What you need to be educated to join the fight.
- Work with WCBA Dealers
- Use WCBA Resources
- Share Flyers
- Donate to the Cause
- Tell Others
- Email Your Legislators
- Meet With Your Lawmakers
- Spread WCBA Info
- Vote Intentionally
Key Update From Our Lobbyists
Click to Read
Hello Carolyn and other WCBA Members:I wanted to provide to you an update on meetings with lawmakers for introduction of our House (HB 2115) and Senate legislation (Draft S-3427.2/26) for the 2026 legislative session as it deals restoring the 1985 tax exemptions for the sale of precious metals and bullion, which we can place on our website.Senate Lawmaker Update (Draft S-3427.2/26):
- Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D-3), Majority Floor Leader | He indicated that he would Prime Sponsor our Senate legislation in the 2026 session
- Sen. Derek Stanford (D-1), Committee Vice Chair, Operating Senate Ways & Means Committee | He is reviewing restoring the 1985 language and he has been requested to add himself as a sponsor.
- Sen. Leonard Christian (R-4)| We met with him in person 12/4 at 2:30 p.m. and he indicated that he would likely be number two sponsor depending on whether Sen. Marcus Riccelli prime sponsors the bill
- Sen. Chris Gildon (R-25), Ranking Member, Operating Senate Ways & Means Committee |At our meeting on 12/10 at 10:00 a.m. he has indicated that he will sign onto the bill as number 3 sponsor
- Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-49), Ways & Means Committee Member | Waiting to confirm a meeting.
- Sen. Adrian Cortes (D-18) | Waiting to confirm a meeting.
- Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-45), Deputy Majority Leader, Senate Ways & Means Committee Member | She has been requested to be added on as she is supportive of our issue
- Sen. Marko Liias (D-21) | Has been contacted and we are awaiting his response as being a co-sponsor.
- Sen. John Lovick (D-44), Vice President Pro Tempore | Waiting to confirm a meeting.
House Lawmaker Update (HB 2115):
- Rep. Amy Walen (D-48), House Finance Committee Member | Prime Sponsored our legislation HB 2115
- Rep. Jeremie Dufault (R-15), House Rules Committee Member | Number 2 sponsor on our legislation HB 2115
- Rep. Ed Orcutt (R-20), Ranking Minority Member on the House Finance Committee | Co-Sponsored our legislation HB 2115
- Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen (R-25), Assistant Ranking Minority Member on House Finance Committee | Co-Sponsored our legislation HB 2115
- Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-28), Deputy Majority Whip, House Appropriation Committee Member | Co-Sponsored our legislation HB 2115
We have sent out a request that our members contact their House members where they live as a constituent to co-sponsor HB 2115 and we will be doing the same for our Senate bill as soon as Sen. Marcus Riccelli signs up as the Prime Sponsor to the Senate bill which will be in the near future, as we are told by his staff, to add their names onto the legislation.
WCBA Resources
Action Alert Flyer
Facts Sheet
Fact Sheet: ESSB 5794 — Section 105, Act 1 (Repeal of Precious Metals Exemption)
What the Bill Does
– Repeals Washington’s 40-year exemption for investment-grade precious metals.
– Adds a new B&O tax starting January 1, 2026.
– Combined impact: 10% tax on coins and bullion.
Why It’s Harmful
– Dealers operate on 2–3% margins — a 10% tax wipes out business.
– Consumers will shift to Oregon and Idaho (both exempt), or unregulated markets.
– Retirees and middle-income families lose a key inflation hedge.
– History shows failure: Louisiana and Ohio reinstated exemptions after revenues fell.
National Trend
– 45 states exempt bullion and coins from sales tax.
– Bipartisan support nationwide.
– Florida, Kentucky, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Nebraska, Alabama all expanded exemptions in 2024–2025.
Recommendations
- Reject repeal of the exemption under ESSB 5794, Section 105.
- Clarify statutory definitions in line with JLARC’s own suggestion.
- Protect small Washington businesses and consumers by maintaining the exemption.
For Further Information
Contact Carolyn Beko, Washington Coin & Bullion Association President
CB@Redmondrarecoins.com
(425) 823-2646 (COIN)
www.washingtoncoinandbullionassoc.org
Board Meeting Minutes
Meeting minutes are the official written record of what took place during a meeting.
They summarize:
📅 The date, time, and location of the meeting
👥 Who was present (and sometimes who was absent)
🗂 The topics discussed
🗳 Any motions, decisions, or votes taken
✅ Action items and who is responsible for them
📆 The next meeting date
Meeting minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. Instead, they provide a clear, organized summary that documents decisions, tracks progress, and creates accountability.
For organizations like the Washington Coin & Bullion Association, minutes serve as:
A legal and historical record
A way to ensure transparency to members
A tool to track strategy, finances, and legislative efforts
Documentation that can be referenced in future meetings or audits
In short, meeting minutes protect the organization and keep everyone aligned on what was discussed, decided, and assigned.
Association Bylaws
Washington Coin and Bullion Association (WCBA) Bylaws
Effective July 1, 2025; Adopted July 15, 2025
Article I – Purpose
1.1 Purpose. The purposes of the Washington Coin and Bullion Association (WCBA), as defined in its Articles of Organization, are to protect, defend, and advocate for the rights of coin and bullion dealers, collectors, and investors across Washington State, including advocating for fair and appropriate regulations and tax policies. The Association shall propose actions to enhance, preserve, and promote the industry and the economic vitality of the state.
Article II – Membership
2.1 Classes of Members.
Full Members: Individuals or entities operating retail or wholesale coin and bullion businesses n Washington State.
Associate Members: Supporters including out-of-state dealers, suppliers, financial institutions, security consultants, and others affiliated with the industry.
Consumer Members: Investors, customers, or interested parties not operating a precious metals or coin business.
2.2 Voting. Only Full Members in good standing may vote; one vote per paid business entity.
2.3 Application. Applications must include business details, and they will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
2.4 Dues and Delinquency. Suggested Annual Dues are determined by the Board, and members may choose to have their name listed on the website. Members more than 90 days delinquent are subject to suspension.
2.5 Resignation and Termination. Members may resign in writing. The Board may terminate a membership due to non-payment, failure to meet membership criteria, or unethical conduct.
2.6 Reinstatement. Former members may be reinstated by Board vote after dues and causes of termination are resolved.
Article III – Officers
3.1 Officers. President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chairman, and Legislative Liaison.
3.2 Duties.
President: Chief spokesperson, oversees operations, appoints committee chairs.
Vice President: Acts in absence of President.
Secretary: Maintains minutes and records; communicates with members.
Treasurer: Sends out dues notices; oversees finances; chairs Finance Committee.
Membership Chairman: Contacts potential members to join and pay dues.
Legislative Liaison: Serves as the Associations point of contact for legislative and regulatory matters; advises the Board and members on potential impacts.
Article IV – Board of Directors
4.1 Composition. The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than four (4) and no more than seven (7) members, including the officers. All Board members must be Full Members of WCBA.
4.2 Duties. Oversees policy, property, expenditures, and strategy.
4.3 Terms and Vacancies. Directors serve two-year terms. Vacancies are filled by Presidential appointment with Board approval.
4.4 Board Meetings and Quorum.
The Board of Directors will usually meet on at least a quarterly basis, with additional meetings called by the President or a majority of Board members as needed.
Board meetings should be scheduled with at least 7 days notice including time, method, and agenda. For urgent matters, the President or any two Board members may call a meeting with shorter notice using rapid communication, provided urgency is documented in the minutes.
A quorum shall consist of a majority of current Board members. If a quorum is present, a majority vote of those present is required for official action, unless otherwise specified.
Meetings may be held in person or via teleconference/videoconference, provided all participants can simultaneously hear and speak to one another.
Minutes shall be recorded and approved for each meeting and retained as part of the Association’s official records.
Article V – Committees
5.1 Committees. Committees may be established at the discretion of the President. Standing committees may include, but are not limited to, Nominating, Membership, Legal, Legislative Affairs, and Outreach; Public Engagement.
5.2 Committee Structure. All committee chairs must be appointed by the President but are not required to be Board members.
5.3 Meetings and Reports. Committees shall meet as necessary and may be convened by the chair or a majority of the committee members. Committee reports shall be provided at Board meetings and may be included in the official minutes.
Article VI – Annual Membership Meeting
6.1 General Meetings. Open to members unless in executive session.
6.2 Annual Meeting. Held once per year for elections and member discussions. Notices must be given at least 30 days in advance.
6.3 Special Meetings. May be called by the Board or petition of membership. Notices must state the purpose of the meeting.
6.4 Quorum. Ten percent (10%) of Full Members represented in person or proxy shall constitute a quorum. Majority vote governs unless otherwise stated.
6.5 Voting. May occur in person, by proxy, by email, or by written ballot.
6.6 Procedural Rules. Meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
Article VII – Board Elections
7.1 Process. Board elections may be conducted in person, by mail, electronically, or by other reasonable means as determined by the Board of Directors. Only Full Members can vote for officer positions. Ballots must be distributed to all voting members in good standing and returned by the deadline.
7.2 Nominations. Handled by the Nominating Committee. Additional nominations allowed from the floor with consent.
7.3 Results. Tallied by the Nominating Committee. Ties decided by the President.
Article VIII – Finance
8.1 Fiscal Year. January 1 – December 31.
8.2 Budget and Records. Treasurer or Executive Director maintains financial reports.
8.3 Claims Order. Prioritized as: employee wages, contractor wages, rent, other expenses.
Article IX – Miscellaneous
9.1 Executive Director. May be hired to manage operations, staff, and records under President/Board supervision.
9.2 Endorsements. Full Members and Associate Members in good standing may use the name of WCBA without Board approval.
9.3 Indemnification. Officers, Directors, and employees are indemnified to the fullest extent allowed by law.
9.4 Amendments. Bylaws may be amended with at least 30 days’ notice and 2/3 Board vote.
9.5 Dissolution. Upon dissolution, WCBA assets shall be donated to another WA organization approved by majority of the Board.
9.6 Proxies and Electronic Participation. Members may vote by proxy or through secure digital platforms approved by the Board.
Approved by WCBA Board of Directors: July 15, 2025
______________________________ ______________________________
Secretary President
Policy Memo
Policy Memo: Concerns Regarding ESSB 5794 — Section 105, Act 1 (Repeal of Precious Metals Exemption)
Prepared by: Carolyn Beko, Owner, Redmond Rare Coins
Date: September, 2025
Background
For more than forty years, Washington has exempted sales of investment-grade coins and bullion from retail sales tax. The policy was adopted to reflect the reality that precious metals are not consumed like retail goods but serve as investment and savings instruments.
Section 105, Act 1 of ESSB 5794 ended that exemption and, together with a new B&O tax effective January 1, 2026, subjects local transactions to a combined burden exceeding 10 percent in many communities. Because dealer spreads on bullion transactions are often 2–3 percent, this change wipes out margins entirely and will shift virtually all investment demand to Oregon and Idaho.
Assuming implementation, Washington joins Maryland as one of only two states in the nation to tax these transactions, while the overwhelming national trend is to exempt them.
What Washington’s Market Actually Looks Like
Precious-metals dealers in Washington operate on thin spreads, often in the 2–3 percent range. With a combined sales tax and B&O burden exceeding 10 percent, there is no viable way to continue competing with dealers in Oregon and Idaho.
Contrary to JLARC’s claim that approximately 40 percent of tax savings benefit out-of-state buyers, the reality is different:
Most retail sales are to Washington residents.
Shipments leaving the state are overwhelmingly wholesale transfers to distributors, not consumer transactions.
Not a single Washington dealer conducts live online retail bullion sales to consumers in other states.
JLARC’s survey consulted about twenty dealers without disclosing their identities or methodology, leaving out a large portion of Washington’s fifty active bullion businesses. The data is therefore incomplete and unrepresentative.
Expected Economic and Fiscal Effects
Bullion transactions are highly mobile and extremely price-sensitive. A tax exceeding dealer margins simply drives purchases elsewhere. This is not speculation—other states have tried, and failed, to collect meaningful tax revenue this way.
Louisiana repealed its exemption in 2016, only to reinstate it in 2019 after local businesses closed and projected revenue gains failed.
Ohio repealed its exemption in the 1990s and reinstated it in 2021 after losing coin show business and seeing demand shift to nearby exempt states.
In both cases, lawmakers concluded that taxing bullion produced lower revenues than maintaining exemptions. Washington’s forecasted gains (often cited in the $55–$64 million range) fails to account for this change in consumer behavior. The outcome will be substantially fewer in-state transactions, fewer local jobs, and diminished sales tax revenue from travel, lodging, dining, and events tied to Washington’s bullion and numismatic community.
Consumer Protection and Equity
Taxing bullion is not just poor fiscal policy; it is regressive. Retirees and middle-income households rely on precious metals to save, diversify, and hedge against inflation. Wealthier investors can easily pivot to untaxed financial assets such as equities, bonds, or real estate.
Moreover, taxation drives transactions underground or out of state, stripping consumers of the protections they receive when working with licensed, regulated Washington dealers. This increases the risk of fraud in an already complex market.
Broader National Context
As of January 2025, forty-five states have eliminated sales taxes on gold and silver. Legislators from both parties have advanced these measures, recognizing that bullion is a form of money and savings, not a retail product.
The trend is overwhelmingly bipartisan. Legislatures in Republican- and Democratic-led states alike have embraced these exemptions as a matter of consumer protection, inflation resilience, and competitive neutrality. Washington should align itself with this national consensus rather than isolate itself as one of only two outliers.
Concrete National Actions, 2024–2025
Florida — HB 7031 (signed 2025): Eliminated sales tax on all gold, silver, and platinum purchases (effective Aug. 1, 2025).
Kentucky — 2025: Legislature overrode a veto to reinstate the exemption retroactively with refunds.
Idaho — HB 40 (2025): Eliminated capital-gains tax on gold and silver.
Utah — HB 306 (2025): Precious-metals-backed electronic payments pilot; longstanding capital-gains credit.
Texas — HB 1056 (2025): Recognized gold and silver as legal tender; integrated with Texas Bullion Depository.
Nebraska — Expanded exemption effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Alabama — SB 130 (2025): Advanced legal-tender recognition for gold and silver.
Conclusion
Repealing the exemption under ESSB 5794, Section 105 will not yield the revenue lawmakers expect. It will harm small businesses, reduce consumer protection, and drive purchases to other states resulting in closures of Washington small businesses.
The national evidence is clear: states that repealed exemptions reinstated them after seeing economic damage and disappointing revenues. Meanwhile, forty-five states—including Florida, Kentucky, Idaho, Texas, Utah, Nebraska, and Alabama—have moved in the opposite direction to that of Washington State, exempting or expanding exemptions on precious metals with broad bipartisan support.
Washington should not isolate itself. Instead, it should align with this overwhelming national consensus, recognize gold and silver as sound money, and protect its small businesses and consumers by repealing this unfair tax.
For Further Information
Contact Carolyn Beko, Washington Coin & Bullion Association President
CB@Redmondrarecoins.com
(425) 823-2646 (COIN)
www.washingtoncoinandbullionassoc.org
Find your local WCBA Dealer
Redmond Rare Coins
12411 NE 124th St, Kirkland, WA 98034
- 425-823-2646
Northgate Rare Coin Shop
11319 Pinehurst Way NE, Seattle, WA 98125
- 206-364-0090
Goldmine Coins & Relics
3107 56th St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- 206-364-0090
Washington Gold Exchange
23515 NE Novelty Hill Road, Unit 215, Redmond, WA 98053
- 206-719-6368
Bellevue Rare Coins
321 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
- 425-454-1283
Tacoma Mall Coin & Stamp
5225 Tacoma Mall Blvd E101, Tacoma, WA 98409
- 253-472-9632
Coins & Auctions Since 1994
12014 SE Mill Plain Blvd #220B, Vancouver, WA 98684
- 360-253-5565
Vancouver Rare Coins
110 W 9th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
- 360-750-8660
American Coin & Vault
5523 N Wall St, Spokane, WA 99205
- 509-326-7512
Coin Corner
9215 E Trent Ave, Spokane, WA 99206
- 509-928-0860
A-1 Coin Co
3190 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99207
- 509-327-5659
Red Line Coins
641 W Garland Ave, Spokane, WA 99205
- 509-327-9402
Eastern Washington Coin Co.
2935 E 29th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223
- 509-534-3677
Tri‑City Vault
1340 Jadwin Ave Suite B, Richland, WA 99354
- 509-946-4951
Ron’s Coin & Collectibles
6 N 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901
- 509-248-1117
Email/Letter Templates
Email or letter templates to send to your local legislator
Letter 1: Small Hobby Investor and Senior Citizen
Subject: Please Repeal the New Tax on Precious Metals, It Hurts Seniors and Savers
Letter 2: Investor or Business Owner
Subject: Restore Washington’s Precious Metals Exemption, This Tax Hurts Investment and Jobs
Letter 3: Concerned Citizen and Business Supporter
Subject: Protect Washington Jobs, Repeal the Tax on Coins and Precious Metals
Donation
The process is very simple. We are using Zelle to limit fees to maximize our campaign advancement.
- Scan QR code or click button
- Find your bank and login
- Choose your donation amount
Mail A Check To Donate
Mail checks payable to WCBA
WCBA c/o David Anderson
Goldmine
3107 56th Street
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Need help?
Do not hesitate to contact us and get some help.
- Carolyn Beko, President
- CB@Redmondrarecoins.com
- (425) 823-2646 (COIN)
- www.washingtoncoinandbullionassoc.org
FAQ
What is ESSB5794?
– Washington Senate Bill 5794 is a bill passed by the Washington State Legislature in the 2025 session. This bill affects more than the precious metals and coin industry.
Specifically, paragraph 1, section 105 of this bill will add both a B&O tax on the gross sales, and a state and local sales tax to all precious metals and coins
– This bill will go into effect January 1, 2026.
How will this bill affect the industry, and subsequently the customer?
– This bill will drive revenue out of Washington to any of the other 45 states which do not tax coins or bullion.
– This bill will add a 10%+ SALES tax to our customers, ultimately making our dealers non- competitive in a market that consistently sees 1-3% margins.
– This bill will inevitably decrease the number of dealers, giving customers fewer options.
– This bill will open costumers to an increase in fraud from private party transactions.
– This bill will add burden to our law enforcement agencies.
– This bill will disincentivize investing in low margin, liquid, transferrable, tangible assets.
– This bill will hurt the core group of small and medium investors and savers who may not have the means to make other investments.
How are your local dealers in the industry responding?
– A core group of Washington coin businesses formed, on short notice, The Washington Coin and Bullion Association, or WCBA.
– Our industry leaders spent time publicly testifying, writing our legislators, and meeting with lawmakers in Olympia.
– We crowd funded, through generous donations from coin dealers (In Washington as well as Oregon and Idaho) to hire counsel.
– The WCBA legally became an entity in July of 2025.
What are the goals of WCBA?
– To provide legislative information and tools to coin and bullion dealers as well as enthusiasts in order to start a unified grassroots movement.
– To organize dealers in order to consolidate our voice.
– To repeal Paragraph 1, Section 105 of ESSB5794, and reinstate RCW 82.04.062.
– To introduce a standalone bill to permanently exclude our industry from unfair Sales, Use and B&O taxes.
Who can support WCBA?
– WCBA is open to all dealers and consumers with the common goal of repealing this ill- advised legislation.
– Dealers who are in good standing will have a membership packet and fliers provided to distribute to consumers.
Who represents WCBA?
– We have retained Lobby Washington (Chester Baldwin and Mark Gjurasic).
– Mark Gjurasic represented a previous Association under the name Washington Coin and Bullion Dealers Association in the 1980’s. He was fundamental in winning the sales tax preference for our industry in 1985, which lasted 40 years.
– Please visit https://lobbywashington.com for more information about our legal team
How did this bill pass?
– In the wake of record budget increases, the Washington Legislature looked to eliminate outdated tax preferences’ to make the budget.
– The coin and bullion industry came into the crosshairs, as the taxes were stated to be needed for schools and healthcare’ ~ both of which fall into the state’s general fund.
– JLARC (Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee) falsely generated an estimated revenue stream of $170m in taxes through 2035.
– An organized group of actors, who had ample notice, were given an unfair majority of time to give flawed public testimony.
– Standard rules of notice were altered, and a few of our dealers were given 60 seconds to testify.
– Governor Bob Fergusson had the ability to line veto Paragraph 1, Section 105 of this bill, but elected to let it remain.
Who sponsored this bill?
Senator Jesse Salomon (District 32)
Senator Liz Lovelett (District 40)
Senator Emily Alvarado (District 34)
Senator Jessica Bateman (District 22)
Senator Manka Dhingra (District 45)
Senator Noel Frame (District 36)
Senator Bob Hasegawa (District 11)
Senator T’wina Nobles (District 28)
Senator Marcus Riccelli (District 3)
Senator Yasmin Trudeau (District 27)
Senator Lisa Wellman (District 41)
What can YOU do as a consumer or investor?
– Conduct your business with a dealer currently in good standing with WCBA.
– Utilize the tools provided by WCBA or your local WCBA member dealer.
– Distribute our association’s information and Action Flyers.
– Financially contribute to WCBA, until our annual $70,000 goal is met.
– Inform others possibly interested.
– Use a template provided, or write your own email to your legislators.
– Vote with intention.
What can YOU do as a dealer?
– Contact WCBA about setting up a meeting between your local legislators at your place of business.
– Distribute our association’s information and Action Flyers.
– Financially contribute to WCBA, until our annual $70,000 goal is met.
– Distribute as much information to your network as possible.





