Bullion sales tax · Washington
Washington sales tax on gold and silver
Is gold taxed in Washington?
Yes.
Since January 1, 2026, Washington charges state and local sales tax on all precious-metal bullion and on coins made from metal ("monetized bullion"); efforts in 2026 to restore the exemption failed.
- Investment gold & silver
- Taxable
- Order threshold
- None
- Metals covered
- None exempt
- Jewelry
- Taxed · about 9.51%
What's taxed in Washington
| What you're buying | Sales tax | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Gold and silver bars and rounds | Sales tax applies | Taxed like other goods in Washington. |
| Gold and silver bullion coins (Eagles, Maple Leafs, Krugerrands) | Sales tax applies | Taxed like other goods in Washington. |
| Platinum and palladium bullion (bars, rounds and coins) | Sales tax applies | Taxed like other goods in Washington. |
| Rare and graded (numismatic) coins | Sales tax applies | Taxed like other goods in Washington. |
| Jewelry | Sales tax applies | Taxed like other goods in Washington. |
| Medals, collectibles and accessories | Sales tax applies | Taxed like other goods in Washington. |
The rule, in plain English
Since January 1, 2026, Washington charges state and local sales tax on all precious-metal bullion and on coins made from metal ("monetized bullion"); efforts in 2026 to restore the exemption failed.
What counts: From DOR's description of the repealed exclusion: precious metal bullion is 'any precious metal which has been put through a process of smelting or refining, including, but not limited to, gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and palladium, and which is in such state or condition that its value depends upon its contents and not upon its form'. Monetized bullion is 'coins or other forms of money manufactured from gold, silver, or other metals' used as a medium of exchange. Both are now taxable as sales of tangible personal property.
Still taxed: All bullion bars, rounds and coins (legal tender, bullion and numismatic), jewelry and accessories. Sales to resellers holding a valid reseller permit are wholesale and not subject to retail sales tax. Use tax applies to untaxed purchases.
This rule took effect on January 1, 2026.
What you would pay: three Washington examples
| Purchase delivered to Washington | Sales tax |
|---|---|
| Silver coins, $500 | about $48 taxed like other goods |
| Gold coins, $5,000 | about $476 taxed like other goods |
| A gold necklace, $1,000 | about $95 jewelry is taxed |
Using Washington's 6.5% state rate plus the average local rate, 9.51% combined (Tax Foundation, January 2026). Your city or county rate may be higher or lower.
Recent changes in Washington
HB 2115 and SB 5894 were introduced to restore the exemption. Neither got past committee, and the 2026 session ended without enacting them. Source
The 1985 bullion and monetized-bullion exclusion (RCW 82.04.062) was repealed, so retail sales of bullion and coins became subject to sales tax and retailing B&O. Source
Washington and its neighbors
Different rules next door: Idaho (tax-free) and Oregon (no sales tax). Tax follows the delivery address, not where you live.
Buying from Bullion Trading LLC with delivery to Washington
No Washington sales tax is added at our checkout. For questions about use tax, ask a tax professional.
Orders ship insured and discreetly packed: USPS under $1,000, FedEx with adult signature from $1,000, usually within 2–3 business days after payment clears. Bank transfer and check are our best price; card and PayPal add 5% (up to $7,500).
Popular bullion delivered to Washington
The large price is the check/wire price; the card/PayPal price is listed under it. Prices follow the live spot price.
Selling gold in Washington
Selling gold to a dealer is not a retail purchase, so no sales tax applies. A profit is a capital gain: the IRS taxes gains on gold and silver bullion as collectibles, at up to 28% when held more than a year. Washington has no income tax but taxes long-term capital gains above a yearly deduction at 7%, plus 2.9% on gains over $1 million.
Dealers have to report some larger sales to the IRS on Form 1099-B; keep your purchase receipts to show your cost.
We buy bullion at our counter at 20 West 47th Street in New York: walk in with a photo ID and we pay by same-day check. How selling to us works
Local taxes
Local sales taxes apply on top of the 6.5% state rate, at the destination rate where the buyer receives the goods.
Common questions about Washington
Is gold taxed in Washington?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, Washington charges state and local sales tax on all precious-metal bullion and on coins made from metal ("monetized bullion"); efforts in 2026 to restore the exemption failed.
Is silver taxed in Washington?
Yes. Washington taxes silver bullion and coins like other goods.
Is gold jewelry taxed in Washington?
Yes. Jewelry is taxed like other goods in Washington (about 9.51% on average with local tax), even when it is made of gold, silver or platinum.
Do I pay tax when I sell gold in Washington?
Selling gold to a dealer is not a retail purchase, so no sales tax applies. A profit is a capital gain: the IRS taxes gains on gold and silver bullion as collectibles, at up to 28% when held more than a year. Washington has no income tax but taxes long-term capital gains above a yearly deduction at 7%, plus 2.9% on gains over $1 million.
Selling to a dealer
No sales tax
A gain on the sale
Taxed by the IRS as a collectible, up to 28% when held more than a year
Sources
- ESSB 5794, 2025 Wash. Laws ch. 423, § 105 — Tax preferences: various provisions. Repeals RCW 82.04.062; effective January 1, 2026; § 105(1) was not vetoed (only § 105(4)-(5) were) (checked October 19, 2026)
- RCW 82.04.062 (repealed) — 'Repealed by 2025 c 423 § 105, effective January 1, 2026.' (checked October 19, 2026)
- HB 2115 / SB 5894 (2026, not passed) — 'Restoring the 1985 tax exemptions for the sale of precious metals and bullion'. Died in committee (House Finance / Senate Ways & Means) (checked October 19, 2026)
- WA DOR Special Notice (Sept. 24, 2025) — Sales of precious metal bullion and monetized bullion now subject to B&O tax and retail sales tax (checked October 19, 2026)
- WA DOR industry guide: Currency, coins and precious metal bullion — Bullion taxable from Jan. 1, 2026; paper currency still exempt (checked October 19, 2026)
- State and Local Sales Tax Rates, 2026 (table: State & Local Sales Tax Rates as of January 1, 2026) (Tax Foundation)
- 2026 Sales Tax Rates, Midyear Update (rates as of July 1, 2026) (Tax Foundation)
- Capital gains tax (Washington Department of Revenue)
- IRS Topic 409: capital gains and losses (collectibles rate)
How we research and check this guide: our method.