The price for a Tesla Model S (with a 60 kWh battery pack, and no options) is $71,070. But I would like to know how much sales tax a citizen from California has to pay, when he/she purchases a Tesla Model S (with a 60 kWh battery pack, and no options) is $71,070? And to will the buyer have to pay this amount for the sales tax to the seller (Tesla Motors) together with the $71,070? Or will the buyer have to pay this amount for the sales tax directly to the Authorities of the State of California?
The base rate for the state is 7.5%, but every county within the state has their own local taxes, so the total rate would be anywhere from 7.5% to 10%. http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub71.pdf And yes, you would be paying the taxes to Tesla, who would pass the $ onto the State of California. Are you thinking of buying one and importing it to the Netherlands?
If you are contemplating export, you can pick up the car and transport the car via common carrier (ie Transport truck) to a port or container facility. You can avoid paying the taxes to the state of California, if these provisions are adhered to. It can be driven on the road for a "test drive" with a dealer plate (license) and Tesla employee, but Tesla would have to agree. Otherwise, the wheels of the car cannot hit a public road, or taxes are due.
No import intention, just trying to find out how things work in California. Thanks for your input. Cheers