Yeah, you are probably right. I know that here in North Dakota, the politicos have tried to figure out ways to collect tax on TV markets, internet sales, and whatever else they can, but, haven't come up with anything effective. Here, when a dealer is licensed from the state, he is made the official "tax collector" ,if you will. He has to report all taxable sales to the tax dep't, and pay the appropriate amount; which he has collected. As far as jurisdiction is concerned, no state can go to a neighboring state and check their files, except by mutual aggreement. I guess that here they don't get too aggressive on out of state purchases. On auto's; when you buy the license plate, they ding you for the tax then, if it was an out of state purchase. On anything else that you have to 'register' with the state; the same probably applies. In order to go any further, they would have to be able to chase down every purchase one made out of state; and would probably get to the point where it was not 'cost effective'.
Also, here ; the towns and counties have gotten in on the bandwagon and are charging a 1% tax above the state tax; so if I drive to say Bismarck and buy something, I pay their tax; and get zip for return. So by their own greed, they push me to out of state purchases. Also , let me clarify, that I don't mind paying the tax to the state; but I can use it for leverage when negotiating a sale price with a local dealer. In other words; if a dealer in MT will sell an item for $1500 , then I can go the local dealer and maybe talk him down to $1425 plus the $75 for the guvner. Then it's a done deal. There are also times when I can buy the item, and pay the tax, cheaper than I can buy it w/o tax in MT. Guess where I go then. Bottom line-- what costs me the least!!