Navigate WA’s New Coin Tax in 5 Minutes: Speed Strategies for PNNA Show Success
October 13, 2025Advanced Coin Show Mastery: 7 Expert Techniques to Optimize Value and Navigate Market Shifts
October 13, 2025I’ve Seen These Mistakes Over and Over. Here’s How to Avoid the Pitfalls That Trip Up Most Collectors
After a decade of coin shows (including last month’s PNNA Tukwila event), I can spot the costly mistakes before they happen. With Washington’s new 9% coin tax starting January 2026 and potential show moves to Portland, these errors could empty your wallet faster than a coin flip. Here’s what to watch for:
Mistake #1: Ignoring Tax Law Changes Until Checkout
The Tax Trap I Saw Coming a Mile Away
The real buzz at PNNA wasn’t about rare finds – it was about collectors getting caught off-guard by the tax change. These were the most common missteps:
- “I’ll buy everything now” panic without proper planning
- Believing dealers will cover the tax (they won’t)
- Not checking if your home state has tax agreements with Washington
Your Tax Survival Kit
“Smart collectors pay attention before the taxman comes calling”
- Dealer Verification: Ask if they’re registered with Washington’s
Business Licensing Service - Paperwork Ready: Keep
Washington Form 27-0012in your show binder - Timing Matters: Big purchases should happen before January 2026
Mistake #2: Treating Crowded Shows Like Casual Browsing Events
How Crowds Cost You Money
At PNNA, I saw collectors miss great coins because they didn’t plan for:
- Dealers blocking views of key inventory
- Distracted shoppers bumping into everyone
- People who never leave the best tables
Your Game Plan for Busy Shows
Try my proven schedule:
SHOW DAY STRATEGY
6:00 AM: Arrive early (with coffee)
6:30-8:00: Shop dealer previews
8:00-10:00: Buy your wishlist items
10:00-12:00: Second look at tables
12:00-1:00: Network while others eat
1:00 PM-close: Hunt for last-minute dealsMistake #3: Failing to Prepare for Potential Portland Relocation
The Hidden Costs of Portland
If shows move, here’s what changes:
| Expense | Tukwila | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Time | 30 min | 4+ hours |
| Hotel | $0 | $400+ |
| Food | $50 | $200+ |
| Tax | 0% | 9% |
When Portland Makes Sense
Do the math before you go:
(Travel + Hotel) / Tax Rate = Break-Even Point
($600 + $400) / 0.09 = $11,111You’d need to buy $11,000 in coins to make the trip worthwhile
Mistake #4: Networking Like It’s 1999
Modern Collectors Need Modern Tools
At PNNA, too many people missed these easy connections:
- Not using booth QR codes
- Ignoring coin apps like
CoinPassport - Forgetting about online show extensions
21st Century Networking
- Try the
CoinScope ARapp for dealer info - Use digital business cards (
Popl.coworks great) - Set up follow-up calls with
Calendly
Mistake #5: Underestimating Paperwork Precursors
The Boring Stuff That Saves You
Most collectors ignore these until it’s too late:
- State reseller permits
- IRS forms for big cash deals
- Difference between bullion and collectible rules
Paperwork Made Simple
My stress-free system:
1. BEFORE:
- Get tax forms ready
- Print W-9s
2. AT SHOW:
- Photo docs with your phone
- Use CamScanner app
3. AFTER:
- Save to cloud storage
- Set tax remindersYour Pre-Show Checklist
Before any 2025-2026 coin show:
- ☑️ Understand tax changes
- ☑️ Pack your phone and charger
- ☑️ Plan for possible Portland trips
- ☑️ List verified dealers
- ☑️ Set calendar reminders
Turning Challenges Into Wins
While others stressed at PNNA, smart collectors were:
- Making Oregon contacts early
- Locking in pre-tax deals
- Mixing online and in-person shopping
Here’s the truth: When the rules change, prepared collectors find the best deals. Start planning now, and Washington’s tax shift could become your collecting advantage.
Related Resources
You might also find these related articles helpful:
- Coin Show Newbie’s Handbook: Navigating PNNA Events & Understanding the 2025 Tukwila Experience – New to Coin Collecting? Your Friendly First-Timer’s Guide to PNNA Events Welcome to the exciting world of coin sho…
- Decoding the Future of Coin Shows: Expert Analysis of Tukwila’s 2025 PNNA Event and the Looming Sales Tax Impact – Washington’s Coin Show Crossroads: What Tukwila’s 2025 PNNA Event Reveals About Our Future Let me tell you w…
- How I Turned My Coin Authentication Expertise into a $50k+ Online Course Empire – From Coin Collector to Course Creator: My Unexpected Journey I never imagined my weekend hobby would pay the mortgage. B…