The way VAT works, using my gear that I sell abroad is this. If I have an item that sells for £120 to people in the UK, I can sell it to a customer in the US and zero rate the sale so I charge £100. US import tax is code 9202.90 for a guitar which I think is 4.7%. You then would pay whatever your state tax rate adds. Worse - depending on who delivers it, say UPS, they might pay the tax and import duty on your behalf, and then charge you for the privilege. At least you won't get taxed twice. The only snag is that the seller in the UK must be registered for VAT, if you are not, then the selling price cannot be reduced. Thomann are not really in England - they're still in Germany, but the offices mean the point of sale is here. My Thomann order this week includes 20% tax, and they have a UK GB VAT code, so I claim it back using my VAT account. After Brexit they supplied goods without VAT, but it got a bit random, so they opened up here. Offices and a warehouse which keeps some fast moving stock. My item is going from Germany to the UK, then to me. Adds a couple of days in practice. I think the US operation is similar, but a much bigger warehouse. However - if when you buy, you make sure your region is set to USA, then they ship with no VAT, and they handle the customs fees - I'm not certain about state taxes though?