Can my brother get a tax exemption if hes buying a car out of state?

he just came back from iraq and wants to buy a car in washington state, but im sure he is a california resident, can he get a tax exemption because hes buying in a different state?

Normally sales tax is paid when and where the car is purchased, and then if the car is taken to another state, additional taxes are paid upon registration. However, military personnel purchasing a vehicle in Washington State are an exception, in that Washington State will not impose sales tax. The dealership will surely know about this and assist with the paperwork.

From the Washington State Department of Revenue (edited for clarity):

Military personnel may purchase and take delivery in this state of a motor vehicle, trailer, or camper for use outside this state without payment of retail sales tax if:

1. The military purchaser鈥檚 residence or home of record is not in Washington; and

2. The motor vehicle, trailer, or camper is taken from the point of delivery in this state directly to a point outside this state under the authority of a trip permit.

Military personnel may purchase and take delivery in this state of a motor vehicle, trailer, or camper for temporary (up to three month) use within this state without payment of retail sales tax if:

1. The military purchaser鈥檚 residence or home of record is not in Washington; and

2. The motor vehicle, trailer, or camper is registered and licensed immediately under the laws of the state of the military purchaser鈥檚 residence or home of record. Or, the military purchaser of a motor vehicle applies for out-of-state license plates at the time of sale.

No, he will have to pay tax on the car for the address that he provides to the dealer or dmv.

But with you saying he just came back from IRAQ, he should check with the local dmv, because some states allow active military a tax exemption if they buy a car out of state.

His state of original residence will be listed on his Les.(aka paystub)

10 years auto experience
When he registers it in CA he'll have to pay the sales tax.