When trading stamps are redeemed for merchandise, the transaction is a retail sale and is subject to sales tax. The tax is computed on the fair market value of the merchandise transferred in exchange for the stamps. The retailer may purchase redemption merchandise for resale. No sales tax is due when stamps are redeemed for cash rather than for merchandise.
If a retailer purchases trading stamps to distribute to customers, the transaction is not considered a purchase of property and no sales tax is due . The stamp distributor who sells the stamps to the retailer must pay sales or use tax on its purchase of the stamps.
When coupons, reimbursed price reductions, or group discounts are accepted by a retailer as some or all of the selling price of any taxable item, and the retailer receives services, payment, or reimbursement from a third-party, (for example, the manufacturer, distributor, or an unrelated person), the value of the coupons, reimbursed price reductions, or group discounts cannot be subtracted from the selling price when determining gross receipts.
When coupons or group discounts are issued, granted, or accepted by the retailer as part of the selling price of any taxable property, and the retailer does not receive any services, payment, or reimbursement from a third-party, the coupons, certificates, vouchers, or group discounts are considered cash discounts, and the amount may be subtracted from the selling price of the property when determining gross receipts.
The sale of gift certificates, promotional certificates, or vouchers is not taxable.
316 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, § 037