You could always buy your appliances in a state with no sales tax, but you’ll be driving a bit. The five states that have no sales tax are:

• Alaska.
• Delaware.
• Montana.
• New Hampshire.
• Oregon.

Stick it to the man? You mean your fellow tax paying citizens?

I'm accepting the fact that the wolf/sz pricing is what it is and our sales tax is close to 10%.

If you found someone to sell you wolf/sz on line, from out of state, you might avoid sales tax, but it will be offset by the shipping charges.

You can certainly buy some other brands ...

The only way (aside from floor models) that the retailers can offer a discount is by throwing in an additional product that is marked down. It's in their contract with Wolf/SZ.

If it's too expensive, check the appliance forum for brands you can afford.

Perhaps if you buy from a retailer/distributor that sells a lot of Wolf/SZ appliances, you might be able to get a better price. We bought our Wolf range from an appliance store that was able to offer a significantly reduced price (much lower than the appliance dealer who'd sold us our other appliances) because they had permission from Wolf/SZ to do so (because of their high sales volume).

Retailers can't discount these products. Well technically they can, but then the manufacturer is able to yank their ability to sell future products. This is a common price fixing strategy with luxury goods. Right or wrong, is what it is.

You may be able to negotiate a throw in, like delivery or installation. You can buy online or out of state, but then you need to worry about installation and service.

I was able to avoid sales tax by taking advantage of an anniversary sales tax where the retailer paid your sales tax but was just lucky that it happened to work out. I had to buy all my stuff about 4 months before I actually needed it though.

When I looked at the ajmadison website I saw there are rebates available for Wolf/Subzero. Are these rebates not available in Chicago, or is the rebate not worth mentioning in terms of value?

I think the current deal is a fridge and range (or cooktop/range top & wall oven) saves you $1k.

We bought our Thermador on line with free shipping and no sales tax but that was in 2004. We didn't buy it to not pay sales but there was no one in our area that sold Thermador and the sales price was better than the other places we found it in the city (who would have had to order it). But then before it came, we realized that it was even more of a bargain because of no sales tax and it was FREE shipping!

Have you gone to Abt in Glenview? They are wonderful! They give better prices than what is marked on an item. I'm just not sure if they can do this for Sub Zero and Wolf products but it's definitely worth a try. Good luck!

Giving money to the government is like giving candy to a toddler. They're going to blow through it fast and irresponsibly and will just ask for more moments later.

I won't buy SZ or Wolfe on principal. They are priced high simply to be priced high. I won't pay for labels. But there is no problem with trying to save money no matter what you buy.

We love Abt too. That will be our first stop for appliances, and will probably be our last too.

In PA, even if you don't pay sales tax at the time of purchase, you are expected to remit the appropriate amount with your state income tax return at the end of the year. I believe it is that way in most states. Perhaps you consider it "okay" to cheat on your obligations to the government but I would call it stealing from those less fortunate!

I wouldn't buy online. If there is an issue or if you dont like it you will have to ship it back. Talk about a waste of money.

While, at least in 45 states, you are theoretically supposed to report and pay tax on out of state purchases such as those online that don't collect sales tax, its very cumbersome to actually do this and essentially unenforced. The end result is that less than 2% of people do this (and that's counting all the people who pay ANY of this tax, not just people that pay every cent they owe). If you are paying a difficult and unenforced tax that practically no one else is paying... I will leave you to draw your own conclusions about that.

DrB, they might not go after small items bought out of state, but $30-40,000 in appliances isn't so easy to hide. If you are going to go after unpaid sales taxes, it would certainly make sense to start with the bigger purchases like this one ... you can't hide the paper trail, which will be there forever, if they decide at some point to enforce this.

Hmmm...

Just make sure that when you are on your way to sticking it to the man that you are not taking public roads to get there or requiring any sort of police protection should something happen on the journey. You'll have to take your children with you when there's nothing left in the kitty for their education and no fire protection services should you leave them at home. Who likes taxes - I sure don't, but I can't fund all the "free" services I enjoy on my own either... Enjoy your new appliances, taxed or not!

;)

Nobody likes paying taxes, but it is a necessity for local government to give you all the things you take for granted like roads, schools, etc. So since you are buying super expensive appliances, you feel you shouldn't have to pay the taxes. But I bet you don't have any problem with someone who is buying much lower cost appliances to pay the tax. Let someone else pay for the roads and schools, as long as it isn't you. Sweetie pay the tax and quit screwing the other tax payers.

Lighten up folks. There’s nothing illegal about what the op asked. If you don’t like tax loopholes, call your congressman. If you’re bitter about the taxes you do pay by all means start another thread where those interested can read about it.

DrB nailed it. Taking a few minutes to determine whether I might be able to save a few thousand as I drop 35k on appliances (whether through finding a good retailer giving a bulk discount or the - apparently quite controversial - method of avoiding sales tax) is simply being prudent.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with trying to save a few bucks on a major purchase, luxury item or not. It doesn't mean I can't afford it - I am buying these appliances with or without the discount.

Do the rest of you simply walk on the Mercedes lot and pay full MSRP because doing otherwise would be a faux pas? Meanwhile, I'm sure the ones here beating their chests about sales tax are diligently itemizing every online purchase they make throughout the year to ensure they pay full use taxes at year end. And most definitely not paying their accountants to find every way for them to pay the least amount of taxes. Right.

Whoever suggested Abt, that'll be my first stop. BTW, they prominently advertise on their site that they don't charge sales tax on items shipped outside of MI, IL, IN and WI. What a soulless, HORRIBLE (top-rated actually) retailer they must be!

Allison, if you are complaining about estate taxes then you just inherited north of $5.5MM. If you want a congratulatory pat on the back for paying taxes on that I'm not sure what to tell you.

Curious - how does not wanting to pay full MSRP on a product equate to not paying taxes, other than the amount not going to taxes on the difference?

The sales tax is only 7.25% in Naperville (I think) so you could save about 3% if you can find appliances there. The state sales tax is only 6.25% but every municipality adds a little extra.

I bought from Appliance Connections and got rebates, free shipping and no sales taxes. Not sure where they are located.

“Sticking it to the man” by buying high end appliances and not paying sales tax is very different than trying to negotiate a better price. You are hurting everyone in your area by “sticking it to the man”. Negotiating a better price is of course sensible and acceptable. If they won’t negotiate, find another high end brand who will. I’m pretty sure that you can find something else that will serve equally well, unless you are going purely for status.

I'm hoping to stick it to the man by instead avoiding sales tax through an online purchase.

These were your words not ours.

Using your analogy, going into the Mercedes dealer and paying full MSRP without trying to negotiate is just foolish. We all try to get the best deal we possibly can. Nothing wrong with that, whether it is for a car, appliances, services rendered or anything else if you're willing to try and negotiate. Most dealers and business folks know their bottom line as to what they can discount while still making a profit.

However, as others pointing out, sticking it to the man, is a lot different because the only ones you're sticking it to is yourself and everyone of your neighbors, friends, etc.

Somehow I have no sympathy for someone who's able to afford $35,000 worth of appliances and having to pay sales tax on that amount. (And yes, I'm able to afford that too although I decided mostly Bosch with a Miele DW and a Sharp MW were good enough). While I b*tch and moan every April 15th as I write out that check, I realize that I'm one of the truly fortunate ones and if it also helps others then I'm ok with it.

Frankly, that's what's wrong with society now. The attitude of I got mine, so screw everyone else. And I'm sorry if that's not what you meant, but that's exactly what you said when you said you want to stick it to the man. Too bad that man is our fellow men, women and children!

What you are proposing is illegal. The tax you are trying to avoid paying is a sales and use tax. If your retailer does not collect the tax, then YOU are responsible for remitting the tax to the Illinois Department of Revenue. You must file form ST-44. http://tax.illinois.gov/taxforms/sales/ST-44.pdf

So, to answer your initial question, YES there is a way to avoid paying sales tax on your purchases. You can lie and cheat.

We have a rather large appliance bill for our new build and the local company we're buying them from offers a discount on the sales tax. My guess is that they pay the other half themselves. Maybe you could negotiate a deal like that with your local dealer.

Wolf/Subzero participate in home shows. If your home can be included in a local Parade of Homes they can possibly offer considerations for including their products. Talk with a Rep directly.

Good Lord people. The "sticking it to the man" comment was tongue in cheek. I pay all my required taxes too. Believe it or not, I've also never cast a vote for the political party traditionally associated with cutting taxes (though against my personal financial interests) and I've consistently voted to increase my property taxes in every local election. Sad that I even have to mention this. Most forums I participate in have a sense of humor. This one, not so much.

Anyway, some good info in this thread after you wade through the muck and self righteousness. Thanks to all giving earnest answers. It sounds like the best course of action is polling local places and trying to get them to cover some of the outrageous tax bill. That's what I'll do.

The tax bill wouldn’t be “outrageous” if the appliances weren’t overpriced. It’s just interesting that all of your focus is on the tax, not the outrageous price of the appliances. I think you’re focused on the wrong issue.

Abt is an incredible store. They carry many brands and are great to work with. They stand by their products and will give you their best price. Since you are buying so many appliances, I suggest that you make an appointment with a sales person. During that time you can view their floor models and have any questions answered.

If the appliances are overpriced just don't buy them. The manufacturers of the appliances wouldn't be charging the price if people weren't buying them.

Good Lord people. The "sticking it to the man" comment was tongue in cheek.

Unfortunately without expressions to see it doesn't always come off as such in a forum. Glad to hear it was tongue in cheek and appreciate we both stand on the same side of the fence regarding our "choices". ;)

To answer the original question, no you can't get a break on price on these items.. The only way to get one would be to find a floor model or open box model. Subzero/Wolf will yank a retailer's authorization if they find them selling new goods for a discount. Yes, you can order from an out of state retailer to save the sales tax. But, you will have to find one that will eat the shipping charge.

One problem with you plan is the Subzero installation. Your builder won't be able to do it. You need someone who is an authorized subzero installer. The refrigerators are built-in and difficult to install unless you know what you are doing. Wolf ovens won't require anything special, the gas cooktop will need adjusting. If you don't buy local, you will have a hard time finding someone who can do the authorized, warranty-certified installation.

Yes, this policy sucks and is restraint of trade. It is what it is. Asking the question, can I do better on price is very reasonable. Unfortunately for you, the answer isn't entirely satisfactory. Rich people don't get rich by throwing their money around. They ask the question just like the original poster asked. Sometimes they get a favorable result, sometimes they don't. It costs nothing to ask.

Thanks homechef, and good info, much appreciated.

I think my contractor is an authorized installer but a good thing to double check and something I hadn't thought of.

I cheaped out on appliances with my last full kitchen remodel 2 years ago and will not be making that mistake again with our new house.

Put your proposed appliance list on the appliance forum for comment. You may find some additional options that will meet or exceed your requirements. There is a big universe of appliances out there. An educated consumer is a satisfied consumer.

esk8mw - See if your local retailers have an outlet section for models which have been installed/returned. They are able to offer a significant discount on these. If you have time, initiate a relationship with a salesperson and let them know what you're looking for. Then, call weekly to check.