Crimson Desert has a lot of systems to wrap your head around early on, and taxes are one of the more surprising ones. If you have received a tax notice in your inventory and cannot access the bank, this guide covers exactly what to do, where to go, and why paying that 50 silver fee is actually one of the best early-game decisions you can make.
What Is the Tax System in Crimson Desert?
The tax system in Crimson Desert is called The Price of Coin. It triggers when you receive a large sum of money through illegal means, such as selling stolen items or exchanging a stolen Gold Bar for silver. When this happens, the Tax Collector places a fine on your account and you lose access to the bank in that region until you pay it off.
| Detail | Info |
| System Name | The Price of Coin |
| Trigger | Receiving money illegally (stolen items, stolen Gold Bars, etc.) |
| Fine Amount | 50 silver |
| Effect of Fine | Bank access blocked until paid |
| Where to Pay | Speak to the guard at the bank entrance |
| Reward for Paying | Bank access, 3 inventory slots, Unicorn Glass Art item |
| Net Result | Profit (earn more than you spend) |
It is worth noting that receiving a fine does not make you a wanted criminal. Guards will not pursue you and you can move freely around the region. However, you cannot use the bank until the fine is paid.
Why You Should Pay the Tax Immediately
The fine feels like a penalty at first glance, but Crimson Desert turns it into a net-positive interaction. Here is what you receive after paying:
| Reward | Benefit |
| Bank Access | Store and manage your silver and items |
| +3 Inventory Slots | Increased carrying capacity immediately |
| Unicorn Glass Art | Special item that sells for approximately 100 silver |
| Quest Completion | Completes The Price of Coin quest |
Paying 50 silver and receiving an item worth approximately 100 silver means you walk away with a profit. The three additional inventory slots also provide lasting value throughout the rest of your playthrough, making this one of the most worthwhile interactions in the early game.
How to Pay Taxes in Crimson Desert: Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your Inventory for the Tax Notice
The process begins when a tax notice appears in your inventory. This notice signals that a fine has been imposed and that you need to visit the bank to resolve it. Make sure you have at least 50 silver before heading out.
Step 2: Head to the Bank in Hernand City
Travel to the bank in Hernand City, which is the starter city bank tied to The Price of Coin quest. The bank location connects to the quest directly, so follow your map markers if you are unsure of the exact position.
Step 3: Speak to the Guard at the Bank Entrance
You will not be able to walk straight in. A guard blocks the entrance and you must speak to them to proceed. This interaction is mandatory, as skipping it prevents you from completing the process entirely. Approach the guard and initiate dialogue to begin the payment step.
Step 4: Select the Dialogue Option to Pay
When the dialogue menu appears, select the option to pay the fine. The game will deduct the required 50 silver from your funds and complete the transaction.
Step 5: Collect Your Rewards
Once you pay, you gain immediate access to the bank and receive your rewards, including the three additional inventory slots and the Unicorn Glass Art item.
How to Sell the Unicorn Glass Art Item
After completing The Price of Coin quest, head to a merchant or appropriate vendor and sell the Unicorn Glass Art for approximately 100 silver. Holding onto it provides no additional benefit, so selling it immediately is the recommended approach to recover and profit from the tax payment.
What Happens If You Ignore the Fine?
You can technically ignore the tax notice without being chased by guards, since the fine does not trigger a wanted status. However, you remain locked out of the bank for as long as the fine goes unpaid. Since the bank is essential for storing silver and managing your economy as the game progresses, delaying payment only hurts your own progression. There is no benefit to avoiding it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not having 50 silver before heading to the bank. Check your funds first to avoid making a wasted trip.
- Skipping the guard interaction at the entrance. The guard dialogue is required to initiate payment, so do not try to bypass it.
- Forgetting to sell the Unicorn Glass Art. Selling it completes the profit loop and gives you more silver than you spent.
How Taxes Fit Into the Broader Crimson Desert Economy
The Price of Coin system is your first introduction to Crimson Desert’s economic mechanics. The game’s economy involves managing silver, banking, storage space, and the consequences of criminal activity across the Pywel continent. Paying the tax early sets you up with the bank access and inventory space you need to handle larger silver sums and more complex crafting and trading activities as the game progresses.
Additionally, Crimson Desert also has a separate system for clearing Bounties through a Writ of Absolution, available from Alfred at the Church of Hernand. Bounties and fines are distinct mechanics, so make sure you understand which one applies to your situation before acting.
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