Are used goods subject to sales tax in California?
James Craig
Published Apr 01, 2026
California levies its sales tax on the retail sale of tangible personal property. State law defines these terms as follows: “Retail sale” excludes goods that businesses purchase for resale. Products that are not tangible—such as services or digital goods—are not subject to sales tax.
Is furniture taxable in CA?
Retail sales of tangible items in California are generally subject to sales tax. Examples include furniture, giftware, toys, antiques and clothing. Some labor service and associated costs are subject to sales tax if they are involved in the creation or manufacturing of new personal property.
What is the sales tax on furniture in California?
The California state sales tax rate is 7.25%. This rate is made up of a base rate of 6%, plus California adds a mandatory local rate of 1.25% that goes directly to city and county tax officials. Depending on local sales tax jurisdictions, the total tax rate can be as high as 10.25%.
Do you have to pay sales tax on office furniture?
The answer is yes, unless you live in Alaska, Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire or Delaware, where there is no sales tax. Office furniture, like all other business expenses, is subject to 6.5% sales tax in Minnesota, and 5% in Wisconsin – where our two showrooms are located.
What kind of purchase is subject to use tax in California?
The most common example of a purchase subject to the use tax is a purchase of an item for use in California from an out-of-state retailer. Out-of-state retailers who are engaged in business in this state are required to collect the use tax, whenever applicable, from the consumer, at the time of the sale.
Do you have to report sales tax in California?
Note: In some cases, retailers must report use tax rather than sales tax. The most common example of a purchase subject to the use tax is a purchase of an item for use in California from an out-of-state retailer.
What are services subject to sales tax in California?
Are services subject to sales tax in California? California does not generally collect sales taxes on services. However, services which are “inseparable from the sale of a physical product” (such as setup of a purchased machine) and fabrication/assembly services (services which create tangible personal property) are considered taxable.