I purchased a car in South Carolina but live in North Carolina. When do I pay sales tax on the puchase? At the time I registered the car in North Carolina? Or when I do my income taxes?

[LeeM · Accepted solution]

You paid the sales tax when you purchased the vehicle. It was probably included in your loan amount or taken from any down payment.

You will also pay a property tax when you register the car and a registration fee annually.

You can enter those items (Sales Tax for Major Purchases and Property taxes/Vehicle Taxes) under the Deductions and Credits section of TurboTax.

[retracila]

I paid a NC sales tax even though I bought the car in SC?

[LeeM]

No, you should have paid SC sales tax where you purchased the vehicle.