Are Ebay Sellers Allowed to Charge Tax Without a Seller's Permit

[bear0555]

So after reading Bob Loblaw's thread on taxes a while ago:
http://www.freedomcardboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107505&highlight=turning+tables+ebay+scammers

I questioned a seller for charging me $14+ in tax. He doesn't have a seller's permit but I cannot find information stating whether or not he is ripping me off. The seller is responsive but we clearly disagree on the issue. I don't believe he feels like he is ripping me off but I cannot find the answer. I live in California and am hoping someone has the answer to my question because I'm sure others are wondering too. Thanks.

 

[cgilmo]

Its very illegal to charge sales tax without a state sales license. He should only charge it if the buyer and seller are in the same state.

 

[predatorkj]

If anything, just report it and see what eBay says.

 

[rsmath]

I questioned a seller for charging me $14+ in tax. He doesn't have a seller's permit but I cannot find information stating whether or not he is ripping me off.

To add to Chris' reply:

Do some poking around on that state's taxation site to find the tax table and see if they are ripping you off on the tax rate even if it is a case they aren't supposed to be collecting it from you.

If you want to really get at the seller, contact that state's taxation office saying you were charged sales tax on an internet purchase and you don't think the seller is turning that money collected over to the state. The seller could get in big trouble with the state for not turning over sales taxes collected, charging sales tax percentage more than the legal rate, not having state or local business licenses/permits, and a boatload of other bureaucratic junk that city/state has for sellers to comply with.