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Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Stilly bay on February 13, 2012, 01:51:26 PM


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Title: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 13, 2012, 01:51:26 PM
how long has this little gem been in affect?

I just found out I will have to pay Wa sales tax on an out of state (Idaho) online purchase.
I bought a gun this way last winter and didn't get charged for sales tax, what gives?

is there anyway around this or any loopholes?
I suppose there will be sales tax on the purchase of out of state used guns aswell
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on February 13, 2012, 01:56:38 PM
The law has been on the books for a long time, but only recently has it been enforced.

And yes, unless there is a trade-in gun as part of a purchase, you will have to pay sales tax on the full sale price.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: bobcat on February 13, 2012, 02:11:40 PM
I think you have to pay the tax even if the gun is a gift!   :bash:


Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Johnb317 on February 13, 2012, 02:16:29 PM
If you drive down to Portland and pick up a tv (or anything else) you're supposed to notify Christine and Co.  and send them the tax.

Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Bob33 on February 13, 2012, 02:17:28 PM
http://dor.wa.gov/content/getaformorpublication/publicationbysubject/taxtopics/firearmtransfers.aspx
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 13, 2012, 02:19:10 PM
must be poor timing on my part, since I have been saving up for the last year and half. and the outfitter I bought the guns from made no mention of sales tax, but I guess the sales tax isn't his problem to begin with.

I think I still came out ahead even with the FFL fees, but man its getting harder and harder these days to get a deal if your factor in all the additional fees.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 13, 2012, 02:20:08 PM
Wonder why tax is charged on just out of state guns  :dunno:  and not other stuff?   
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: hookr88 on February 13, 2012, 02:20:43 PM
This gem has been in effect since 1938. It is not a sales tax but a "user" tax. You are using an item in this state that was purchased out of state.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 13, 2012, 02:23:23 PM
must be poor timing on my part, since I have been saving up for the last year and half. and the outfitter I bought the guns from made no mention of sales tax, but I guess the sales tax isn't his problem to begin with.

I think I still came out ahead even with the FFL fees, but man its getting harder and harder these days to get a deal if your factor in all the additional fees.

Just like buying a car. They whack you for the sale tax on there value! of the car. Not what you paid for it. Which is stupid and really sucks and keeps a guy from getting some really good deals. Even if you bought your grandma's brand new h2 hummer for 1,000.00 they would charge you sales tax on what it's is worth 30k.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 13, 2012, 02:25:47 PM
http://dor.wa.gov/content/getaformorpublication/publicationbysubject/taxtopics/firearmtransfers.aspx

thanks for the link,
So if its been in effect since 1938 why wasn't I charged when I have made numerous purchases over the years:dunno:?

I recommended buying guns out of state to someone else (mainly to save $ on sales tax) and now they are going to get the same unexpected fee. I got egg all over my face on this one and kinda feel like a tool.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 13, 2012, 02:26:00 PM
This gem has been in effect since 1938. It is not a sales tax but a "user" tax. You are using an item in this state that was purchased out of state.

I wonder if it's the same % as the sales tax? whatever that is now 8%?
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Biggerhammer on February 13, 2012, 02:27:31 PM
They have only been doing locally where I'm at for the last 2 years, charged me tax on the rifles I had shipped in and then charged me tax on the FFL fee. :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

Last .375 Ultra I had shipped in, it ran me a hundred dollar bill just to walk out with it.  >:(  :nono:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 13, 2012, 02:43:16 PM
if you buy out of state, and pay attention to the shipping I still think it would be cheaper than going local to a place like kesselrings where you get overcharged and have to pay sales tax as well. buying multiple guns (like I just did) out of state can really ad up quick with FFL fees and bite you in the ass. now that I have taken a few hundred deep breaths and looked at the big picture I am feeling a little better about it. 

So when are we going to start paying sales tax on every online purchase. seems like it would provide one huge jolt of sustainable money to the state/gov
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: cwuwildcat on February 13, 2012, 02:47:34 PM
http://dor.wa.gov/content/getaformorpublication/publicationbysubject/taxtopics/firearmtransfers.aspx

thanks for the link,
So if its been in effect since 1938 why wasn't I charged when I have made numerous purchases over the years:dunno:?

I recommended buying guns out of state to someone else (mainly to save $ on sales tax) and now they are going to get the same unexpected fee. I got egg all over my face on this one and kinda feel like a tool.

State started enforcing it when the state started having money problems.  Kind of like leaving the loose change under your couch cushions until your broke and need something.  Suddenly, that couch change starts looking real good! 

Some FFL have always collected it, others didn't because they didn't get audited.  Now the states going through everyones pockets.  It wasn't a big dollar amount until the rise of the internet and places like Gunbroker.  There wasn't a ton of these transfers like there is today.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: wraithen on February 13, 2012, 02:48:50 PM
Stilly, if you're military you can use the Ft. Lewis Northwest Adventure Center. They charge a flat 30 bucks for the transfer and could care less about what the state thinks about it. If you aren't then hopefully military people reading will avoid paying the 25 ffl fee plus the "use excise"
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 13, 2012, 02:52:20 PM
Wonder why tax is charged on just out of state guns  :dunno:  and not other stuff?   

You're supposed to pay tax to WA on anything WA would tax which was bought out of state and brought back in. Tobacco, alcohol, clothing, guns and ammo, anything.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Bob33 on February 13, 2012, 03:00:08 PM
Wonder why tax is charged on just out of state guns  :dunno:  and not other stuff?   

You're supposed to pay tax to WA on anything WA would tax which was bought out of state and brought back in. Tobacco, alcohol, clothing, guns and ammo, anything.
That is correct. "Use tax" is in lieu of sales tax: you are expected to pay one or the other.

http://dor.wa.gov/content/findtaxesandrates/usetax/

"Use tax is a tax on the use of goods or certain services in Washington when sales tax has not been paid. Goods used in this state are subject to either sales or use tax, but not both. "
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on February 13, 2012, 03:02:12 PM
Are the only exceptions military exchanges and tribal shops?
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 13, 2012, 03:04:38 PM
Active duty military can purchase on post without paying taxes to WA. Not paying taxes on anything bought on a reservation if you're not Native American is illegal unless it's consumed while you're on the reservation.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: wraithen on February 13, 2012, 03:10:00 PM
I was referring to an online purchase. For example I bought a rifle from budsgunshop and had it delivered to the NAC for only a 30 dollar fee. I would never purchase a firearm through aafes, they'll rip you off and laugh about it.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 13, 2012, 03:13:45 PM
I was referring to an online purchase. For example I bought a rifle from budsgunshop and had it delivered to the NAC for only a 30 dollar fee. I would never purchase a firearm through aafes, they'll rip you off and laugh about it.

Anything you purchase that you would normally pay taxes on in WA, you owe taxes on. Active duty military are exempt from PX or BX purchases. Otherwise, you've got to pay tax. Online, over the counter, dropped by cargo jet from 10K feet - you owe the tax to the witch in Olympia.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: wraithen on February 13, 2012, 03:28:27 PM
Sucks to be her. She's gonna have to find my IP addresses, break through a few proxy servers, and then prove it cuz I ain't telling her nuthin and she can't audit my FFL  :chuckle:  8)
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 13, 2012, 03:38:30 PM
Sucks to be her. She's gonna have to find my IP addresses, break through a few proxy servers, and then prove it cuz I ain't telling her nuthin and she can't audit my FFL  :chuckle:  8)

Actually, they can obtain the records from UPS, FedEx, USPS, or the seller. Most companies will cooperate with a state authority when it comes to interstate commerce.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: wraithen on February 13, 2012, 03:49:58 PM
I'm actually pretty sure that since the ffl was on post they don't charge the tax just like aafes wouldn't have to. They used it as a selling point to get me to go through them and they aren't secretive about it. They do charge more than most ffl's (by 5 bucks) but in this case it's a much better deal than what aafes does to our service members.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 13, 2012, 04:01:47 PM
I was referring to an online purchase. For example I bought a rifle from budsgunshop and had it delivered to the NAC for only a 30 dollar fee. I would never purchase a firearm through aafes, they'll rip you off and laugh about it.

Anything you purchase that you would normally pay taxes on in WA, you owe taxes on. Active duty military are exempt from PX or BX purchases. Otherwise, you've got to pay tax. Online, over the counter, dropped by cargo jet from 10K feet - you owe the tax to the witch in Olympia.

unless I am horribly mistaken - yet again- I have not paid taxes on products purchased online from out of state. unless its from cabelas or barnes and noble or any other company that also resides in Wa, in these cases it shows the taxes I will be paying when I check out and pay online.

are you saying that Wa wants me to use the honor system and pay tax on these products on my own accord even if no taxes were asked for during the transaction, and this can be used in an audit? not just guns, booze or anything else fun?
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: whacker1 on February 13, 2012, 04:12:05 PM
I was referring to an online purchase. For example I bought a rifle from budsgunshop and had it delivered to the NAC for only a 30 dollar fee. I would never purchase a firearm through aafes, they'll rip you off and laugh about it.

Anything you purchase that you would normally pay taxes on in WA, you owe taxes on. Active duty military are exempt from PX or BX purchases. Otherwise, you've got to pay tax. Online, over the counter, dropped by cargo jet from 10K feet - you owe the tax to the witch in Olympia.

unless I am horribly mistaken - yet again- I have not paid taxes on products purchased online from out of state. unless its from cabelas or barnes and noble or any other company that also resides in Wa, in these cases it shows the taxes I will be paying when I check out and pay online.

are you saying that Wa wants me to use the honor system and pay tax on these products on my own accord even if no taxes were asked for during the transaction, and this can be used in an audit? not just guns, booze or anything else fun?

No, you are not horribly mistaken.

The old rule / law for  retailers using online sales - Cabelas for example did not charge sales tax for WA purchases until they built the Washington location - Lacey.  This is how the old WA law was applied.  In the last several years the legislature and department of revenue tightened the law and enforcement, so that it applied to any online retailer if the shipping address were Washington.  This is why I still order my large orders through Cabelas and have them shipped to the store in Post Falls.  I drive across the border from Spokane to Post falls, and I only pay Idaho Sales Tax at 4.5% vs 8.7 %.  smaller orders are obvisouly eaten up by fuel.  This obviously won't do you any good on your ffl transfers either.

Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 13, 2012, 04:14:36 PM
I was referring to an online purchase. For example I bought a rifle from budsgunshop and had it delivered to the NAC for only a 30 dollar fee. I would never purchase a firearm through aafes, they'll rip you off and laugh about it.

Anything you purchase that you would normally pay taxes on in WA, you owe taxes on. Active duty military are exempt from PX or BX purchases. Otherwise, you've got to pay tax. Online, over the counter, dropped by cargo jet from 10K feet - you owe the tax to the witch in Olympia.

unless I am horribly mistaken - yet again- I have not paid taxes on products purchased online from out of state. unless its from cabelas or barnes and noble or any other company that also resides in Wa, in these cases it shows the taxes I will be paying when I check out and pay online.

are you saying that Wa wants me to use the honor system and pay tax on these products on my own accord even if no taxes were asked for during the transaction, and this can be used in an audit? not just guns, booze or anything else fun?

Anything you'd have paid taxes on if purchased in WA. And not just the honor system, which would suggest choice. It's the law. You must or you're liable for interest and penalties. Do most people pay attention? No. Should they? According to the state, yes. I will neither admit or deny purchasing items from outside WA without paying my taxes on them.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Bob33 on February 13, 2012, 04:20:08 PM
"And not just the honor system, which would suggest choice. It's the law."

Yes, but I think the question is how would the state know?  In many instances of out-of-state purchases they would not know, which suggests the "honor system".

If you were to drive to Oregon (or Montana), go into a Costco/REI/Sportsmans Warehouse/etc. and make a sales-tax free purchase, and drive home with it, the state would not know about it in the vast majority of instances.  That does not make it legal. Washington has had a sales tax/use tax system for many years.  Most anything you buy, or use, is taxable by law.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: whacker1 on February 13, 2012, 04:26:56 PM
"And not just the honor system, which would suggest choice. It's the law."

Yes, but I think the question is how would the state know?  In many instances of out-of-state purchases they would not know, which suggests the "honor system".

If you were to drive to Oregon (or Montana), go into a Costco/REI/Sportsmans Warehouse/etc. and make a sales-tax free purchase, and drive home with it, the state would not know about it in the vast majority of instances.  That does not make it legal. Washington has had a sales tax/use tax system for many years.  Most anything you buy, or use, is taxable by law.

I agree with Bob, but would add that the new law put more requirements on the retailer than prior in place of the honor system on the end user for a "use tax".  And an unenforced law (like this) results in practical honor system.  This has been proven in case law, which is why the legislature tightened the law.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Bob33 on February 13, 2012, 04:32:51 PM
The government has rarely encounted an opportunity to tax that they did not like, or pursue aggressively.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Special T on February 21, 2012, 04:27:55 PM
I know that there are camera for "Traffic" on I 205 and I5 crossing the river into oregon. If it looks like you are bringin back a large unlicenaceable purchase like a tractor or Mini excevator, they will track you down for the tax with proof that you brought it into the state... Interstate commerce laws are quite the PITA. In addition any commercial vehicle crossing the state line with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 10k, Like a 1 ton Deually, requires a CDL....

As earlier stated it is mostly a matter of practicality of enforcement. If you live in Vancouver and cross the bridge for a case of booze its pretty hard to track you down, and not worth it. But the Tax on a 30K mini ex adds up.  Computer tracking of freight, especially since it seems that the USPS is going to be doing more of the last mile of delivery even for UPS or Fex EX could have big brother looking over your shoulder!  :twocents:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Wacenturion on February 21, 2012, 05:21:08 PM
Why don't these idiots learn how to manage the money we give properly instead of stealing more from us.  Vote them all out...period! 
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Knocker of rocks on February 21, 2012, 05:39:46 PM
I know that there are camera for "Traffic" on I 205 and I5 crossing the river into oregon. If it looks like you are bringin back a large unlicenaceable purchase like a tractor or Mini excevator, they will track you down for the tax with proof that you brought it into the state...

I call this foil hat urban ledgend

In addition any commercial vehicle crossing the state line with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 10k, Like a 1 ton Deually, requires a CDL....

I think you're wrong here.  I believe a DOT Number and a Drivers Health card are required, but not a CDL for vehicles less than 26,000# and without airbrakes or placarded hazardous materials
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Special T on February 21, 2012, 06:09:52 PM
Well you are wrong on both accounts.

On the second one you should ask any business owner that has been ticketed. I have skated by on this one with a warning. The 26k is within the state. as soon as you cross the state line you are subject to FEDERAL law and not state law. Your quote is from state law.  The state requires at DOT# on on any vehicle over 16k

OR only requires it for over 20k
ID 26k

I wear a  :tinfoil: because i have broken MANY laws i had no clue existed.  :twocents:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Knocker of rocks on February 21, 2012, 06:26:50 PM
Well you are wrong on both accounts.

On the second one you should ask any business owner that has been ticketed. I have skated by on this one with a warning. The 26k is within the state. as soon as you cross the state line you are subject to FEDERAL law and not state law. Your quote is from state law.  The state requires at DOT# on on any vehicle over 16k

OR only requires it for over 20k
ID 26k

I wear a  :tinfoil: because i have broken MANY laws i had no clue existed.  :twocents:

You are right about the DOT, things sure have changed since I was a Corporate DOT Compliance officer 15 years ago.

I still don't believe the camera thing
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Special T on February 21, 2012, 06:43:48 PM
Buy a Mini out of state and see how it works!   What is a "Corporate DOT Compliance officer" ? Is that a CVEO that goes to big trucking companies and inspects them? Or the CVEO that inspects buses and such for school districts and greyhounds and such?  A LOT has changed  in 15 years... What i want to know is when are CVEO's going to give real tickets to all those jack wagons that are moving with a P/U that lose furniture instead of harassing guys that haul stuff on a regular basis? I don't think Atlas van lines loose too many couches on I5!
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Knocker of rocks on February 21, 2012, 07:02:01 PM
What is a "Corporate DOT Compliance officer"

It is a term I just made up.

I worked for a large multi-state mechanical contractor.  I was in charge of ensuring that all our drivers who drove commercial vehicles out of state, CDL required vehicles were following the law.  I was in charge of all those log books, maintainance records and health certs.

I had to endure about four worthless audits by the DOT.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: xd2005 on February 21, 2012, 07:22:08 PM
Why don't these idiots learn how to manage the money we give properly instead of stealing more from us.  Vote them all out...period!

Technically, those buying out-of-state or online and not paying tax are the ones "stealing," the government is simply trying to enforce the law.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Special T on February 21, 2012, 07:24:03 PM
Ahhhh, Fewwww... I thought you worked for "the man" and was trying to entrap me!  :chuckle: If you have been audited by the DOT enforcement arm then you know the drill. I'm kinda puzzled that you think i'm  :tinfoil: after getting the proctology exam 4 x...
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Wacenturion on February 22, 2012, 09:08:46 AM
Why don't these idiots learn how to manage the money we give properly instead of stealing more from us.  Vote them all out...period!

Technically, those buying out-of-state or online and not paying tax are the ones "stealing," the government is simply trying to enforce the law.

So I purchase a gun or other items online from a business out of state.  Which is worse, not supporting a business in this country because I have to pay use or sales tax when it gets here, or by helping out a business in a state where there is no sales tax.  I would rather help the over all economy, in this country, rather than just avoid purchases that benefit someone, because of the tax once it gets here.

Stealing on our end....don't think so.   :twocents:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: xd2005 on February 22, 2012, 07:39:18 PM
Why don't these idiots learn how to manage the money we give properly instead of stealing more from us.  Vote them all out...period!

Technically, those buying out-of-state or online and not paying tax are the ones "stealing," the government is simply trying to enforce the law.

So I purchase a gun or other items online from a business out of state.  Which is worse, not supporting a business in this country because I have to pay use or sales tax when it gets here, or by helping out a business in a state where there is no sales tax.  I would rather help the over all economy, in this country, rather than just avoid purchases that benefit someone, because of the tax once it gets here.

Stealing on our end....don't think so.   :twocents:


You can justify as you want...doesn't change the fact that you owe state use tax when purchasing online or out of state and by not paying it you are cheating the state (including each of us) by not paying.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Special T on February 22, 2012, 07:48:55 PM
$$$ will find all the crack and loop holes. the state will put up as many barriers as possible so that they can raise taxes. when the difference between other options are high people will find a way. What the state NEVER thinks about is how people will act AFTER a price increase due to taxes ect. They think if 100 people bought a half of rum this month and we raise the tax to X our tax will increase by X. People change habits when they have enough. maybe they don't buy out of state, maybe they just drink less, get a more fuel efficient car or just stay out of the city so they don't have to pay extra tax... Maybe i decide to grow my own tobacco, or brew my own beer...  people get tired of being jacked around, and when they reach thier limit they do something different. Usually avoid paying MORE.  :twocents:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Wacenturion on February 22, 2012, 10:32:25 PM
Why don't these idiots learn how to manage the money we give properly instead of stealing more from us.  Vote them all out...period!

Technically, those buying out-of-state or online and not paying tax are the ones "stealing," the government is simply trying to enforce the law.

So I purchase a gun or other items online from a business out of state.  Which is worse, not supporting a business in this country because I have to pay use or sales tax when it gets here, or by helping out a business in a state where there is no sales tax.  I would rather help the over all economy, in this country, rather than just avoid purchases that benefit someone, because of the tax once it gets here.

Stealing on our end....don't think so.   :twocents:


You can justify as you want...doesn't change the fact that you owe state use tax when purchasing online or out of state and by not paying it you are cheating the state (including each of us) by not paying.

Oh horse puckey.  Just because some morons in Olympia make rules to take more and more of our money doesn't make it right.  Just like the $30 license plate the citizens of this state voted in.  Since that passed, the idiots who represent us make up all kinds of new little fees to tack on to get around it, thereby raising the total plate fees back up again. 

Then they start charging us $26 for new cheaper license plates every few years saying that they have to do that to make sure they are legible.  Oh yeah like our old plates on vehicles we've had for 10, 20, or even 30 years are so bad you can't read them....BS!  Then they sneak in the $5 State Park donation, until we became aware of it and opt out when renewing

And you accuse me I'm cheating.   :bash:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: xd2005 on February 23, 2012, 04:34:10 AM
Maybe if people didn't cheat the system they wouldn't need to keep raising fees.  :dunno:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 23, 2012, 06:20:23 AM
This clearly illustrates that raising taxes to meet budget shortfalls doesn't work. We created a sales tax and what do people do? They buy elsewhere. Are these people breaking the law? You bet they are. Is the law just? That's certainly questionable.

Taxes stifle economic growth. And our sales tax is a prime example of that. The businesses in WA, especially those along our borders with states that either don't have sales tax, or with those who waive it for out-of-staters (I hate that we do that in WA, by the way), lose out because our residents would rather break the law and buy out of state than frequent our own businesses.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: bobcat on February 23, 2012, 06:31:11 AM
This clearly illustrates that raising taxes to meet budget shortfalls doesn't work. We created a sales tax and what do people do? They buy elsewhere. Are these people breaking the law? You bet they are. Is the law just? That's certainly questionable.

Taxes stifle economic growth. And our sales tax is a prime example of that. The businesses in WA, especially those along our borders with states that either don't have sales tax, or with those who waive it for out-of-staters (I hate that we do that in WA, by the way), lose out because our residents would rather break the law and buy out of state than frequent our own businesses.


So you would prefer a state income tax?

Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: xd2005 on February 23, 2012, 06:32:37 AM
What's the alternative? I definitely prefer a sales tax to an income tax.

Although I completely agree with the out-of-state issue. The fact that Washington residents have to pay income tax if they earn income in Oregon but Oregon residents do not have to pay sales tax on Washington purchases (not consumed in Washington) is beyond frustrating, particularly since Washington residents do not get any benefits associated with those taxes (such as reduced fishing/hunting licenses) paid to Oregon. The people that really get screwed are those living in Washington and working in Oregon. They end up having to pay income tax to Oregon, then sales tax for purchases in Washington. In a couple years they'll be paying tolls on top of that. 
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 23, 2012, 07:07:37 AM
The alternative is to shrink government considerably from the pig it has become. Pay less on the state level and more on the local level. It's not just sales tax in this state. It's B&O tax, sin taxes, soda tax, gas tax (among the highest in the US). It goes on and on and there will be more added each year. Some, like the Discovery Pass, will only affect a small part of the voting public, so they'll be justified and approved by the majority. But, others get created which tax other minority segments until all of us have 15-20 or more different taxes that we pay. And, it never decreases. It only ever increases, ever!

Our society is so used to paying exorbitant taxes that we just assume we need them. Our representatives get healthcare and retirement that we don't get. They get paid a full wage for performing their civic duty. Our state government has departments and sub departments and redundant departments. We need thousands of government employees more than necessary just to enforce all of the unnecessary laws we pass each year, and more to handle the fines and the court dockets.

The alternative is to eliminate redundancy, trim down the legal codes, and quit allowing the government to be such a huge, well-fed hog that devours all of our income.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: dontgetcrabs on February 23, 2012, 07:11:59 AM
I tried to buy an ar lower in Portland last year and was told that it would have to go through a FFL in Washington. I could buy a complete ar rifle tax free and bring it to WA, but not the lower.  :bash:
Another thing that makes my blood boil is the sales tax on used car sales. To me it's double taxation, the tax was already paid on the auto when it was sold new in WA or when it was brought into the state and licensed here.  >:(
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Bob33 on February 23, 2012, 07:32:38 AM
The alternative is to shrink government considerably from the pig it has become. Our society is so used to paying exorbitant taxes that we just assume we need them.
I agree with the first sentence, but not the second.  Unfortunately, a larger and larger portion of our society not only wants, but demands that the government provide more and more benefits.  Many generation "G" ("Gimme") members believes it is their right to have "free" prescription drugs, "free" healthcare, "free" educational grants and loans, "free" food", "free" housing - to have their mortgage debts that they never should have had in the first place forgiven, and on and on.

Half of the citizens in the U.S. no longer pay federal income tax.  They want more government, not less, because they're not paying for it.

Our government is a pig in large part because more and more of our citizens (and non citizens!) suckle off it.

Here's an interesting short video.  If you don't like Fox, try to get over it and watch anyway. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=VxHfYNTrnic
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: bearpaw on February 23, 2012, 07:43:51 AM
I like jack.....  :chuckle:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Wacenturion on February 23, 2012, 10:39:51 AM
Maybe if people didn't cheat the system they wouldn't need to keep raising fees.  :dunno:

Oh, OK, we the people are the problem.  Now I get it.

Do you actually believe that?  Lack of accountability on how government spends our tax dollars is problem, not the people paying taxes.  Note I said paying taxes, as half of this country doesn't.

I'm all for paying my fair share, but I'm not in favor of just fattening the pig.  If you took all the members on this board and the amount of taxes we pay, our state and federal government just pissed away that amount and then some in the time it took me to type this.

Yep...we the people are problem. :bash:

Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Bofire on February 23, 2012, 10:47:39 AM
 :)Washington passed "streamlined sales tax" several years ago they said they needed to in order to tax internet sales. several other states did also but they delayed the enforcement for a long time due to glitches in the system.
But they are getting it figured out and you can expect it soon. A sales tax based on the point of delivery instead of point of sale. The local govt. at the point of sale does not get the tax the govt. at the point of delivery does.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Special T on February 23, 2012, 04:51:29 PM
Do you want to knonw how to have more $$$ from tax than you thought possible? Make the tax just low enough that it is easier to pay it than to avoid it!
Hong Kong is a great example of how low taxes make economies rise. What does  HK have to offer? NOTHING! Well almost, low taxes. They have no natural resources, expensive land, and thats about it... Oh yes they do have a decent port. Expats from around the world have flocked there to do business through out its history. I have been there and can tell you it has very little to offer besides low taxes... That said the gov there has plenty of cash to run its operations.

People will always find a way to avoid HIGH taxes. You don't even have to have taxes a low as HK to do good here in the USA you just have to be at the average of other countries. This state in particular is horrible about its spending. Do you realize that the state has spent nearly a whole special session to close a 2 billion dollar shortfall and have only done something about 400 Mil!  :yike:

Does the Mafia have strong ties to places in the south were taxes are lower? NO why? because there is less need/incentive to cheat the system. What states are having the hardest time economically? the ones with the highest taxes.... Kinda makes you think about 1 why you would live there (toms of people from NY are moving to places like Florida) 2 If tax $ was the most important thing to GOV then history shows a lower burden on people creats more demand.  :bash:

Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: xd2005 on February 23, 2012, 06:32:40 PM
I don't think many people here, me included, would argue taxes can burden society.

With that said, I do not buy the argument that since the government has high taxes, cheating the system is ok. Since license fees are so high, I assume it's ok for people to just skip on buying the license and hunt anyways?

Debating economics is one thing, using economics to justify breaking the law is another.

I understand the catalog business kind of set a precedence with the whole sales tax thing for out of state, but I for one would be okay with states that have a sales tax requiring businesses that sell online to someone in their state (regardless of where in the US the business is located), that they charge the sales tax and remit it to the state. My slight variation on that would be for the sales tax be only in the amount of the state sales tax rate (or, maybe the lowest combined state+local rate). While local governments would miss out some, the state, theoretically, could reduce state level taxes, as a result of increased revenues, allowing room for local governments to increase revenues to provide necessary local services.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 23, 2012, 07:22:10 PM
I still really don't get if a gun is purchased in "another state" WHY is Washington State eligible to collect the sales tax on it during the FFL transfer? The 8% sales tax should be sent back to the state the firearm was bought from! Somethings seems fishy about the whole thing to where the buyer is the one feeling cheated!
I know!  It's now called a "user tax" so it's all good right?  :bash:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Bob33 on February 23, 2012, 07:24:34 PM
I still really don't get if a gun is purchased in "another state" WHY is Washington State eligible to collect the sales tax on it during the FFL transfer? The 8% sales tax should be sent back to the state the firearm was bought from! Somethings seems fishy about the whole thing to where the buyer is the one feeling cheated!
I know!  It's now called a "user tax" so it's all good right?  :bash:
Yes, comrade - you have it right.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: xd2005 on February 23, 2012, 07:36:14 PM
It seems the term "sales tax" really is another way of saying "use tax charged at the time of sale." Since the purchase will be "used" in the state of Washington, that is who gets the funds.

Looking at it another way, an Oregon resident is only supposed to receive sales tax exemption on items that will be used/consumed outside of the state. 
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 23, 2012, 08:14:48 PM
I can't see why anyone would order a firearm on line anymore.. With shipping,credit card fee's, ffl tranfere fee's and now the "infamous use tax"  :rolleyes:  It would most likely definitely be cheaper and easier not to mention less stressful to just have your local  -(in state) gun shop order your gun  :tup:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: bobcat on February 23, 2012, 08:16:47 PM
I can't see why anyone would order a firearm on line anymore.. With shipping,credit card fee's, ffl tranfere fee's and now the "infamous use tax"  :rolleyes:  It would most likely definitely be cheaper and easier not to mention less stressful to just have your local(in sate) gun shop order your gun  :tup:

 :yeah:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Special T on February 23, 2012, 08:49:13 PM
I ordered one from Cheaper than dirt and had it shipped in. Mainly because my guy couldn't find anywhere else to buy the damn thing. It was a 10-22 with one of those tapco stocks... But your right, you can likely get it the same price by the time you figure in all the hastle.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: wraithen on February 23, 2012, 08:51:11 PM
Because I can find a gun for 150 below msrp every day and buy it any time instead of spending the time and fuel tracking down a similar deal. Paying an extra 3% and 30 bucks on top of that doesn't bother me much at all. I apparently am cheating the system though. I don't really mind since I pay state income tax to a state that actually stands for it's people.  :twocents:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Wazukie on February 23, 2012, 09:20:47 PM
I can't see why anyone would order a firearm on line anymore.. With shipping,credit card fee's, ffl tranfere fee's and now the "infamous use tax"  :rolleyes:  It would most likely definitely be cheaper and easier not to mention less stressful to just have your local  -(in state) gun shop order your gun  :tup:

Because I dont have to pay credit card fee's and I dont have to pay FFL fees  :dunno:  and because I can get them cheaper and at wholesale cost  :tup:
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 25, 2012, 05:08:54 PM
I can't see why anyone would order a firearm on line anymore.. With shipping,credit card fee's, ffl tranfere fee's and now the "infamous use tax"  :rolleyes:  It would most likely definitely be cheaper and easier not to mention less stressful to just have your local  -(in state) gun shop order your gun  :tup:

Because I dont have to pay credit card fee's and I dont have to pay FFL fees  :dunno:  and because I can get them cheaper and at wholesale cost  :tup:

So!  you must have a dealers license then I take it?
 The average online gun shopper may break even if he shops around but I seriously doubt he could get a better deal than if he made a few calls to pawn shops or gunshops to order and find him a deal  :twocents:  These days
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 25, 2012, 07:09:46 PM
I can't see why anyone would order a firearm on line anymore.. With shipping,credit card fee's, ffl tranfere fee's and now the "infamous use tax"  :rolleyes:  It would most likely definitely be cheaper and easier not to mention less stressful to just have your local  -(in state) gun shop order your gun  :tup:

I will continue to order my guns online, it may take more work to find great deals in brand new guns, but there are still smoking deals to be had in used guns.  on the purchase that inspired this thread I still saved almost $350 over what I would have paid locally IF they had what I wanted in stock or IF they were able to order it. which is usually a BIG IF. 
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 26, 2012, 06:53:44 AM
You may have a good point there Stilly bay... I didn't know you purchased both Silver Pigeons used
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 26, 2012, 03:06:15 PM
You may have a good point there Stilly bay... I didn't know you purchased both Silver Pigeons used

actually I purchased them both brand spanking new from an out of state retailer. I tried to give a couple local shops my business but they either couldn't give me a straight answer, turned me away, or the price mark up would have just been stupid.

I started buying on line because every time I have ever tried to order a new gun from a local retailer, gun shop, or pawnshop its been a royal pain in the ass, and the price mark up was a major deterrent as well. after adding up  the fee's I determined it wasn't worth the hassle when I could come out ahead just by ordering it myself off the internet.

I still contend that there are some good deals to be had online, new or used. I just got unexpectedly hammered coz I didn't do my homework and factor in all the costs. now I know and knowing is half the battle.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: Wazukie on February 26, 2012, 03:07:27 PM
I can't see why anyone would order a firearm on line anymore.. With shipping,credit card fee's, ffl tranfere fee's and now the "infamous use tax"  :rolleyes:  It would most likely definitely be cheaper and easier not to mention less stressful to just have your local  -(in state) gun shop order your gun  :tup:

Because I dont have to pay credit card fee's and I dont have to pay FFL fees  :dunno:  and because I can get them cheaper and at wholesale cost  :tup:

So!  you must have a dealers license then I take it?
 The average online gun shopper may break even if he shops around but I seriously doubt he could get a better deal than if he made a few calls to pawn shops or gunshops to order and find him a deal  :twocents:  These days

Nope, no dealers license.
Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 26, 2012, 05:36:06 PM
Wazukie, maybe you could pm me the location you have a gun shipped to where it's a free FFL tranfere fee?  That would atleast save me $40 and finding where to get a shotgun at wholesale cost would be great too :)
Because I dont have to pay credit card fee's and I dont have to pay FFL fees  :dunno:  and because I can get them cheaper and at wholesale cost  :tup:

Title: Re: WA FFL charging tax on out of state purchases?
Post by: singleshot12 on February 28, 2012, 06:42:43 AM
I still contend that there are some good deals to be had online, new or used. I just got unexpectedly hammered coz I didn't do my homework and factor in all the costs. now I know and knowing is half the battle.

Yeah i hear ya there! :chuckle:  and just like anything else you REALLY need to shop around FIRST to try to compensate for all the extra fee's and charges
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