To register an Apple ID account in a US tax-free state (tax-free zone), the key is to select a US tax-free state for the registration address, for example:

  • Delaware
  • Oregon
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • Alaska

The entire registration process is actually similar to a regular US account, just make sure to select the correct state and city when filling in the address information. Below is a detailed guide with steps:

1. Preparation

  1. Email: Prepare a brand new email that has never been used to register an Apple ID (Gmail, Outlook, etc. recommended).
  2. VPN: It is recommended to use a US node VPN throughout the process to increase the success rate of registration.
  3. US Address: Use a real address from a tax-free state (you can search for "Delaware address generator" or "Oregon address generator" on Google), such as a commercial mailing address in Delaware.
  4. US Phone Number (Optional): Some steps may require SMS verification. You can use virtual numbers like Google Voice, but most steps allow verification with a Chinese phone number.

2. Registration Process

Method 1: Web Registration (Recommended)

  1. Open the Apple ID official website registration page
  2. Fill in email, password, and select United States as the country/region
  3. Date of birth is optional (recommended to be 18 or older)
  4. Enter the verification code and phone number. You can use a Chinese number, +86 is fine
  5. You will receive verification codes via email and phone, complete the verification

Method 2: Registration on iOS Device (App Store Region Change)

  1. Sign out of your existing Apple ID in iPhone/iPad Settings, go to [Settings] > [Sign in to your iPhone] > [Don't have or forgot your Apple ID?]
  2. Select [Create Apple ID], choose United States as the country
  3. Follow the prompts to fill in email, password, date of birth, and phone number (Chinese number is also acceptable)
  4. The next step will require you to fill in the billing address. This step is very critical!

3. Billing Address (Important)

  1. First Name/Last Name: English name
  2. Street: Real street address in a tax-free state (can be generated, e.g., 8 The Green)
  3. City: City name in a tax-free state, e.g., Dover
  4. State: Choose one from Delaware (DE), Oregon (OR), Montana (MT), Alaska (AK), New Hampshire (NH)
  5. Zip Code: Zip code of the tax-free state (e.g., Dover, Delaware corresponds to 19901)
  6. Phone: US number (can be fabricated, e.g., 302-555-1234)

Reference Example (Delaware):

Street: 8 The Green
City: Dover
State: DE
Zip Code: 19901
Phone: 302-555-1234

Similar for other tax-free states, ensure the state and zip code match

4. Complete Account Information and Verification

  • After registration, Apple may require secondary verification via email and phone. Just follow the process.
  • Go to the App Store, log in with the new account. The system will prompt you to complete payment information. Select "None" as the payment method, and fill in the tax-free state address again for the billing address.

5. Top-up and Usage

  • Once the account is registered, you can top up and make purchases using methods like US iTunes Gift Cards, without worrying about tax deductions.
  • If using a credit card/PayPal to top up, the information must match the billing address, otherwise binding may fail (gift card top-up is recommended).

[Tips]

  • Avoid using overly common "virtual mailing" addresses in tax-free states to prevent being flagged by risk control.
  • It is recommended to let the new account sit for a few days and download a few apps before topping up and making purchases.
  • Apple occasionally audits addresses/payment methods, so it is not recommended to frequently modify account information.

Summary

The core of registering a "US tax-free state Apple ID account" is ensuring the billing address is in a tax-free state. The rest of the process is basically the same as a regular US account. This way, you won't be charged tax on purchases, saving money in the long run.