Does the Au Pair pay the vehicle property tax (IPVA)?

It is important to remember that the Au Pair program in the United States, governed by the J visa, has specific characteristics and involves a cultural exchange format where the participant lives with a host family while receiving compensation and benefits. In general, issues related to vehicle taxes and fees are associated with ownership and use of the car, and not directly with participation in the program.

Usually, the Au Pair is not the owner of a car provided or used by the host family; therefore, the responsibility for taxes, fees, and vehicle registration – such as the IPVA in Brazilian contexts – falls on the vehicle”s owner, which in this case is the family. If the Au Pair decides to purchase a vehicle during their stay in the United States, they then become responsible for fulfilling all tax and registration obligations required by the state in which they are residing, which are specific and different from the Brazilian IPVA system.

It is important to emphasize the necessity of carefully following all local laws and obligations, both from an immigration standpoint and regarding traffic and taxation rules in the state. It is advisable for the Au Pair program participant to seek information from local authorities or consult specialized professionals to avoid misunderstandings and possible future problems. In this way, following the regulations contributes to a smooth experience during the cultural exchange.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.