Why do I have to charge sales tax???

[frenchie43]

I haven't sold anything on eBay in years. I'm purging my book shelves and closet, and decided to list it all on eBay....but when I creaete my listing, it won't post because I'm not providing the sales tax percentage. I uncheked the "charge sales tax" box, but it still won't list my items. **bleep**? It's my old used stuff, and I'm not a retail establishment. Please tell me there is a way around this. My wife listed her used iPhone on my account with no issues. What am I doing wrong?

[tiramisu41]

Thanks for stopping by tyler@ebay and taking a look at this issue.   Please look at Post #14 as it seems someone else has been having the same issue in Ohio.  (?)

[frenchie43]

@7606dennis no, I’ve never been registered as a business. I’ve had the same eBay account for 20+ years. I just sell my old stuff here and there. I haven’t listed anything in *years*. My wife just listed her phone, without being required to charge tax. I’m trying to sell curriculum that my kids don’t use anymore, and the jeans that are too small for me. It’s absurd that I should have to charge sales tax for used stuff that has ALREADY been taxed!! 

[7606dennis]

---

@frenchie43 wrote:

@7606dennis no, I’ve never been registered as a business. I’ve had the same eBay account for 20+ years. I just sell my old stuff here and there. I haven’t listed anything in *years*. My wife just listed her phone, without being required to charge tax. I’m trying to sell curriculum that my kids don’t use anymore, and the jeans that are too small for me. It’s absurd that I should have to charge sales tax for used stuff that has ALREADY been taxed!! 

---

Depending upon your state's sales tax laws, it might be required, but I'm not sure.  The Supreme Courts recent ruling has some states champing at the bit for extra revenue.  Perhaps you need to check with your state's department of revenue to see what they have to say about it.

Of course, it could be one of eBay's infamous glitches.

I'm not sure that merely because the items one is selling is used and the original purchaser had paid sales tax on it before, the item is tax exempt.  If so, many items I've sold at auction would have been exempt but were not.  The same with most second hand stores.

[frenchie43]

@7606dennis It's definitely not a state tax thing. I currently have something up for sale, that didn't have this issue. Also, I list stuff for my boss often, and I have never had this come up. It's a glitch. I have tried all the suggestions here, and called eBay to have them fix it. It still remains unresolved. What a PITA. 

[frenchie43]

Tyler@ebay I tried your suggestion again....I guess I misunderstood the first time I read it. Anyhow, this worked!! Thank you so much!

[tiramisu41]

@Anonymous, see post #14 and try the "fix" that tyler@ebay suggested and see if that works for you.

[abfabvintage]

@tiramisu41

Hey, Liv. What I don't understand why a seller has to go through all of this rig-a-ma-roll just to list something. There should be an easier way rather than clicking here, creating there, saving there. It just blows my mind. And if it is happening because the seller should use a different eBay listing tool, then sellers should be told that in advance. End of rant. LOL.

[Anonymous]

I called eBay customer service and was told that it was an error on their part and that some accounts got this tax issue and she informed me to first remove the sales tax amount and to scroll up to the gray space above "Alabama" which the first state in the drop down and click on the gray area and that removed the state.  That is the only way to avoid future issues with the sales tax problem.  I can now list without having the state and tax percentage popping up.  I am glad that issue is settled!

[tyler@ebay]

---

@frenchie43 wrote:
Tyler@ebay I tried your suggestion again....I guess I misunderstood the first time I read it. Anyhow, this worked!! Thank you so much!

---

Glad to hear it worked out @frenchie43! 

[alaudermac]

Why is a rep from eBay trying to pretend there's a way around their own system?  The seller is now required to collect sales tax in at least 3 states - plus their own home state.  The number of states that will jump on board with this since the (basically republican) supreme court ruling last month will be likely large and unwieldly.  eBay flat out states in an announcement that there is NO 'opt out' feature.  

I can't hire tax people to deal with different state remittals / have the knowledge and I sure as hell can't do it myself.  Oh and eBay offering to do it for us next July instead of giving us the option of not selling to those states?  No thanks - I'll just quit selling on eBay... and I've been on here for like 25 years.

[nel51]

I am having the same problem in Mass.

[finnbun]

same thing happened to me. I have 3 postings that won't let me post. I think I'll put in the required amount then not charge it. I cannot find help to work around this even though I unchecked the sales tax box under accounts. 

[finnbun]

I'm from Canada and it does it to me too. I have 3 listings under draft and it won't let me post them. 

[the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth]

This thread is from last year. It's likely a different problem.

[finnbun]

I cannot find a number for ebay canada. This is frustrating.