Affiliates and Sales Tax Blog Posts

Affiliate Programs and Sales Tax in 2019

April 2, 2019

For the better part of two decades, the Internet economy has relied heavily on affiliates and third-party publishers to amplify the messaging and reach of online retailers. Whether it’s blogs and newsletters pointing back to Amazon through its Associates program or rebate software driving traffic to relevant goods on niche eCommerce sites, affiliate marketing has long offered an opportunity for companies to pay for high-quality, targeted traffic from relevant sources. One of the biggest challenges of these programs, however, was the constantly shifting laws around sales tax liability at the state level. Some programs were only offered in states with… Read More

How Social Media Buy Buttons Affect a Retailer’s Sales Tax Obligations

September 21, 2015

Every ecommerce retailer needs to know about the new way to purchase online: by using social media "buy buttons." One of the biggest questions that vendors need to resolve is how these purchases will affect sales tax, both now and in the future. Social Media Enters the Market Formerly, social media buying used to require a link or an affiliate company, but those days are coming to an end. Buyers want direct access to products they view on social media, and that means the advancement of these buttons. The first social media site to make headway in this area is… Read More

Affiliate Programs and Sales Tax Law

April 21, 2014

With the growth of blogs and social media, affiliate programs are gaining popularity as additional income for the average person. They are also a great way for an online business to build brand recognition and spread the word about promotions and products nationwide.  Unfortunately, having an affiliate program run across the U.S. can make a company subject to the changing complexity of nexus sales tax laws, since many states view such programs as “having a presence” in the state. How can a small company protect itself from getting mired in affiliate nexus tax laws but still offer an affiliate program?… Read More