As a not for profit educational institution, Washington University is exempt from Missouri sales tax. Missouri sales tax should not be paid on purchases made on behalf of the university.
The university’s tax identification number is printed on the face of the card and must be brought to the attention of the merchant at the time of the purchase. The cards also have a phone number that a merchant can call to receive a paper copy of the university’s tax identification letter.
If Missouri sales tax cannot be avoided, the sales tax portion of the receipt must be charged to the Sales Tax expense item. Taxes from which the university is exempt must not be charged to a federal grant.
Due to the university’s non-profit status, a sales tax exemption certificate for purchases made in other states may be available.
See Paying Sales and Use Tax for additional information and exception certificates.