Tax on shipping?

[DogfoodSoup]

I bought an item on ebay and the seller charges 5% tax which is fine and is stated clearly in his auction description. What I'm curious about is that instead of charging me the tax on the cost of the item he has charged the tax on the total of the item and shipping. I was under the impression that only the item should be taxed and not the shipping? If someone familiar with this could let me know it would be appreciated.

 

[Burner]

only the item should be taxed.

I dont know how it is in Canada, but I'm looking at my latest USPS bill and there is no taxes on it anywhere

 

[Stadium Sports]

GST. Goods and Services Tax. Unfortunately, we pay taxes on the item and delivery all the time.
Just reviewed our ICE order. Yup, total+shipping subject to GST.
Not the PST however.
That will change July 1st here in Ontario with the HST. (Hose Society Tax) Which will be 13%.

 

[Tripredacus]

New York State Sales Tax is the same way, tax is charged on the total cost which includes shipping and handling charges.

 

[gobluesgo]

I am in the industrial sales business and tax is charged on the total order which includes shipping and handeling.