HOME

CURRENT NEWS

YOUR LEGISLATORS

LEGISLATOR CONTACT TIPS

JOIN ICPMDA

ABOUT ICPMDA

The success of House Bill 1765, exempting investment coins and precious metal bullion from Indiana State Sales Tax is up to you. To help you, we have listed below the salient points that frame our arguments for exemption. We show you how to identify your legislators and give you the physical and email addresses and phone numbers to reach them. Lastly we give you tips to use when writing or calling your legislators and sample letters that might help organize your own thoughts.

The content of your letter, phone call and email is extremely important. It needs to be personal but still reflect the overall argument of our position to be effective. To insure that we are all on the same page, the following summary of our position should be helpful to you in drafting your letters and calls.

Indiana Sales Tax is being inappropriately applied to investment coins and precious metals.

Our position is that the exemption of Indiana State Sales and Use Tax would address the following issues and level the playing field for those who chose to invest in the coin and precious metals markets.

1. Those who deal in commodities contract transactions do not pay sales or use tax.

2. The 6% Sales tax on investment coins and precious metals interferes with the function of these products as investments.

3. Indiana consumers are forced to buy their investment coins and precious metals out of state or on the Internet where they might be subject to scams or fraud.

4. If the tax code were amended, revenues would remain in Indiana and provide jobs and other tax.

5. Coins and precious metals are recognized investment vehicles. Twenty-seven (27) states have either no sales tax or have exempted sales tax on coins and precious metals through legislative action. Among the states that have changed their statutes are neighboring states of Illinois and Michigan.

Write or email your legislator immediately. It is easier to influence your legislator while he is forming his opinion than after he has made up his mind. Personal correspondence is always best. When writing, choose stationary that identifies you, whether personal or business. Include your name and address and be sure to include the House Bill number. Choose one or two of the issues that we mention above which effect you most and stick to those topics. If you state facts, be sure that they are accurate and supportable. Ask for a reply stating whether your legislator will vote for or against your position. If they indicate that they will not support your position, ask them to tell you why they will not. Above all, be polite and positive.

When calling your legislator you should not feel intimidated. However, your legislator’s time is at a premium so before you call, write down the points that you want to cover. When you reach the office of your legislator, identify yourself as a constituent and ask to speak directly to your legislator. If the legislator cannot take your call, leave a message. Include your name, telephone number, bill number and your opinion of the bill and ask directly if they will support or oppose the legislation. Ask the staff person to repeat your message so that you are sure that your position is understood. Ask the staff person to have your legislator return your call with an answer to your inquiry. If your legislator indicates that they will support your position, ask that they send you a quick note confirming that position. Thank your legislator of their staff member for taking your call. Lastly, write a thank you note expressing your appreciation for your legislator’s time and insight. In your note, briefly restate your position.
Find your legislators here.