Sales tax obligations regarding software and other technology-related solutions can often come down to location and definition. And the definition is potentially different depending on the location.

Four states recently took a closer look at how sales tax applies to technology-related solutions, one of the more confusing industries for complying with sales and use tax requirements.

Sales tax is more complicated than ever, especially in a post-Wayfair world. And what’s worse is that everyone who says they’re simplifying sales tax is still leaving the hardest parts – and the liability – up to you. In fact, a recent survey TaxConnex conducted through Porter Research found that the top sales tax worry of finance pros in 2021 was understanding changing nexus laws. 

Candy, flowers, jewelry, dinners: The gifts may be the same, but Cupid’s arrow will fly in new online directions this year for Valentine’s Day presents. And it might land right on your company’s bottom line after sales and use tax obligations.

It’s that time of year – holiday shopping is in full swing. While the pandemic has continued to wreak havoc on retail locations, online sales continue to skyrocket. So while you’re busy with closing out your year, hopefully on a higher note, don’t forget about your sales tax obligations or you could wind up with a big lump of coal.

Technology companies, and specifically software companies, have always had challenges related to managing sales tax. Understanding where they have a physical presence as well as the varying taxability rules associated with their products and services was complex. But with the proliferation of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) as a delivery mechanism and Wayfair, the sales tax landscape has become exponentially more complex.

Tech companies – especially those dealing in downloads of software and (SaaS) delivery – can protect themselves if they understand key terms and processes.

We can’t say it enough – sales tax is complex. Whether you outsource aspects of the process or manage it all in house, there are a lot of moving parts and nothing seems to stay the same for long.

We’ve compiled some of the top questions we get from clients on sales & use tax. Part 1 of these questions was on sales tax and business services. Keep reading for some of our more introductory questions we get asked on a daily basis.

Companies that perform services often see themselves as tax exempt, and in many cases that is true, but there are certain states and situations in which that is not the case. Gain a better understanding of your sales and use tax obligations with these frequently asked questions we have received from businesses that provide services.

The pandemic has changed the business world. But for how long? And what might happen to sales and use tax obligations when what were supposed to be temporary business-continuation measures harden into just the new way of working and doing business? 

Ever-changing thresholds, intensifying audits, some 12,000 taxing jurisdictions: No online business needs to be told how complex America’s sales tax burden can be.

We talk a lot about nexus and compliance processes in our content, but what about marketplace facilitators? It’s often a topic we stay away from - due to the fact that the majority of small businesses that utilize marketplace facilitators won’t need our help, but there are situations in which you still may need a sales tax professional to assist with your sales tax compliance process. In this blog we answer your top questions:

If you don’t live in the United States (or even if you do), the laws surrounding US Sales Tax can be quite confusing. In fact, the United States has possibly the world’s most complex sales tax regime. This is because each state sets its own sales tax rules, and states often take widely varying approaches. As a result, every state has a different tax framework, with variations in regulation covering everything from tax liability and tax rates to exemption categories and reporting requirements. On top of this, local area tax jurisdictions also have powers over some aspects of taxation and can set different rules for their area. 

Time for a refresher on drop shipments - Check out our blog from earlier this year on navigating drop shipments, or watch our quick video where Jeff & Brian break it down. 

Technology companies have historically considered themselves fairly insulated from multi-state 

The pandemic has prompted shelter in place orders across the country, meaning many employees have been working from home to contain COVID-19. Some of your workers may have also chosen to work in second homes or with different family for a multitude of reasons ranging from comfort to avoiding hot spots of the outbreak.

Many companies are not aware that tax regulations in each state may obligate them to collect and pay sales & use tax even when they do not have a physical presence there. Determining sales tax nexus is a tricky proposition, and there are many moving parts to monitor. In this article, TaxConnex shares how sales tax nexus is determined and offers suggestions to help companies meet their obligations under the law.