Sales Tax on Gold in the US
There is no federal sales tax; most states exempt investment bullion, so 0% is typical. Gold jewellery is taxed at the normal sales tax rate wherever there is one; the population-weighted national average combined rate is 7.53%. Today 10 grams of 24K gold cost $1,246 at the world price, with no tax on investment bars and coins.
Rules checked 26 October 2026 · Prices Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC · Not tax advice
Gold in the US today, with tax
USD · Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC| Weight | World price, 24K gold | Bar or coin, with tax and duty | 18K jewellery metal, with tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gram | $124.64 | $124.64 | $100.52 |
| 1 pennyweight (dwt) | $193.84 | $193.84 | $156.32 |
| 1 ounce | $3,877 | $3,877 | $3,126 |
| 10 ounces | $38,767 | $38,767 | $31,265 |
| 100 grams | $12,464 | $12,464 | $10,052 |
The rules in the US
| What you buy | Tax | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bars and bullion coins | 0% (0–10.55%) | There is no federal sales tax; most states exempt investment bullion, so 0% is typical. Of 50 states plus DC: 32 exempt bullion and coins, 5 have no statewide sales tax (AK, DE, MT, NH, OR), 8 exempt only some purchases (CA under $2,000, CT and NY at $1,000 or less, MA under $1,000, MD at $1,000 or less, MN coins, NJ coins under $1,000, NV), and 6 tax it fully: DC 6%, Hawaii about 4.5-4.7%, Maine 5.5%, New Mexico about 5.1-9%, Vermont 6-7%, and Washington about 8-10.55% since 1 January 2026. Small purchases in partial states can pay the full local rate (for example 9.75% in Los Angeles). Gold bullion is exempt from the 2025 tariffs. |
| Jewellery | 7.53% (0–about 12%) | Gold jewellery is taxed at the normal sales tax rate wherever there is one; the population-weighted national average combined rate is 7.53%. Charged on: full value. |
| Import duty | 0% | Gold bullion and legal-tender coins are duty-free and were exempted from the 2025 tariffs; no duty is built into the spot-based dollar price. |
| Tourist refund | No | The US has no national sales tax refund for visitors. Louisiana's tax-free shopping programme for international visitors ended on 1 July 2024. Texas has allowed refunds through private operators at some stores, but this was not verified for 2026. |
Compared with nearby countries
Sales Tax on Gold in the US: FAQ
Is there sales tax on gold in the US?
There is no federal sales tax; most states exempt investment bullion, so 0% is typical. Gold jewellery is taxed at the normal sales tax rate wherever there is one; the population-weighted national average combined rate is 7.53%.
Do you pay sales tax on gold bars and coins in the US?
There is no federal sales tax; most states exempt investment bullion, so 0% is typical. Of 50 states plus DC: 32 exempt bullion and coins, 5 have no statewide sales tax (AK, DE, MT, NH, OR), 8 exempt only some purchases (CA under $2,000, CT and NY at $1,000 or less, MA under $1,000, MD at $1,000 or less, MN coins, NJ coins under $1,000, NV), and 6 tax it fully: DC 6%, Hawaii about 4.5-4.7%, Maine 5.5%, New Mexico about 5.1-9%, Vermont 6-7%, and Washington about 8-10.55% since 1 January 2026. Small purchases in partial states can pay the full local rate (for example 9.75% in Los Angeles). Gold bullion is exempt from the 2025 tariffs.
Is there import duty on gold in the US?
Gold bullion and legal-tender coins are duty-free and were exempted from the 2025 tariffs; no duty is built into the spot-based dollar price.
Can tourists claim back the sales tax on gold in the US?
No. The US has no national sales tax refund for visitors. Louisiana's tax-free shopping programme for international visitors ended on 1 July 2024. Texas has allowed refunds through private operators at some stores, but this was not verified for 2026.
Sources (3)
Related
General information on the tax a private buyer pays, checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check with the seller, the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.