Bonhams: Payment & Tax

We hope you will be pleased with your purchase! After placing the winning bid, you’ll want to take possession of your auction purchases quickly and safely. Here are details on how to pay, collect and arrange shipping.

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How to pay for your purchases
Sales tax
Collection and shipping

Paying for your purchases

Successful winning bidders will receive an email confirmation along with an invoice within 24 hours after the close of an auction. Payment is due within five business days after the auction and should be from an account in the name of the payee.

We accept the following payment methods:

1. Bank transfer is our preferred method of payment. Please quote your Bonhams account number and your invoice number as the reference. Our account details are:

City National Bank
Federal Routing # 1220-16066
150 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Account # 432742997
Swift Code: CINAUS6L

2. Checks should be made payable to Bonhams and mailed to your closest office:

580 Madison, New York
New York, 10022

7601 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046

274 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752

Personal or business checks in excess of $10,000 must clear before you can collect your property. This takes within 5-10 business days. Cashier's checks clear immediately upon verification.

3. Cash payments (in person only), up to $5,000

4. Debit card payments (in person only). We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discovery and American Express. There is no limit on payment value if payment is made in person using Chip and Pin verification.

5. Credit card payments, up to $25,000. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. You can pay securely online via your account, or call our Massachusetts team on 508-970-3000 to pay over the phone.

Buyer’s premium and any applicable sales tax are included in the invoice amount.

Sales tax

Sales tax laws vary from state to state. Clients with questions regarding the application of sales or use taxes to property purchased at auction should seek advice from a tax professional.

Purchases picked up in Massachusetts or shipped to states where Skinner is registered are subject to sales tax. Certain dealers, museums, and other qualifying parties may be exempt by registering with the appropriate state and submitting a valid sales tax exemption form.

Exemptions for Certain Dealers
Register with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at MassTaxConnect and supply us with your completed Massachusetts Resale Certificate.

Scan or send your valid tax exemption certificate to:

580 Madison, New York
New York, 10022
Tel: 212-644-9001
Email: bids.us@bonhams.com

7601 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tel: 323-850-7500
Email: bids.us@bonhams.com

274 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Tel: 508-970-3150
Email: invoices@bonhamsskinner.com

Collection and shipping

For more information on booking a pick-up appointment for your purchase, organizing shipping and forms for third-party collections, fine jewelry and wine and spirits, please see our collection and shipping guide.