Virginia Law

A. Generally. Except as provided in this section, sales by the Commonwealth, its agencies and political subdivisions generally are taxable.

Since the obligation to collect the tax cannot be imposed upon the federal government, purchases of tangible personal property from the federal government or its agencies, are subject to the use tax, except as provided in this section and 23VAC10-210-692 A or unless the items are otherwise exempt. Purchases from the state and local governments are subject to the use tax where the state agency or locality does not collect the sales tax from the purchaser. See 23VAC10-210-6000 for a further explanation of the use tax.

Any state agency or locality making sales of tangible personal property not otherwise exempt shall register as a dealer with the department and collect and remit the sales tax on its sales. Any agency or locality collecting the tax shall be entitled to the dealer's discount. See 23VAC10-210-480.

B. Exempt sales. Sales by the state, its agencies, or political subdivisions of the following are exempt from the tax:

1. School lunches served to pupils and employees of schools and subsidized by any level of government;

2. School textbooks by a local school board or authorized agency, or by state educational institutions at any level for use of students attending such educational institutions.

3. Copies of official documents or records such as:

a. A Certificate in Good Standing;

b. Corporate charters;

c. Birth and death certificates;

d. Executor qualification certificates;

e. Jury lists, proceedings and debates, calendars of events, transcripts, and

wills;

f. Driving records and accident reports; and

g. Photos, summonses, and offense reports.

The above list is intended to be exemplary and not all inclusive.

Materials provided by the State Board of Elections pursuant to §§ 24.2-404 and 24.2-405 of the Code of Virginia are exempt from the tax.

Official flags of the United States, the state or any county, city or town in Virginia sold by a governmental agency are exempt from the tax.

C. Taxable sales. Sales of the following items of tangible personal property by the state, its agencies and political subdivisions, and the United States, are taxable:

1. Books, publications, and similar documents including, but not limited to:

a. Copies or excerpts from any portion of the Code of Virginia;

b. Copies of building codes or similar rules;

c. Copies of books, monographs, or similar publications; and

d. Copies of regulations.

2. Sales of surplus furniture, office equipment, and other items.

3. Sales by sheriffs and other law-enforcement officials of confiscated and other items.

4. Bankruptcy liquidation sales which do not constitute exempt occasional sales as explained in 23VAC10-210-1080.