Q: I bought a new car, which wasn't driven off the lot. I'm moving to NH from MA in two weeks. Could I register it in NH?
I am currently a Massachusetts resident and I bought a new car at a New Hampshire dealership. I felt rushed and signed the papers for financing and put in a $2500 deposit. The vehicle I purchased was not yet delivered to the dealer as it was "in transit" so I didn't take possession of the vehicle (I didn't drive it off the lot). I am moving to New Hampshire for Graduate school in exactly 14 days and will be establishing residency there. Is there a way for me to not register the car twice and register it directly in New Hampshire? By the time my vehicle is delivered, I will already be in New Hampshire. What would that mean in terms of Sales Tax and Excise Tax? Is there any way to reduce either of them if I have to register and pay in MA? Alternatively, is there a way for me to back out of the deal with the dealer (I didn't see a cancellation policy on any of the documents I signed/received other than "sale contingent on financial approval") .
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A:
You can register the car in New Hampshire directly if you establish residency there before taking possession of the vehicle. Since you haven't taken delivery yet and will be a New Hampshire resident when the car arrives, you should be able to register it in NH without needing to register it in Massachusetts first. This will save you from paying sales tax in Massachusetts, as NH does not have a sales tax.
In terms of excise tax, once you establish residency in NH, you won't need to worry about Massachusetts excise tax. New Hampshire does not have an excise tax on vehicles, so this could be beneficial for you financially.
If you want to back out of the deal with the dealership, check the terms of your financing agreement and speak with the dealer directly. The lack of a specific cancellation policy doesn't mean you have no options. Since the sale is contingent on financial approval, you may still have leverage if financing is not finalized. Discuss your situation with the dealer and explore the possibility of canceling or modifying the agreement before the vehicle is delivered.
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