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Ordering from Motomaker with a PIN code and dodging sales tax

dansherpa

Newbie
Planning on picking up a 32Gb Moto X on VZW with a 2-year plan at $149. The stores only have the 16Gb so I need to buy it on Motomaker.

I live in a Massachusetts, where I will be charged 6.25% sales tax on the full value of the phone (i.e. $649) if I buy it directly through Motomaker. I see they have an option to pay for a PIN code in the store and then redeem it on the site.

In the past, I've driven across the border into tax-free NH to upgrade to new phones and not pay any sales tax. So the question is, can I buy one of these PIN codes at the VZW store and will I be charged sales tax based on the location of the store? or he location of my contract with VZW? Has anyone done this?

Also, it looks like Motomaker/VZW add on $75 for activation + some other bs. Any way to dodge those?
 
Typical Verizon BS fees. Not sure how to avoid those but it looks like there still might be that Motorola promo for $50 off with an .edu email address. If you don't have one you can search online and sign up for one (mine is from some California college). Just enter the email address and theyll send a code you can enter when you do moto maker.
 
Oh not sure about that. Guess that would make sense it would just be for a non-subsidized phone.
 
If you purchase the pin via Verizon, they will likely use your billing address in terms of sales tax. If you're buying it off contract, I don't think Verizon will "sell you a pin." Since at that point you're not necessarily making them any money, and there is nothing that needs to be done on your account. They may point you to go straight to Moto website.

I just Edged Up and I didn't pay any of those fees. At least not that I know of... :(
 
Well, I know when I've bought actual phones from Verizon by driving across the border, I was not charged any tax. I'm hoping the same holds up for PIN's.
 
Bought mine on Saturday at Verizon. I was emailed the PIN within an hour or so. I was not charged anything, but they did say I would be paying taxes for the phone on my first bill. I didn't think to ask which amount I was being taxed on. Since it is included in my next bill, I have to assume it will be taxed on your home address, not purchase location.

Also, I purchased the leather back and was charged $25 (using the PIN the bill was $0 up until the custom back) and then was charged tax on the $25, so the total was actually $27 or whatever.
 
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