This publication explains how to examine your records to establish the use tax due on your purchases of physical merchandise (for example, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment) from out-of-state sellers. If your business purchases items for use, storage, or consumption in California from a seller located outside California that does not collect and report the California use tax, you may owe California use tax. The use tax rate is the same as your local sales tax rate. The use tax is intended to protect California sellers who otherwise would be at a competitive disadvantage when outof-state sellers make sales of physical products to California customers without charging tax. The use tax also assures that all businesses in the state contribute fairly to the funding of state and local programs whether they choose to make purchases in California or outside the state.