Sales Tax on Gold and Silver in North Carolina
North Carolina exempts investment metal bullion, investment coins and non-coin currency from sales tax, with no minimum purchase amount and no local tax.
North Carolina does not charge sales tax on investment metal bullion, investment coins or non-coin currency. The exemption has been in place since July 1, 2017, and the state’s January 2026 bulletin shows no change to it.
What Qualifies as Investment Metal Bullion
Investment metal bullion means any elementary precious metal that has been smelted or refined and whose value depends on its metal content rather than its form. The statute does not name specific metals, a purity percentage or a dollar minimum. Fabricated precious metal processed for industrial, professional or artistic uses is excluded.
What Qualifies as Investment Coins and Non-Coin Currency
Investment coins are numismatic coins or other money or legal tender made of metal by the United States or any foreign nation, with a fair market value greater than their face (statutory or nominal) value. Non-coin (paper) currency also qualifies when it is worth more than its face value.
No Minimum Purchase Amount
North Carolina sets no minimum purchase amount for the exemption. A qualifying purchase is exempt regardless of size.
Local Sales Taxes
The General Assembly fiscal note states the exemption “would also cause a corresponding reduction in local government sales tax revenue,” so local sales taxes do not apply either.
North Carolina gold and silver tax treatment at a glance
| Item | North Carolina treatment |
|---|---|
| Investment metal bullion | Exempt |
| Investment coins | Exempt |
| Non-coin currency | Exempt |
| Minimum purchase amount | None |
| Local sales tax | Does not apply |
| Effective date | July 1, 2017 |
The rule was checked in October 2026 and can change with new legislation. Confirm with the state before a large purchase. For general background on how gold is taxed federally, see sales tax on gold.
Official Sources
- NCDOR Sales and Use Tax Bulletin (January 2026)
- G.S. 105-164.13
- 2017 House Fiscal Note
- NCDOR Important Notices
What Buyers Commonly Get Wrong
One common mistake is assuming a minimum purchase amount applies. North Carolina sets none.
Another is treating fabricated precious metal as exempt. Metal processed for industrial, professional or artistic uses is excluded from the definition of investment metal bullion.
A third is assuming local sales taxes still apply. The fiscal note indicates the exemption reduces local government sales tax revenue as well.
A fourth is overlooking the face-value test for coins and paper currency. Investment coins must have a fair market value greater than their face (statutory or nominal) value, and non-coin currency must be worth more than its face value.
The rule can change with new legislation. For your own situation, consult a tax professional or your own preparer.
Common questions
Does North Carolina charge sales tax on gold and silver bullion?
No. Investment metal bullion is exempt from sales and use tax under G.S. 105-164.13(69), effective July 1, 2017.
Is there a minimum purchase amount for the North Carolina bullion exemption?
No. North Carolina sets no minimum purchase amount for the exemption.
Do local sales taxes apply to bullion in North Carolina?
No. The General Assembly fiscal note states the exemption would also cause a corresponding reduction in local government sales tax revenue.
Are investment coins and paper currency exempt in North Carolina?
Yes. Investment coins and non-coin currency are exempt when their fair market value is greater than their face (statutory or nominal) value.
Read next
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