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Level 1

8 points

Buying a Macbook Pro without tax

Hey everyone. I'm a high school student right now and I've managed to save up a lot of my own money in order to buy the newer 15" Macbook Pros. However, I don't think the standard screen resolution would be suitable for me because I like to work a lot using Photoshop for school, and many other video projects. The problem is this, if I want to upgrade the display to the anti-glare, I'll end up paying another extra $150 on top of the $1,800. After that, the total is $1,950, but here's the bad part. I live in California and tax would be another 10% so basically, I end up paying almost $2,200 for the Macbook Pro that I want. The base configuration for the Macbook Pro 15" with standard everything, I can easily grab from Amazon for about $1,700. I've also tried MacMall because someone told me that they don't charge tax there either and you can do upgrades there too. But sadly, I figured out that they do indeed charge tax for residents of California... Basically, I need help finding a site that will configure your Macbook Pro just like Apple and not charge me tax. If anyone would please help me with this or give me some other type of advice regarding the screen resolution, I would greatly appreciate it. I really don't want to pay an extra $200 worth of taxes just for the anti-glare

Message was edited by: AngkorDeNNiS

null

Posted on Apr 5, 2011 11:15 PM

31 replies

Summer66

Level 1

55 points

Apr 6, 2011 2:34 PM in response to varjak paw

Ooops! Darn, didn't realize... thanks for the heads up, I know that it saved me. After 2 new pc's crashed in the middle of my semester, the student discount allowed me to get a premium/reliable computer that I can count on.

TBDO

Level 1

30 points

Apr 6, 2011 2:38 PM in response to Summer66

You could have a friend in New Hampshire order it and then ship it to you. There isn't any sales tax there.

AngkorDeNNiS Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 6, 2011 3:05 PM in response to TBDO

TBDO wrote:
You could have a friend in New Hampshire order it and then ship it to you. There isn't any sales tax there.

Yes I know that, but I wouldn't rather do that because as Neuroanatomist said. This goes against the "Sales and Use Tax" we have here in California

This is what he said if you look up a couple of posts:

"It is true in CA - the tax is officially called "Sales and Use Tax" and applies to sales within the State of California and top items purchased outside of California (e.g. from B&H in New York via the Internet) but intended for use in California. The Use Tax applies when, for example, "You purchase something from a mail order catalog, the Internet, an online auction, television shopping network, etc. located outside California and you don't pay tax to that retailer." Purchases like that should be claimed on (and tax paid with) your state income tax return.

It's unlikely that the Franchise Tax Board will come after you for the money, so as long as you have no ethical issues with breaking a law and evading state taxes...go ahead. 😉"

TBDO

Level 1

30 points

Apr 6, 2011 5:07 PM in response to AngkorDeNNiS

I live in NH anyways so it really isn't a problem for me.

Pat U.

Level 1

0 points

May 27, 2011 2:49 PM in response to AngkorDeNNiS

I know this is not for everyone, and some might call me crazy, but Ebay has everything you'll ever need. If you keep an eye out, you can find a MB pro either with the exact specs you want, or very close (possibly better), for much less than you would pay elsewhere. And no taxes involved.

Example, last summer I bought a 15" model that had the exact same specs as sort of the mid range Macbook Pro on Apple's website at the time, retailing for around 1900, for 1335 plus 15 dollars insured shipping.

Advantages: You'll be able to find what you want very easily, often for very cheap.

Disadvantages: It's going to be lightly used in most cases and you could get a lemon. Mine had been used for six months and obviously this was a potential worry for me. However, this is also an opportunity to get Applecare for cheap. Mine came with the remaining 2 1/2 years of applecare in the purchase price already, a savings of $250. Knowing that, there was a sense of comfort in buying my laptop.

If you decide to go through Ebay here are a few things you should know.

1. Always Always Always check feedback history. It's golden and that's why ebay relies on it so much for their reputation. With big purchases (I've bought a motorcycle and truck on ebay without a problem) I always also contact the seller with some small questions just to make sure they are with the program. Ask them about insurance on shipping or some BS that they've probably already answered to make sure that they are giving legit answers.

2. EBAY WILL GIVE YOU YOUR MONEY BACK!!! Ebay and Paypal have buyer protection. Once when i didn't follow my own advice in step 1 (luckily it was only for $25 worth of HDMI cables) I had to file a claim, and Ebay returned my money within 2 business days. There is some risk in buying from an unknown person, but if you are smart and do your research on the seller, Ebay will almost never be a problem.

I would however recommend that you are sure to get one that is still under warranty/applecare protection.

Good luck.

May 27, 2011 3:33 PM in response to Pat U.

Also, I would never buy a used Mac which didn't include the original system discs (and the upgrade discs for any upgrade of the OS which has been installed).

May 27, 2011 3:43 PM in response to AngkorDeNNiS

Apple offers educational discounts for students. Call them and ask about this, and you might get a good 7-15% off.

varjak paw

Level 10

170,206 points

May 31, 2011 7:37 AM in response to Topher Kessler

Not for high school students, Topher. Educations discounts apply only to students in college.

May 31, 2011 9:05 AM in response to varjak paw

Wrong Warehouse 13.... They do give discounts to K-12... I got my daughter 11 grade 1 at the apple store by me 15%. off. 2 weeks ago.

Post correct answers Dave.

varjak paw

Level 10

170,206 points

May 31, 2011 9:35 AM in response to dahammer1

dahammer1 wrote:

Wrong Warehouse 13.... They do give discounts to K-12... I got my daughter 11 grade 1 at the apple store by me 15%. off. 2 weeks ago.

Post correct answers Dave.

My answer is correct as regards the original poster. If the Apple Store gave you a discount, either you qualified as a home school, you are an employee or board member of a K-12 school or school district, or the Apple Store made a mistake. Eligibility requirements for educational discounts can be seen here:

http://storeimages.apple.com/1851/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicie sEdIndividual.html#topic-2

Regards.

Mar 14, 2016 8:33 AM in response to varjak paw

http://www.apple.com/startpage/

Left side of web page. It even has a link.

Also on the bottom of the page

for Apple education pricing is a great way for college students, parents buying for a college student, and faculty and staff at all grade levels to purchase Mac computers, Apple software, and select accessories at special prices. Students who have been accepted to college are also eligible. Just shop at the Apple Store for Education and start saving. Quantity limits apply. See terms and conditions.

ALL GRADE LEVELS.

May 31, 2011 6:06 PM in response to dahammer1

Last one from support page...

Next.

Jun 1, 2011 5:29 AM in response to dahammer1

faculty and staff at all grade levels

FACULTY AND STAFF

Jun 1, 2011 5:31 AM in response to Ronda Wilson

I did it.

With my kid there. Discount for 11th grader.

varjak paw

Level 10

170,206 points

Jun 1, 2011 7:19 AM in response to dahammer1

If you were given a discount, it was a mistake by the Apple Store, or what you told them about your status or that of your child was incorrect and they took you at your word and did not ask for proof of eligibility.

Again, and for the last time, for students purchasing for themselves, only students who are in college are eligible for discounts. It says so right in the text you yourself quoted.

'nuff said on the subject.

Buying a Macbook Pro without tax