Texas Precious Metals Sales Tax: Complete 2026 Guide to Exemptions, Rules, and Buying Tax-Free
Texas is one of the most bullion-friendly states in the country. Since 2013, the Lone Star State has exempted the sale of gold, silver, and platinum bullion from its 6.25% state sales tax and all local sales taxes (which can add another 2% in many Texas cities). For a buyer purchasing $10,000 in gold, that exemption saves $625 to $825 in tax — money that goes directly into more metal instead of the state treasury.
But the exemption is not unlimited or unconditional. Certain products do not qualify, and the rules around what counts as "bullion" versus "jewelry" or "collectibles" can trip up uninformed buyers. This guide explains exactly how the Texas precious metals sales tax exemption works, which products qualify, and how to ensure every purchase you make is tax-free.
Ready to shop tax-free? Browse our gold and silver collections with transparent pricing, or check live spot prices first.
Texas Precious Metals Sales Tax Law: The Basics
The Texas precious metals sales tax exemption was enacted by House Bill 78 during the 83rd Texas Legislature in 2013 and codified in Texas Tax Code Section 151.336. The law exempts the sale of "precious metals bullion" and "precious metals coins" from state and local sales and use taxes.
Key provisions of the law:
- Precious metals bullion is defined as bars, ingots, or coins made of gold, silver, or platinum with a purity of at least 99.5% (.995 fine) for gold and platinum, and 99.9% (.999 fine) for silver.
- Precious metals coins includes legal tender coins issued by the United States or any foreign government, regardless of whether they are bought for their metal content or face value.
- The exemption applies to both in-state and online purchases. Texas buyers purchasing from out-of-state dealers (like MintBuilder) do not owe Texas use tax on qualifying precious metals.
- There is no minimum purchase amount required to qualify for the exemption.
Which Products Are Tax-Exempt in Texas?
The following table breaks down which precious metals products qualify for the Texas sales tax exemption and which do not:
| Product Type | Tax-Exempt? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold bullion bars (.995+) | Yes | PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, RCM, Perth Mint, etc. |
| Silver bullion bars (.999+) | Yes | All standard silver bars from recognized mints |
| Platinum bullion bars (.995+) | Yes | Includes all investment-grade platinum bars |
| American Gold Eagles | Yes | Legal tender coin — exempt even though 22K |
| American Silver Eagles | Yes | Legal tender coin — .999 fine silver |
| Canadian Maple Leafs | Yes | Foreign legal tender — .9999 fine |
| South African Krugerrands | Yes | Foreign legal tender coin |
| Gold/Silver rounds (.999+) | Yes | Meets fineness threshold |
| 90% silver coins (pre-1965 US) | Yes | Legal tender coins issued by the U.S. |
| Palladium bullion | No* | Palladium was not included in the original law |
| Gold/silver jewelry | No | Jewelry is taxable regardless of metal content |
| Copper rounds/bars | No | Copper is not a "precious metal" under Texas law |
| Numismatic coins (sold for rarity) | Depends | Exempt if they are legal tender coins; non-legal-tender medals may not qualify |
*Note: Texas law specifically names gold, silver, and platinum. Palladium is not explicitly mentioned. While some dealers and buyers interpret the law to include palladium based on the general "precious metals" language, the safest interpretation is that palladium is not exempt. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.
How Online Purchases Work for Texas Buyers
When you buy precious metals online from a dealer located outside of Texas (or even within Texas), the tax exemption applies the same way as an in-person purchase. Here is how it works in practice:
- Dealer does not collect Texas sales tax on qualifying precious metals products. At MintBuilder, no sales tax is charged on bullion shipped to Texas addresses.
- No use tax obligation: Texas use tax (the equivalent of sales tax for out-of-state purchases) does not apply to exempt items. You do not need to report or pay use tax on qualifying precious metals.
- Shipping is included in the exemption: Delivery charges on exempt precious metals are also exempt from Texas sales tax, as long as the shipping charge is directly associated with the tax-exempt product.
For a complete guide to buying precious metals online safely, see our online dealer evaluation guide and buying checklist.
How Texas Compares to Other States
Texas is one of approximately 42 states that offer some form of precious metals sales tax exemption, but the scope and conditions vary widely. Here is how Texas stacks up against other major bullion-buying states:
| State | Precious Metals Tax | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Exempt | No minimum, gold/silver/platinum bullion and legal tender coins |
| Florida | Exempt (over $500) | Individual transaction must exceed $500 |
| California | Exempt (over $2,000) | Single transaction must exceed $2,000 |
| Ohio | Exempt | Bullion and legal tender coins exempt |
| New York | Exempt (over $1,000) | Individual sale over $1,000 |
| Vermont | Taxable | Full state sales tax applies |
| New Mexico | Taxable | Gross receipts tax applies |
| Hawaii | Taxable | General excise tax applies |
Texas's exemption is among the most generous because it has no minimum purchase threshold. California's $2,000 minimum and Florida's $500 minimum mean small purchases in those states are still taxable. Texas buyers pay zero tax whether they are purchasing a single 1/10 oz gold coin or a Monster Box of Silver Eagles.
The Texas Bullion Depository
Texas is also home to the Texas Bullion Depository, a state-administered facility in Leander, Texas, that provides secure storage for gold and silver owned by individuals, businesses, and government entities. Established by House Bill 483 in 2015, it is the first state-administered precious metals depository in the United States.
Key features of the Texas Bullion Depository:
- Storage fees are competitive with private depositories.
- Holdings can be used for peer-to-peer transactions with other depository account holders.
- The State of Texas guarantees the physical existence of your metals.
- Depository holdings may eventually be usable for commercial transactions, giving Texas a potential framework for gold-backed commerce.
If you are evaluating storage options for your metals, compare the Texas Depository with other alternatives in our precious metals storage guide and gold storage options.
Tips for Texas Precious Metals Buyers
- Verify the exemption on your receipt. When buying from any dealer, confirm that no sales tax was charged on qualifying products. If tax was collected incorrectly, you can file for a refund with the Texas Comptroller.
- Keep purchase records. While Texas does not require you to report exempt purchases, maintaining records of your acquisitions (date, product, amount, dealer) is important for calculating capital gains when you eventually sell. Read about tax implications in our precious metals tax guide.
- Buy online for the best selection and pricing. Texas buyers have the advantage of tax-free online purchasing combined with a massive selection. MintBuilder offers gold, silver, and platinum with fully insured shipping to every Texas address.
- Consider the Texas Bullion Depository for large holdings. If you are accumulating significant amounts of gold or silver, the state depository offers institutional-grade security with the backing of the State of Texas.
- Understand what is NOT exempt. Jewelry, copper products, and non-legal-tender medals may still be subject to Texas sales tax. If a product is marketed as a "collectible" or "medallion" rather than bullion, verify its tax status before assuming it is exempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gold tax-free in Texas?
Yes. Gold bullion bars (.995 fineness or higher) and gold legal tender coins (American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, Krugerrands, etc.) are exempt from Texas state and local sales tax with no minimum purchase requirement.
Is silver tax-free in Texas?
Yes. Silver bullion bars and rounds (.999 fineness or higher) and silver legal tender coins (American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, etc.) are fully exempt from Texas sales tax.
Do I pay sales tax on gold jewelry in Texas?
Yes. Gold and silver jewelry is subject to standard Texas sales tax (6.25% state plus up to 2% local). The precious metals exemption applies only to bullion and legal tender coins, not jewelry or decorative items.
Is there a minimum purchase for the Texas exemption?
No. Unlike states such as California ($2,000 minimum) or Florida ($500 minimum), Texas has no minimum purchase threshold. Even a single 1/10 oz gold coin is tax-exempt.
Do online precious metals purchases shipped to Texas include sales tax?
No. Qualifying precious metals purchased online and shipped to a Texas address are exempt from both sales tax and use tax. MintBuilder does not collect Texas sales tax on bullion orders. Shop our gold collection or silver collection today.
Take advantage of Texas's tax-free precious metals laws. Browse our gold and silver collections, check live spot prices, and enjoy zero sales tax on every qualifying order shipped to Texas. VIP members save even more with exclusive member pricing.
