Gold fell 3%, Silver .9%

January 1, 2026, a significant regulatory shift took hold in Washington State, fundamentally altering the landscape for physical metal investors. The implementation of Engrossed Senate Substitute Bill (ESSB) 5794 officially repealed the state’s long-standing sales tax exemption on precious metal bullion and monetized coins. For the first time since 1985, residents in the Evergreen State must now pay a statewide 6.5% sales tax—plus local surtaxes that can push the total levy as high as 10.6%—on every ounce of gold or silver they acquire.

The most immediate losers of this policy shift are the brick-and-mortar dealers within Washington State. Historically, these businesses drew customers from across the Pacific Northwest, but they now face a stark competitive disadvantage against neighboring Oregon, which has no sales tax, and Idaho, which maintains its bullion exemption.

Source – Financial Content

Devastating to learn that Washington’s 40 years of no tax on gold and silver has taken effect this year. We are in March now since this has started but what a shame for this to have happened. I hope all businesses stay strong and speak to those who can help change this tax law back to the way it was. Good luck!

-V.

Although gold and silver saw disappointing price action on Friday, experiencing their worst daily loss since mid-December, some analysts note that the damage to the broad rallies has been limited.

The gold market started the week holding initial support around $2,880 an ounce. Spot gold last traded at $2,896.50 an ounce, up 0.50% on the day. Silver is also finding solid support, as it has bounced off its overnight lows just below $32 an ounce. Spot silver last traded at $32.20 an ounce, up 0.20% on the day.

Alex Kuptsikevich, Chief Market Analyst at FxPro, said in a note that gold’s price action has become a little more complicated following Friday’s selloff, as buyers have become more cautious.

Source – KITCO News