For new entrepreneurs, the Ecommerce tax laws can be complicated. Many people have been discouraged from opening their own online store because they are unsure of how to collect and pay taxes. After all, no one wants to receive an angry letter telling them that they owe unpaid taxes. Don’t worry, we have compiled a brief overview of ecommerce taxes that will help you understand how they impact your online business.
What is Ecommerce Tax?
Ecommerce tax is the sales tax charged for merchandise purchased online. Ecommerce sales tax is a percentage (before shipping costs) of the sale price. The exact percentage may vary by state. Ecommerce sales taxes are similar to brick-and-mortar sales tax. They are added during payment. The online merchant collects the entire sales tax and sends it to the state.
What are the Sales Tax Laws of the States Where You Live?
The laws governing ecommerce sales taxes vary from one state to the next. There is a sales tax in the United States. It applies to 45 states plus Washington DC. In some states, however, a sales tax may be added in certain counties. Customers end up paying a combined sales tax. In Rhinebeck, New York for example, customers pay not only a sales tax imposed by the state, but also a Dutchess County rate and a small additional tax that is used to fund the region’s mass transit system.
Remember that sales tax is not imposed by the federal government. You can find information about the sales tax in your state by visiting one of the numerous online sales tax charts.
Re: Are All Items Taxable?
Some items do not require sales tax. The taxability of items varies from one state to the next. This means that items exempted from tax in one area may be subject to sales taxes elsewhere. To determine if your products fall under the taxation of your state, you will need to consult your state’s sales tax laws.
Is my business required to collect sales tax?
We’ve only been talking about sales taxes so far. But now we want to talk more specifically about ecommerce taxes. These questions will help you determine if ecommerce tax applies on your website.
1. Are you a sales tax nexus?
Sales tax nexus can be described as a fancy way to say “significant presence in” a state. This means that you will have to pay sales tax in the state.
The following factors determine the nexus between ecommerce and sales tax:
A physical store, office or warehouse. Employees. Having a third party shipper or dropshipping company. Selling at trade shows, markets and other events. A marketing affiliate who promotes your products for a commission.
In many states, if your annual revenues exceed $100,000 (or 200 transactions), then you are eligible for “economic” sales taxes.
Economic nexus laws are like most tax laws. They can differ in every state. Make sure you check online to find the most current economic nexus requirements for any states where your business is a significant presence.
The rules of sales tax lien will always apply to your state. You can have sales tax nexus in any state. This includes having a physical or inventory warehouse in another country, as well as setting up at trade shows and markets out of-state.
2. Is the item you sell taxable?
As we have already mentioned, the state in which an item is taxed can differ from one state to another. For example, grocery and clothing are not taxable in most states (except luxury clothing). In some states, tax is also exempt for medicines, health products, magazines and digital products (such movies, music and books), as well textbooks/religious literature.
Check with your state tax laws to find out if products you sell are taxable in your area.
Last Thoughts
There is no avoiding the fact that ecommerce taxes can be complicated. The taxes you owe will depend on the products sold and the location they are sold. It’s crucial to speak to an ecommerce or tax specialist to learn how ecommerce tax laws, and especially the new Nexus laws, apply to your online business. Now that you know the facts, and are in compliance with all regulations, you can focus on the most important aspects of your business: marketing and selling your products.
Volusion simplifies the complex issue of ecommerce taxes for those who are new to selling online. Volusion integrates with Avalara’s Ecommerce Tax Services, which automatically calculates and prepares your ecommerce taxes, as well as allowing you to speak with tax experts about any questions.
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By: Volusion Staff
Title: The Beginner’s Guide to Ecommerce Tax Laws
Sourced From: www.volusion.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-ecommerce-tax-laws/
Published Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:05:00 GMT
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