Another aspect – for years, some transfer dealers have been charging sales tax for the rifles they receive. This means usually a bill of sale had to be included with the gun and the transfer dealer charges the sales tax based on that amount. I suppose now, some sort of proof will need to be provided to the transfer dealer that the sales tax has already been paid? And he going to have to keep track of that if he is audited, to document why he didn’t charge tax on the item? Lots of messiness for sure. And I too, am struck by the unfairness of charging sales tax on used items where tax had already been paid on the item.
Chuck said
I have to tell the FFL how much I paid for it on some occasions. I’m not sure if the law says I have to produce a receipt?
I’m in Kalifornia as well (Los Angeles). When I need to do an FFL transfer from out of state (not often as I have C&R – but some sellers refuse to honor it) CA requires collecting sales tax. The couple of FFL’s I have used have just asked me, “what did you pay?” often with a wink and a nudge. I’ve never been specifically asked for an invoice.
Steve
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
November 7, 2015

Another way of looking at this is that online sellers are one step closer to being on equal footing with brick and mortar dealers. We all lament the loss of the neighborhood gun store, online sales was one nail in the coffin. As a small business owner I am well aware of the fact that local businesses contribute to the local economy, pay local taxes and in many cases support local charities. An online purchase is money leaving never to be seen again. Online retailers have in some cases been collecting sales tax for years. I’m not sure I agree with sales tax on previously owned items but that bridge has apparently been crossed.
Mike
Chuck said
steve004 said
Was it pared down to just 8 states that GB will be adding sales tax?Absolutely not. Without going back and researching this again I believe that includes all states that have sales tax already. There are a few that don’t.
California was one of the first and most aggressive to want their ransom. Early on the only manufactures that had to comply were those that actually had a brick and mortar store in Ca. There are many small sellers on Ebay that don’t know or just don’t care. Just like other items that Ca. won’t let come into the state, Ebay can be your friend.
Don’t violate any Federal laws or State ones that can get you into real problems.
According to GB, they will only be collecting tax for the 8 states listed.
Maybe I’m just being slow, but this sales tax and gunbroker thing perplexes me. I see on gunbroker now, many sellers state, “no tax” in the auction title. When you read the fine print, they state this does not apply to those handful of states where gunbroker will add in the tax. Yet, I believe we know that more than just the states gunbroker designates, want their sales tax?
Here’s an example from a gunbroker’s description:
Sales tax exception: Due to recent changes on GunBroker as of 1 January 2021, sales tax is automatically collected and calculated on sales into the following states: Georgia – GA Iowa – IA Indiana – IN Kentucky – KY Maine – ME Nebraska – NE New Jersey – NJ Nevada – NV If the item is being sold into one of the above states, the “no sales tax” does not apply and I will inform you of the total sales tax upon auction ending and add it to the total. If you do not live in one of the above states, there will be no sales tax as this is being sold from a private party rather than a business. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Anyone have a handle on this?
wolfbait said
GB will only be collecting tax for the 8 states listed. I have sold several items so far this year, and sales tax has only been collected on those 8 states.
I understand that. But what about other states that also require their sale’s tax? For those states, is the GB seller supposed to collect the tax and send it in, or is the buyer supposed to pay it on their end (e.g. a transfer dealer sends it in, or the buyer himself sends it in)?
I also sell on gunbroker. Most times when sale ends I go to my contact buyer and submit payment info that includes cost of item sold plus shipping charges and occasionally the tax due from certain states is listed on final sale price. My question now the buyers sends me payment item bought, shipping and tax. Am I required to submit this tax to every state that charges? Am I supposed to have a tax ID from every state? Another item on horizon is eBay. They currently collect the sales tax and I guess distribute it. As of Jan 25th I can no longer sell on eBay since they are going to make payment direct to your bank account not PayPal. They are also requiring my SS number which I am reluctant to do. I don’t know if this a scam or not. New proposed laws will end all online gun sales also if passed. Times are changing and not for the better
antler1 said
As of Jan 25th I can no longer sell on eBay since they are going to make payment direct to your bank account not PayPal. They are also requiring my SS number which I am reluctant to do. I don’t know if this a scam or not. New proposed laws will end all online gun sales also if passed. Times are changing and not for the better![]()
You shouldn’t say that! You may upset the many who prefer to keep their heads in the sand, & who have spent tens of thousands on guns but never gave more than a pittance, if anything, to any gun-rights org.
When buying on ebay I ask the seller if I may send payment directly to him, thus escaping sales tax. Seller merely has to mark item paid when he receives my check or MO. Sellers who aren’t ebay ass-kissers generally agree.
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