regarding tax refunds at the airport for tourists. Can someone please confirm?
Top answer 1 of 6
31
No, not like you can in the EU & UK. Sales tax here is local.
2 of 6
10
As in "duty free"? Only at Duty free shops, only on departure. What you purchased will be given to you at the boarding gate when you board. https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/shop-dine-relax/dfs-duty-free http://www.dutyfreeonarrival.com/en/travelpoint/655
Tripadvisor
tripadvisor.com › united states › california (ca) › los angeles › los angeles travel forum
tax refund in LAX - Los Angeles Forum - Tripadvisor
5. Re: tax refund in LAX · 11 years ago · Save · The airport doesn't have a tax refund desk because it's not refunded here in the US · Report inappropriate content · november_moon · San Jose, California · Destination Expert · for California ...
DFS
dfs.com › en › los-angeles › frequently-asked-questions-los-angeles
Frequently Asked Questions | DFS | Los Angeles
Customs procedures When leaving ... at the airport, train station or border point within: - 3 months from the purchase date - 21 days from the date of refund (if you received an immediate cash refund) Before checking in your luggage*, you should present your tax free form ...
airssist
airssist.aero › vat-reclaim-service › Los-Angeles-International-airport-in-Los-Angeles-(LAX)
VAT Reclaim Back at Los Angeles International airport in Los Angeles (LAX) | airssistaero
It depends, let's say that you ... to a VAT Reclaim at Los Angeles International airport in Los Angeles (LAX), your purchases must be above a certain amount, which varies from country to country....
CA
cdtfa.ca.gov › formspubs › pub104
Sales to Residents of Other Countries (Publication 104)
If you sell an item that will be shipped abroad before use and you ship it directly to a foreign destination or to a qualified person who will export the item, your sale may not be taxable. Please note: Foreign travelers cannot obtain refunds of sales tax paid on California purchases.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 253801791
Airport taxes refund for Apple devices - Apple Community
At the store they gave me a bill ... at the airport and now that I am here, they told me that Apple Store they shouldn't have charged me the taxes knowing that I am not living in the States. Does anybody know if there is any way I can contact the supervisor from the shop I got them? Nobody at Apple Store told me and explained this although they know I was coming back to my country and I wanted to refund the ...
TikTok
tiktok.com › discover › lax-airport-tax-refund
Lax Airport Tax Refund | TikTok
November 24, 2025 - I had to leave the airport😭 also to note, you must do your tax refund from the airport you are leaving Europe from! Good luck! 🤞🏼🍀♥️ #vattaxrefund #globalblue #vattaxstips #vattax ... It’s fine. At least for now. I just really feel bad for anyone working that’s not getting paid, for families who are so stressed out about their flights… TSA precheck had maybe 10 people in line, regular TSA looked pretty intense.. Remember to treat everyone with kindness!! #LAX #governmentshutdown #airportlife #travelalert #travelupdate Airport Challenges During Government Shutdown.
Facebook
facebook.com › groups › 3135585626680301 › posts › 3553077931597733
How much tax refund in usa 🇺🇸 at airport…and which ...
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
Airportassist
airportassist.com › blog-detail › 253 › A-Step-by-Step-Guide-to-Getting-a-VAT-Refund-at-the-Airport
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming VAT Refunds at the Airport | Airport Assist
After you are done with the shopping and have collected the receipt for all the products, ask the shopkeeper for the VAT refund form. This is the form that you have to show at the customs and VAT refund desk at the airport to get your refund.
RedBus2US
redbus2us.com › home › travel experiences › eligiblity of sales tax refund for tourists in us by state
Eligiblity of Sales Tax Refund for Tourists in US by State [2024]
November 21, 2024 - In this article, we will review what the US states that offer such refunds, which states do not, and how it works. ... Many countries have a standardized Sales tax that is collected as Value Added Tax(VAT), Goods and Services Tax(GST), or other forms of sales tax that is applied on a national level.
Los Angeles Office of Finance
finance.lacity.gov › refund-policy
Refund Policy | Los Angeles Office of Finance
Complete Form #96.00(a) Refund Claim in the name of the claimant as it appears on the Tax Registration Certificate or Permit.
RedBus2US
redbus2us.com › home › travel experiences › how to get tax refund in usa as tourist, resident for shopping ? faqs
How to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist, Resident for Shopping ? FAQs
August 4, 2025 - Refund Locations: Both US Citizens and non-US citizens can claim tax refunds at all major international airport terminals. They usually would have a Tax refund desk at these locations.
Tripadvisor
tripadvisor.co.za › united states › california (ca) › california travel forum
Tax refund for visitors to Los Angeles? - California Message Board - Tripadvisor
I know that in Australia. all overseas customers can get GST (Goods & Services Tax) - 10% - refunded on any purchases at airport departure. In the U.K. You get the same thing with...
Consulfrance
losangeles.consulfrance.org › tax-refund-338
TAX Refund - Consulat Général de France à Los Angeles
In order to enjoy the tax refund, you must comply with a very strict procedure it is very important that you get your Tax Refund Form stamped by European Union Customs before you leave the European Union. It is also highly recommended that you arrive early at the airport or the train station ...
CBP Customer Service
help.cbp.gov › s › article › Article-1039
Refund of foreign taxes paid (VAT) & (GST) - help.cbp.gov
Report Illegal Activities · An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Louisiana
louisianataxfree.louisiana.gov › Home › RefundCenter
Tax Refund Centers
The Louisiana Tax Free Shopping ... at participating tax-free stores and permanently removed from the United States. Visitors can apply for refunds at locations throughout the state, including New Orleans, Gonzales, and Louis Armstrong International Airport....
Reddit
reddit.com › r/italytravel › what to do for our vat refund for early morning flight?
r/ItalyTravel on Reddit: What to do for our VAT refund for early morning flight?
June 12, 2024 -
Hi all, I’ve been trying to search for answers but can’t seem to find a straight forward answer for our situation. We are flying out of Naples tomorrow for a 6:15 am flight with a connection in Paris(2 hour layover) before flying back to the US. Are we supposed to process our VAT refund in Paris(CDG) before our connecting flight or are we supposed to process in Naples before we get on our first plane? Since it’s an early morning flight I don’t think their offices will be open and our 2 hour layover might be too short in Paris. What are our options?