Can anyone explain these fees?

[m.ant]

I sold an item recently and it says my total before fees included item price, shipping cost, and tax. Then eBay charges 12.9% for that total. Why is eBay getting a percentage from state taxes as well? 

[chapeau-noir]

Discussed here.  Many, many times.

[luckythewinner]

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@m.ant wrote:

Why is eBay getting a percentage from state taxes as well? 

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Because eBay wants to.

[dnasilver]

eBay is collecting and sending sales tax to the proper taxing authorities for you. You really don't want that headache. 

[toysaver]

When you die you will no longer have to worry about taxes of any sort.  Until then they are pervasive and around every corner and hidden in nooks and crannies.

[m60driver]

Why?  Because they can just like every other corporate entity on the planet.

[1tuna]

how come you get a big discount on your fees compared to my rate for watches at 15%

@m.ant 

[mandisattictoyz]

Because when you buy your groceries at the store, your Visa card takes a processing fee for the entire amount not the subtotal.  So in turn eBay, while they don’t have to but must for the future of profits to make shareholders happy, does the same.  Remember they just have to show growth in profits earned by any means right now.  It’s all about the stock gains

[monica-sells]

There is a 'pinned' thread on Page 1 (Line 2)

"Read All About It"

Be glad you are not responsible for collecting Sales Tax

[onlinecentral]

Fees on the shipping and sales tax? That is the first time I have heard of that. You might want to consider litigation.

[luckythewinner]

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@dnasilver wrote:

eBay is collecting and sending sales tax to the proper taxing authorities for you. You really don't want that headache. 

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This is a red herring.

eBay is not doing sellers a "favor" by collecting sales tax on these transaction; eBay is required by law to do it.

If eBay didn't do it, eBay would be violating the law. There would be no "headache" for sellers.

[monroe67]

"I sold an item recently and it says my total before fees included item price, shipping cost, and tax. Then eBay charges 12.9% for that total."

In two short sentences, you have given a very clear and concise explanation of the Final Value Fees.   
And don't forget the 30 cents.    

"Why is eBay getting a percentage from state taxes as well?"

As others have stated, because they can.   I also believe there is something in the laws or regulations that at least allows them to charge a fee for calculating, collecting, and submitting sales taxes to the proper states.   Speaking for myself, I am glad they do include sales tax in Final Value.  

[wrong66]

Again, read the pinned thread at the top of every Selling page to learn about Final Value Fees.

[kensgiftshop]

@m.ant 

It's been explained many times.

Their fee's are based on the total amount the buyer pays.

[m.ant]

Very true