A subcontractor invoices $9,000 including $600 of California sales tax on materials. On a lump-sum construction contract where the sub is the consumer, the sales tax is:
Explanation
Under Regulation 1521 the subcontractor that furnishes and installs the material is its consumer, so the tax is part of the subcontractor's cost and travels into the contract price rather than being billed to the owner as a tax. The CSLB collects licence fees and pays no taxes for anyone. Charging it is not illegal, but it is not itemised as tax to the owner either; it is priced in. And nothing is refunded to the general contractor, who never paid it to the state.
Law Reference: 18 CCR §1521This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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