Understanding Sales Tax for Medical Equipment Purchases
If you're purchasing durable medical equipment (DME) like a hospital bed, mobility scooter, or lift chair, you may be wondering if you'll be charged sales tax. The short answer is: it depends on your state.
Sales tax laws for medical devices vary across the United States, and whether your purchase is taxable often depends on:
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Where you live
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Whether the item is considered medically necessary
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If you have a prescription
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Whether the seller is licensed in your state
Here’s a general breakdown of how it works.
States That Exempt Medical Devices (Prescription Required)
These states offer a sales tax exemption on medical equipment, but only if the item is prescribed by a physician:
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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California
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Colorado
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Florida
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Hawaii
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Idaho
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Indiana
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Iowa
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Kansas
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Kentucky
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Louisiana
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Maryland
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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North Carolina
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Oklahoma
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South Carolina
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South Dakota
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Texas
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Utah
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Washington D.C.
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West Virginia
States That Exempt Medical Devices (No Prescription Required)
These states do not require a prescription for sales tax exemption on DME:
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Wyoming
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Nevada
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North Dakota
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Wisconsin
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Illinois
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Missouri
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Tennessee
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Alabama
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Virginia
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Pennsylvania
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New York
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Vermont
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Maine
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Rhode Island
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Connecticut
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New Jersey
States with Specific or Conditional Exemptions
In these states, sales tax rules depend on certain conditions like usage, prescription, or insurance coverage:
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Georgia – Exempt if sold or prescribed by a physician
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Minnesota – Taxable unless for home use or covered by Medicare/Medicaid
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Mississippi – Exempt for specific items (e.g., prosthetics, orthotics)
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Montana – Generally taxable, with limited exceptions
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Nebraska – Exempt for mobility devices with prescription and proof of medical assistance eligibility
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New Mexico – Exempt only if delivered by a licensed practitioner and included in service cost
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Ohio – Requires prescription for exemption, except for oxygen sold for facility use
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South Carolina – Exempt only if paid for by Medicaid, Medicare, or state program
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Washington – Some items are exempt (e.g., oxygen systems, prosthetics), others are not
States with No Statewide Sales Tax
These states do not charge sales tax on any purchases, including medical devices:
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Alaska
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Delaware
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Montana
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New Hampshire
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Oregon
What You Should Know Before You Checkout
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If you qualify for an exemption, you may need to submit documentation like a prescription or tax exemption form.
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Med Mart follows state sales tax laws and applies tax accordingly based on your shipping address.
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If you are unsure whether your order will be taxed, feel free to contact our customer service team before placing your order.
Have Questions About Sales Tax?
Our team is happy to help clarify tax requirements based on your location. If you believe you qualify for a tax exemption, contact us before your purchase so we can walk you through the process.
Call us at 888-413-8994 or visit medmart.com to speak with a representative.
Note: Tax laws change frequently. For the most accurate and current information, please consult your state’s tax authority or a licensed tax professional.
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