The Sales Tax "Hack" You May Want to Avoid

By: Briana Wagner

Sales tax is very complicated and can cost businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties and interest if handled incorrectly. When it comes to something as complicated as sales tax, you don’t always want to take the easy way out. In particular, one thing we have seen many businesses do in an effort to “hack” sales tax and make it “easy” is to use a software company, and only a software company, for their sales tax compliance. While there is a time and a place for software, in many circumstances it’s not the “hack” you may have hoped for.

Briana WagnerMarch 21, 2023sales tax hack, hacks for sales tax, Streamlined Sales Tax Project

Understanding Sales Tax for International Sellers

By: Briana Wagner

The rules are exactly the same for foreign sellers as they are for domestic sellers when it comes to sales and use tax. However, international sellers, especially eCommerce sellers, face a unique set of challenges when it comes to state taxes because many do not have the resources to determine what is required of them or even of their domestic competitors. They are not immersed in an environment where sales tax is the norm. Tax laws in the United States differ from those in other countries, and it is essential to understand them to remain compliant. Are you an international seller who wants to understand where you may have sales tax exposure? Let’s find out!

Briana WagnerMarch 14, 2023International Sellers, Wayfair, Sales Tax

Are Memberships Taxable?

Taxability is an area that if you get wrong can lead to large amounts of taxes owed, penalties, and interest. Business and their trusted advisors sometimes get this wrong. One area of trouble, in particular, is membership fees.

Briana WagnerMarch 7, 2023memberships, taxability, taxable service, penalties

Sale Tax Basics for Marketplace Facilitators

By: Briana Wagner

Over the last few years, many states have enacted legislation that could require marketplace facilitators to collect and remit state taxes on behalf of their marketplace sellers. This can even be true for those marketplace facilitators who do not have a physical presence in the state, following the decision made about economic nexus in the landmark case, South Dakota v. Wayfair.

Briana WagnerFebruary 14, 2023Marketplace, facilitator, seller, marketplace seller, online marketplace

When to Register for Sales Tax

By: Briana Wagner

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at STM is “When should I register for sales tax?” The answer is one we use quite often - it depends! This is a very specific question that requires a lot of information to fully answer. You not only need to understand sales tax concepts but also your business and/or personal risk tolerance. It is essential to understand and evaluate these things so that you can answer this question for yourself and ensure you are appropriately compliant with the states.

Briana WagnerJanuary 31, 2023registrations, register, marketplace, materiality, taxability, nexus

How to Prepare for a Sales Tax Audit

By: Briana Wagner

Sales tax is extremely complicated and can cause a whirlwind of trouble for sellers and businesses. One mistake can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties and interest. Because of this, sales tax audits can be very stressful. However, understanding audits and taking proactive steps toward sales tax compliance can help eliminate many issues that may arise.

Illinois Suspends Sales Tax on Groceries

By: Briana Wagner

All retailers registered for sales tax in the state of Illinois should be aware of Public Act 102-0700, which was passed last month. According to P.A. 102-0700, Illinois is suspending sales and use tax on specific grocery items from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. What does this mean for you and your business? Let’s find out.

Gift Bags and Sales Tax

By: Briana Wagner

Did Will Smith really slap Chris Rock, or was it all a publicity stunt? That was the major question following the Oscars last month. However, we had another question on our minds. When events like the Oscars, the Grammys, or the Emmys take place, many celebrities leave with gift bags worth thousands of dollars. These bags can include treats such as plastic surgery, luxurious getaways, and expensive skincare products. In fact, this year some celebrities left the Oscars with a plot of land in Scotland! All of this had us thinking, what are the tax requirements associated with gift bags?

Briana WagnerApril 22, 2022gift bags, taxability, sales tax, nexus, income tax

Sales Tax and More Blog

By: Briana Wagner

By: Briana Wagner

By: Briana Wagner

By: Briana Wagner

By: Briana Wagner

By: Briana Wagner

By: Briana Wagner

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