Why does Amazon charge tax on some items and not others?

Amazon calculates, collects, and remits tax on sales made by merchants shipped to customers located in the states that have enacted Marketplace Facilitator, Marketplace Fairness, or similar laws. These laws shift collection responsibility from the merchant to the marketplace facilitating the merchant’s sale.

Does Amazon Prime charge tax on orders?

Yes, Amazon Prime membership fee is subject to state sales tax. But the tax is not applicable across all states in the US. Currently, 34 US states and the District of Columbia require Amazon to levy tax on Amazon Prime membership fee. For the remaining states, there is no sales tax!

Does Amazon collect and remit sales tax in Canada?

Unlike in Amazon in the US, Amazon in Canada does not file or pay your sales taxes but they do collect and send the sales tax as part of your regular settlement. Sellers still have to register for sales tax numbers in five Canadian jurisdictions, file tax returns and remit taxes to the appropriate governments.

What states does Amazon charge sales tax in?

The states in which shoppers are now subject to sales taxes on Amazon purchases are Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming.

Do Amazon Prime members pay tax on purchases?

Yes, Amazon Prime membership fee is subject to state sales tax. Currently, 34 US states and the District of Columbia require Amazon to levy tax on Amazon Prime membership fee. For the remaining states, there is no sales tax!

How does Amazon compute sales tax?

The tax rate applied to your order will be the combined state and local rates of the address where your order is delivered to or fulfilled from. For example, if you live in a state that does not impose a sales tax, you may still see tax calculated on your order if shipped to another state.

When did Amazon start collecting sales tax?

As recently as 2011, Amazon was only collecting sales tax on its direct sales in five states–a fact that gave the company a competitive edge over brick and mortar stores during a critical time in its growth.