Washington Precious Metals Sales Tax
What Precious Metals Are Taxed in Washington?
Sales Tax on Precious Metals (Coins and Bars) in Washington
If you are buying or selling gold, silver, platinum, or palladium coins and bars in Washington, here is the most current information regarding sales tax.
Does Washington Charge Sales Tax on Precious Metal Coins and Bars?
Washington will impose sales tax on all precious metals purchases—including coins, bullion, and rounds—starting January 1, 2026.
The longstanding exemption for precious metals and bullion is repealed under SB 5794, signed into law in May 2025.
The new law means gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars will be subject to the standard state and local sales tax rates. State sales tax is 6.5%, with local rates bringing the total as high as 10% in some areas.
Until January 1, 2026, qualifying bullion and monetized bullion remain sales tax-exempt.
Washington Precious Metals Sales Tax Table (2025–2026)
| Product Type | State Sales Tax (until 1/1/2026) | State Sales Tax (from 1/1/2026) | Local Tax Possible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold, silver, platinum, palladium coins & bullion | Exempt | 6.5%+ | Yes | Exemption ends Jan 1, 2026; local rates can push total to ~10% |
| Numismatic coins, tokens, medallions | Taxable | 6.5%+ | Yes | Already taxable; local rates apply |
| Accessories, processed items | Taxable | 6.5%+ | Yes | Holders, tubes, jewelry, colorized coins, etc. |
Recent Legislative Developments
SB 5794 and HB 2084 were passed in 2025, repealing the sales tax exemption for precious metals and bullion effective January 1, 2026.
The repeal is part of a broader effort to address a significant state budget shortfall and follows recommendations from the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee.
The National Coin & Bullion Association and other industry groups opposed the repeal but were unsuccessful.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Sales tax laws and rates regarding precious metals coins and bars in Washington may change without notice. This page provides general guidance only. Please consult the Washington Department of Revenue 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 Washington, be aware that all such transactions will be subject to state and local sales tax starting January 1, 2026. Always verify your specific products and stay updated with the Washington Department of Revenue.
Sales tax is assessed according to where one is shipping the purchase to.
Safe Haven Metal utilizes an advanced sales tax computation system to determine the applicable sales tax on precious metals transactions based on the purchaser’s ZIP code. This system is designed to ensure that the most accurate pricing and corresponding tax calculations are applied to each order.
However, Safe Haven Metal may not have an established economic nexus in every state or jurisdiction. In instances where Safe Haven Metal is not obligated to collect sales tax, and such tax is nonetheless applicable under state or local law, the purchaser is solely responsible for reporting, remitting, and paying any such taxes directly to the appropriate taxing authority.
Safe Haven Metal disclaims any liability for a purchaser’s failure to properly report or remit taxes that may be due in connection with their purchase.
