To learn about your state and local income-tax responsibilities, consult local tax authorities after you have arrived in the United States. Check the blue or white pages of the local telephone book for the appropriate government listings. Sales tax is similar to the value-added tax collected in many countries, except that in the United States the amount of the tax is not included in the advertised prices of goods. Sales-tax rates vary from state to state. The state of Delaware, for example, charges none at all, whereas other states may charge as much as 10 percent on some goods and services.
Some states assess a personal property tax on automobiles and other valuable property.
US tax laws are difficult to understand, so some students may want to ignore this obligation. Be aware, however, that the amount of information shared by the IRS and INS is increasing each year. It is in your interest to meet your tax obligations. Definitions and Dates Government agencies create endless confusion by using a single word to mean several things. The most common example is the term resident.