Amazon Sales Tax Class Action Lawsuit: Did Shoppers Pay Too Much?

By Steve Levine

Published: January 15, 2026

Status: Lawsuit Filed

Relief Sought: Refunds of Alleged Excess Sales Tax

Claim Form Deadline: Not Available

What Is This Amazon Sales Tax Class Action?

A new class action lawsuit claims Amazon.com improperly calculated sales tax on certain purchases made through its online marketplace. The case focuses on transactions involving third party sellers, meaning items sold by independent merchants but purchased through Amazon’s platform.

According to the complaint, Amazon allegedly charged a sales tax rate that was higher than what should have applied based on the customer’s delivery location. While the named plaintiff’s examples involve purchases shipped to Tennessee, the lawsuit raises broader concerns about how marketplace sales tax is calculated and applied.

In Plain English, What Is the Issue?

The open class action lawsuit says some customers may have paid slightly more sales tax than required. In the examples cited, the difference was a fraction of a percent, but applied across multiple orders and many shoppers.

The class action lawsuit claims Amazon was notified of the issue and continued charging the higher rate, which forms the basis of the legal claims.

Is This an Amazon Price Gouging Case?

No. This case has nothing to do with product prices or inflation. It strictly concerns how sales tax was calculated and collected at checkout.

Why This Case Could Matter Beyond One State

Sales tax laws vary by state, but Amazon operates a single nationwide marketplace system. Lawsuits like this can draw attention to systemic tax calculation practices that affect shoppers everywhere.

If courts require changes to how marketplace tax rates are sourced or refunded, those changes can sometimes be implemented broadly rather than state by state. Similar cases have also led to follow up lawsuits in other states using local tax laws.

Is There a Settlement or Payout?

No settlement has been reached. The lawsuit asks for refunds of alleged overcharges and for Amazon to stop collecting sales tax at incorrect rates. Payments only become available if a settlement is approved or the plaintiff prevails.

Who Could Eventually Be Included?

The proposed class described in the complaint focuses on marketplace purchases shipped to Tennessee addresses, but the legal theory centers on Amazon’s role as a marketplace tax collector.

Whether other states become involved would depend on new lawsuits, regulatory action, or changes ordered by the court.

How Can I Check My Amazon Orders?

Review your Amazon order history and open invoices for marketplace purchases. Look at the sales tax line and compare it to the local rate that applied to your delivery address at the time of purchase.

How Do I File a Claim?

You cannot file a claim right now. Claim forms are only created after a settlement is reached and approved by the court.

Is Proof Required?

Not at this stage. If a settlement happens, proof usually comes from Amazon order records or invoices tied to your account.

What Happens Next in the Duke v. Amazon Case?

The lawsuit is still in its early stages. Amazon has not been found liable, and no settlement has been approved.

The Court will first decide whether the case can move forward as a class action on behalf of Tennessee consumers. Amazon is expected to respond to the allegations, either by asking the Court to dismiss the case or by defending itself in litigation.

If the case proceeds, the parties may exchange evidence, take depositions, and potentially enter settlement negotiations. Many class actions resolve at this stage without a trial.

If a settlement is reached in the future, eligible Tennessee customers would be notified and given instructions on how to file a claim. If no settlement is reached, the case could continue toward a Court ruling.

For now, no action is required from consumers, and no claim form is available.

How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?

Find all the latest class actions you can qualify for by getting notified of new lawsuits as soon as they are open to claims:

Official Complaint PDF