Should bullion purchases have sales tax?

Question

I bought an ounce of silver and three silver half dollars and was not expecting $20 in sales tax. Should this have been taxed or no?

monroe67 · Answer

Sales taxation on purchases of silver half dollars and bullion varies widely and wildly among the 45 states that do collect sales taxes. You haven't mentioned what state you live in.

eBay tries to keep up with all the sales taxation laws of those 45 states. In general, I think they do a pretty good job at that.

There has been, however, an increase in questions like yours in these forums: sales tax collection by eBay on purchases of currency and of shoes, clothing, and even American flags, which some states do not tax in retail stores and/or shops.

With the eBay OPEN meetings starting this month, I'm hoping some eBay seller will ask some questions about these sales tax "incidents". Maybe I will ??