Is sales tax charged on a gift card purchase?
Why? Because essentially, you are passing on the sales tax to the cardholder.
Watch out for retailers that charge you sales tax. Many people report that they have been unwittingly charged sales tax when purchasing a gift card.
One large retailer in particular is reported online as a common offender. Reports aside, we were able to purchase a gift card from that very retailer on their online site without being charged sales tax. This may very well be a case of improperly trained store associates or a faulty POS system.
Why are retailers charging sales tax on Gift Cards?
A gift card is the same as a gift of cash; no tax is due until that gift is used.
said Commissioner Sullivan. “When people use those gift cards to purchase taxable items, that is when stores should charge and collect sales tax.”
How to prevent getting charged sales tax:
- Remind the clerk that’s checking you out. There’s a risk you’ll sound like a nag, but you’ll prevent being overcharged.
- If you were charged tax on a gift card discuss it with the store manager and let him know you are not afraid to back it up by contacting the Federal Trade Commission to let them know that the store is charging taxes on a non-taxable item.
What should you do if you were already charged sales tax on your gift card purchase?
It was probably an honest mistake, but it does happen all the time. If you see that you were charged sales tax on your gift card, you should go back to the store with your gift card and the receipt. Connecticut Revenue Services Commissioner Kevin B. Sullivan recommends, “Shoppers who have been charged sales tax when buying gift cards or gift certificates should return to the store with their receipt and ask for a refund.” Explain to them that the purchase with the gift card will be charged tax, and not the gift card itself. You should be able to recoup your loss.
3 comments: On Do you pay sales tax on gift cards?
My son was charged tax on a $50.00 gift card from my.pillow so everyone should be careful. You should nit be charged tax.
I went to a Walmart today (03/12/2022) and purchased a $25.00 Visa gift card for my daughters birthday. I was charged an extra 3 dollars and some change. I knew it wasn’t taxable. When I reminded the cashier, she told me I needed to talk to customer service. Customer Service said “It is taxable.” I told them that what they’re doing is illegal.. We need to all band together and file a class action lawsuit!! Aren’t the rest of you all tired of getting screwed by “Corporate America”?? I KNOW I AM!!!!! Thank you.
Ebay is charging tax on all gift cards being sold on their website. Which wasn’t before. I believe it’s illegal to do so, because it’s like paying taxes twice as a buyer, for example if I buy a $100 gift card, the total is about $107 sc resident. Then I go to store and use it, and will be charged tax again! If you use ebay to buy gc, call and complain