Sales Tax Blog
Midterm Tax Measure Results for 2018
Every year at the ballot box, there are several tax measures across the country. On average, about half of those measures will pass, impacting residents in a variety of ways – from new sales tax regulations to levies and property tax increases for local education initiatives. This year was no different, with 18 midterm election tax measures considered on November 6. Let’s take a closer look at which of these passed and what the new laws will mean for affected residents. Michigan Proposal 1 Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to legalize marijuana by passing Proposal 1 by… Read More
Important Sales Tax Dates for November 2018
Gobble, gobble, gobble! November is here, so whether you’re breaking out your turkey pants or celebrating new facial hair for Movember, chances are something fun is happening. In the midst of cooler weather and family get-togethers, there are still sales tax filings to be done. Don’t worry; we’re here to help. You’ll find sales tax due dates for each state below. So get your returns ready so you can focus on more fun activities, like eating that Thanksgiving feast! * Normal date falls on a weekend or holiday Alabama Monthly Taxes Due 11/20 Arizona Monthly Taxes Due 11/20 Arkansas Monthly… Read More
Surviving a Sales Tax Audit
There are few five letter words feared by small business owners as much as “audit”. Especially for business owners who have been careful in their processes, recording all sales, logging everything, and maybe occasionally forgetting to document something, it’s frustrating and terrifying to get that notice. But with the right preparation, and a keen understanding of why sales tax and use tax audits occur, and how to prepare for and address them, you can tackle the issue with hopefully a bit less stress. While avoiding a sales tax audit completely is ideal, having a good plan in place can help… Read More
Important Sales Tax Dates for October 2018
It’s October, the month of Halloween! But before you go trick-or-treating, make sure you file your sales tax returns, or it’s going to be a very scary holiday indeed! Filing a timely sales tax return is a great way to avoid a sales tax audit, something that can be both costly and time-consuming for your business. So take a few moments at the start of the month to make sure your commitments are scheduled by the due dates listed below. * Normal date falls on a weekend or holiday Alabama Quarterly Taxes Due 10/22 * Monthly Taxes Due 10/22 *… Read More
How the Wayfair Decision Creates Extra Burden in NOMAD States
For the 45 out of 50 states that have some form of sales tax, the June Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. was a watershed moment – overturning more than 25 years of precedent that kept them from collecting sales tax on online sales from out of state. The original Quill ruling made it so that only companies with a physical presence, or nexus, in the state could be tasked with collecting sales tax on in-state sales. By overturning this ruling and opening the floodgates to states like South Dakota (and more than a dozen others) who… Read More
Important Sales Tax Dates for September 2018
Ecommerce retailers are starting to get busier and busier as the fourth quarter approaches. It’s not quite fall yet, but many of us are already thinking about the holiday selling season. September is not a huge month for sales tax due dates, other than those who must file monthly (or more frequently). New York does have quarterly taxes due as well. Make sure to check the dates below and make sure to file your business’s sales tax return in a timely manner. * Normal date falls on a weekend or holiday Alabama Monthly Taxes Due 9/20 Arizona Monthly Taxes Due… Read More
Why Wayfair Isn’t Really a New Tax
The biggest news in online commerce this year was the June 5-4 decision by the US Supreme Court that overturned the 1992 ruling in Quill v. North Dakota. That previous ruling effectively made it impossible for states to collect sales tax from businesses that did not have a physical presence within their borders. The case, South Dakota v. Wayfair, was a bellwether against which many other states will now measure and adjust their sales tax policies, some of which have already been passed into law and were merely waiting for this decision. But there’s been a consistent habit in media… Read More
Selecting the Right Business Structure for Your Small Online Business
Few decisions will have as big of an impact on the taxes you pay and regulations you must follow as the business structure of your online company. When starting an online business, you should strongly consider consulting with a lawyer for advice as to the best structure. However, you can do some in-depth research beforehand on the topic to get a better feel for the options. Remember, the following information is not to replace legal advice, merely to help you better understand your options in advance of the decision making process. Sole Proprietorship Many small online businesses opt for a… Read More