How do I know how much sales tax will be on my order?

You're at the final step of check out, "Review and Pay," and the Tax line reads "$0.00"

Fine for some, but maybe you school isn't tax exempt. So how do you know how much tax you'll ultimately be charged?

Get ready to enter the wonderful world of taxes!

...

Okay, it's not really that bad. Check below for the title that best fits your situation, and that should give you your answer.

I'm using resupply credit, I'm in Illinois and I have an Illinois E-Number:

You're all set! No tax!

I'm using resupply credit, I'm not in Illinois but I have an Illinois E-Number:

No tax for you either!

I'm using resupply credit, I'm in Illinois but I DON'T have an Illinois E-Number:

The tax rate will be 10.25%, which is the local Evanston, Illinois sales tax rate.

I'm using resupply credit, I'm NOT Illinois and I DON'T have an Illinois E-Number:

The tax rate will be 10.25%.

Why? Well, this is the weirdest one. Basically, Illinois considers drop shipments (which these technically are) to be Illinois transactions. Illinois doesn't accept any other state's tax exemption criteria, only E-numbers. As a result of those two rules, these materials become subject to Illinois sales tax, even if they never stop in Illinois to see The Bean, or catch a Cubs game.

I'm not using resupply credit.

If you're not using resupply credit, then it is no longer a transaction between you and Northwestern University (FUSE). It's a transaction between you and the supplier (Aquaphoenix Scientific). That means it's either interstate commerce or just commerce. Tax rates will apply based on your state's sales tax rules.

Want to learn more (like how to get an e-number)?

Check out our Sales Tax FAQ!