Collecting on a Budget

Help Safeguard Sales-Tax Exemptions in 2026

Published September 19, 2025 | Read time 4 min read

By National Coin & Bullion Association

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As National Coin and Bullion (NCBA) members know well, sales-tax exemptions for coins, paper money, and precious metals aren’t guaranteed. These necessary measures keep costs lower for sellers and their customers, but they are constantly under attack. In 2025 we witnessed fought-for exemptions in Maryland and Washington repealed by governors’ pens. But our response is simple: we don’t back down. We regroup, we organize, and we prepare to protect what we’ve won and fight for what’s next.

That’s exactly what we’re doing for 2026. NCBA is launching or supporting campaigns in six states—Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington—and we need collectors and investors like you to stand with us. Here’s where each campaign stands and how you can help:

MARYLAND: Rebuild and Expand the Exemption

As of July 1, 2025, Maryland is again imposing a 6 percent sales tax on most coin and bullion transactions, following the repeal of its limited exemption. NCBA is already gearing up for a 2026 campaign to not just restore the exemption, but to improve it. Our goal is a broader, clearer law that includes coins, paper money, and bullion without the old $1,000 threshold.

But we can’t do it alone. Every data point we can collect will help make our case to lawmakers. Dealers are asked to report any business impacts caused by the repeal—lost sales, customer reactions, and event disruptions—to ncba@ncbassoc.org. 

WASHINGTON: Prepare for the Fight Ahead

Washington’s repeal takes effect January 1, 2026, ending a long-standing exemption that helped foster a vibrant local industry. NCBA member Craig Rhyne of Washington Gold Exchange will lead our reinstatement campaign in partnership with the Washington Coin & Bullion Association (WCBA).

The repeal was part of a broader rollback of what legislators considered “outdated” tax preferences, but we know better—this longstanding exemption continued to support investment and financial resilience. NCBA now is collecting evidence of harm to businesses and working on growing our grassroots base to return to Olympia stronger.

Want to help? Contact Craig at craig@washingtongoldexchange.com or 206-719-6368.

NEW MEXICO: Building the Foundation

Santa Fe-based NCBA members Andrew and Shane Hoffman, who were originally planning to push for a state exemption in 2025, have decided to postpone the campaign to 2026 to allow more time to prepare and gather support. But that doesn’t mean the work has stopped. With NCBA’s tools in hand—posters, petitions, outreach flyers—they’re laying the groundwork for a winning campaign next year.

To join their efforts or learn more, reach out at ppmcoins@gmail.com or 505-989-7680.

MAINE: Momentum to Build On

Earlier this year, Maine’s exemption bill, LD 372, made promising progress. The Senate passed it with strong support, though the House narrowly rejected it. Despite the setback, the fight is far from over. The bill can be reintroduced in 2026—and we’ll be ready.

NCBA is actively seeking additional coalition members in Maine. If you’re a dealer, collector, or supporter, this is your moment to help your state catch up with 45 others that already recognize the value of numismatic tax relief. Contact ncba@ncbassoc.org to get involved.

VERMONT: Seeking a Leader

Vermont’s 2024 exemption bill died quietly in committee, with little local support to revive it. NCBA couldn’t even get ahold of the bill’s sponsor, underscoring the need for on-the-ground advocacy. That’s why we’re looking for a motivated leader in Vermont to guide a 2026 push.

You’ll have NCBA’s full support—including resources, strategy, and lobbying guidance. If you or someone you know is ready to step up, now is the time. Email ncba@ncbassoc.org to learn more.

HAWAII: The Time Is Right

Hawaii has seen past legislative interest in an exemption, but efforts stalled due to technical concerns. NCBA believes the path to passage is clear, if we can identify a committed local advocate. We’re actively seeking someone to lead the charge in 2026.

Know a dealer or collector in Hawaii who cares about ending this outdated tax? Reach out to ncba@ncbassoc.org today.

Why It Matters—And Why You Matter

When exemptions are repealed, we see the fallout: lost jobs, businesses closing, buyers heading across borders. But we’ve also seen what’s possible when we stand together: in Nebraska in 2024, NCBA and local members were able to stop a repeal cold.

Joining NCBA’s Concerned Collectors Coalition means more than staying informed. It’s how we show lawmakers that this industry is united, informed, and engaged. It’s free, and it amplifies our voice across state lines.

Whether you’re in a campaign state or not, your voice matters. Spread the word, report local threats, and help us build coalitions that win. Together, we will protect what we’ve won—and fight for what’s next.