Ohio Precious Metals Sales Tax
What Precious Metals Are Taxed in Ohio?
Sales Tax on Precious Metals (Coins and Bars) in Ohio
If you’re looking to buy or sell precious metal coins and bars in Ohio, understanding how sales tax applies is essential. This guide focuses exclusively on sales tax rules for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars.
Does Ohio Charge Sales Tax on Precious Metal Coins and Bars?
Ohio’s sales tax rules for precious metals have changed several times in recent years and can be complex. As of 2025:
Ohio generally charges sales tax on precious metals coins and bars unless they meet strict purity and legal tender requirements.
Exemptions apply only if:
The product is a legal tender coin made primarily of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium.
The bullion bars or coins meet minimum purity standards:
Gold, platinum, and palladium bars or coins must have at least 99.5% purity (.995).
Silver bars or coins must have at least 99.9% purity (.999).
Precious metals products below these purity thresholds or coins with less than 50% precious metal content are subject to Ohio sales tax.
Processed bullion, accessories, and non-investment coins are also taxable.
This means that investment-grade gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars that meet purity and legal tender criteria are exempt from sales tax in Ohio.
Ohio Sales Tax Rate on Taxable Precious Metals
The state sales tax rate is 5.75%, but local jurisdictions can add additional rates, making the total tax rate higher in some areas (e.g., Columbus area rates can reach 8%).
Sales tax applies only to those precious metal products that do not meet exemption criteria.
Summary Table: Ohio Sales Tax on Precious Metals Coins and Bars
| Product Type | Purity/Content Requirement | Sales Tax Status in Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Legal tender gold, silver, platinum, palladium coins | Legal tender & purity ≥ .995 (gold, platinum, palladium); ≥ .999 (silver) | Exempt from sales tax |
| Bullion bars (gold, platinum, palladium) | Purity ≥ .995 | Exempt from sales tax |
| Bullion bars (silver) | Purity ≥ .999 | Exempt from sales tax |
| Coins or bars below purity thresholds | Less than above purity | Subject to sales tax |
| Coins with less than 50% precious metal content | Any purity | Subject to sales tax |
| Processed bullion or accessories | N/A | Subject to sales tax |
Important Notes for Buyers and Sellers
Online purchases shipped to Ohio are subject to the same rules.
Dealers may require proof of product purity or legal tender status to exempt sales tax.
Capital gains tax on profits from selling precious metals still applies but is separate from sales tax.
Laws and enforcement can change; always verify before completing transactions.
Official Resources
For the most authoritative and up-to-date information, consult the Ohio Department of Taxation:
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Sales tax laws and rates regarding precious metals coins and bars in Ohio may change without notice. This page provides general guidance only. Please consult your local tax authority or a qualified tax professional for the most current and accurate information before making any precious metals transactions.
If you want to buy or sell precious metal coins and bars in Ohio, understanding these sales tax rules will help you stay compliant and avoid unexpected costs.
Sales tax is assessed according to where one is shipping the purchase to.
Safe Haven Metal uses an advanced sales tax computation system to calculate the correct precious metals’ sales tax applicable to your zip code. Making your purchase the best price with the most accurate tax automatically calculated for you. Now all you need to do is figure out which precious metals you are going to buy next with Safe Haven Metal.
