Sales Tax – FAQ

Understanding Sales Tax on Collectibles.com


Why am I being asked about sales tax?

Sales tax rules vary from state to state. Whether tax applies to your purchase depends on how you plan to receive your items, specifically, whether you'd like them shipped to you right away or stored securely in the Collectibles.com vault. We collect this preference upfront so we can stay compliant with your state's regulations and give you a transparent checkout experience.


How does Collectibles.com determine the tax on my order?

When you choose to have items shipped directly to you, we calculate sales tax using your shipping address, including your state, city, and ZIP code, in line with applicable state and local tax laws. The tax amount appears as its own line item at checkout so you know exactly what you're paying before you confirm.


If you choose to vault your items, no sales tax is applied at the time of purchase.


Your Vaulting Preference


What is the vaulting preference and why does it matter?

Before your first purchase, we'll ask you whether you plan to have items shipped to your door or stored in the vault. This one-time choice becomes your default going forward, you won't be asked again on every transaction. It matters because it directly determines whether sales tax is collected at checkout.

  • Vault - Items go to the vault. No sales tax is charged at purchase.
  • Ship Immediately - Items are shipped to you. Sales tax is calculated and charged based on your shipping address.


Can I change my preference later?

Absolutely. Head to your account settings anytime to switch between "Vault" and "Ship Immediately." The updated preference will apply to all future purchases. If you switch to "Ship Immediately" and we don't have a shipping address on file yet, we'll ask you to enter one.


What if I haven't set a preference yet?

You'll be prompted to choose during checkout. You won't be able to complete a purchase until you've indicated how you'd like to receive your items.



Common Scenarios


I selected "Ship Immediately," but actually want to vault; can I get the tax back?

Sales tax that has already been collected cannot be refunded. To avoid being charged tax on future orders, switch your preference to "Vault" in your account settings.


I selected "Vault," but now I want my items shipped to me. Will I owe tax?

Collectibles.com does not charge additional sales tax when you retrieve items from the vault, we treat retrieval as fulfillment of an existing purchase, not a new sale. That said, some states have use-tax rules that may apply when items originally purchased tax-free are later brought into the state. If you're unsure, we recommend checking with a tax advisor.


Does my vaulting preference affect retrieval timing or fees?

No. You can retrieve items from the vault whenever you want, regardless of your preference setting. The preference is purely about how sales tax is handled; it doesn't restrict access to your collection or change retrieval costs.



State-Specific Rules


Why do tax rules differ depending on where I live?

Every state sets its own regulations around sales and use tax, including rules for items purchased and stored out of state. That means the tax treatment of your Collectibles.com purchases can vary depending on your location. We encourage you to review your state's guidelines or speak with a tax professional if you have questions.


What counts as "temporary storage" in the vault?

This depends on your state. Different states define "temporary" differently when it comes to how long items can be stored before use-tax obligations may kick in. There's no single answer; timelines can range widely. A tax advisor can help clarify what applies in your situation.


Subscriptions

Is sales tax charged on my Collectibles.com subscription?

Yes, subscriptions like collection management plans and pack memberships are subject to sales tax. If you subscribe through our website, tax is calculated from your billing address and shown on your invoice. If you subscribe via the App Store or Google Play, Apple or Google handles the tax calculation as part of your in-app purchase.


The Vault

What are the benefits of using the vault?

Beyond the potential sales tax savings, the vault keeps your collection secure and insured(while in the vault). You get full access to your digital showroom, and you can request retrieval at any time if you want your items shipped to you.


Still have questions? Reach out to Collectibles.com Support or consult a tax professional for advice specific to your state.


Collectibles.com - Sales Tax FAQ

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