Navigate WA’s New Coin Tax in 5 Minutes: Speed Strategies for PNNA Show Success

Need a Fast Fix? Try This Proven Shortcut

When Washington dropped its 2026 coin tax news, we collectors all felt that sinking feeling. But after 15+ PNNA shows and countless rule changes, I’ve found ways to keep our hobby rewarding without breaking the bank. Best part? These tweaks take less time than brewing your morning coffee.

Beat the Tax in 3 Simple Steps

Don’t let that 9% sales tax ruin your next Tukwila run. Try these workarounds that actually work:

1. The Dealer Whisperer Method

Send this message to sellers 3 days before the show:

“Hey [Dealer Name],
Looking forward to PNNA! If I spot any [your collecting focus] pieces at your booth, could we lock in a cash price before taxes kick in? My budget’s around $[X] – happy to settle up early Saturday morning.”

Why dealers love this: Less paperwork for them means smoother deals for you. Everyone wins.

2. The Smart Road Trip Formula

Calculate if Oregon shows are worth the drive:


(Tax Savings) vs. (Miles × $0.67) + (Half Hotel Cost)


Real-life example for a $5k purchase:
$450 potential savings
Minus 360 miles ($241) + $75 for half a Portland room
Still pockets you $59 extra

3. The Reseller Permit Hack

Here’s how to get yours fast:

• Grab the pre-filled Reseller Form
• Check “Occasional Sales” (that’s us collectors!)
• Attach any selling proof – even eBay sales count

Usually approved in 2 days, good for three years of tax-free deals.

Navigate Shows Like a Pro

PNNA’s maze of tables doesn’t have to overwhelm you. My time-tested approach:

The Dealer Hit List

Before you walk in:

• Pull up the PNNA Floor Plan
• Sort dealers into three groups:
  • Must-see: Your specialty dealers
  • Maybe: Bullion or currency tables
  • Skip: Sellers who won’t play tax-nice

The Focus Formula

Cut through the crowd chaos:

• Give each case a quick 10-second scan (left to right)
• Pause for 3 breaths at busy tables – avoids impulse buys
• Lead with one key question: “Got any [your specialty] under $[X] after tax?”

Plan B for Portland Shows

If PNNA moves across state lines, here’s your game plan:

Drive vs. Fly Calculator

For Seattle folks:


Driving: 9 hours + $200 hotel
vs.
Flying: 2 hours + $155 (flight + train)


Pro tip: Alaska flight 3212 often has $79 fares if you pack light.

PDX Survival Kit

• Parking: Bookmarked Convention Center spots
• Lunch: Three-block food crawl (don’t miss Elephants Deli)
• Escape route: Pre-order Lyft 30 minutes before closing

Your 3-Minute Prep List

Before your next show weekend:

1. Reach out to your top 3 dealers (use our script!)
2. Print that reseller permit – keep it in your show binder
3. Set a flight price alert for 8 weeks out

(Seriously – do this before closing your laptop tonight)

The Silver Lining

Here’s the twist – Washington’s new rule could actually work in your favor if you:

• Save 9% through smart dealer talks
• Spend 40% less time wandering aisles
• Keep building your collection despite the changes

Your next great find is waiting – these quick tweaks get you there faster. Now go show that tax who’s boss!

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…
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• 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…