So I read all about the Monterey delivery option and signed up for it – a very cool, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, followed by the exciting MINI Takes The States drive.
Deposit to MINI of Peabody, signed paperwork, etc – everything good and exciting. A little lacking in communication from MINI USA, but oh well …
Now today, a letter from MINI USA (the second) – and for the very first time, we are told:
The State of California imposes a use tax upon the first use of a new vehicle in California. Since you will be taking delivery of your new vehicle in California, this tax applies.
The first time use tax will not be collected by your retail center or BMW [not MINI!]
Should the State of California decide to collect this tax from out-of-state consumers, it would be billed by the State of California and payable directly to the same [legal nonsense – why not write this stuff in ENGLISH!].
In the event taxes are assessed and taxes were paid in your home state, recovery or credit of taxes may be available in full or part. Note that such recovery may not be available from all states.
We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause you.
So I guess if they’re sorry, that’s OK.
And why didn’t they tell people this BEFORE they signed up?
It’s all very vague and who-knows-what …
Who will tell California that I’m picking up a car in that state? Not me!
How much might I be liable for?
Who decides, if I am billed, whether I can recover it from Massachusetts?
This whole GP event sometimes seems to be two steps forward and one step back; it’s very annoying 😦
M&I / GBMINI 