Free Business Law / Taxes: U.S. Newsletter!
Discuss in my Forum

Common Questions about Sales Taxes
All About Sales Taxes for Your Business

By Jean Murray, About.com Guide

See More About:

Everything you always wanted to know about sales taxes, including how to register for sales taxes, what products and services are taxable, tax rates in each state, sales tax vs. excise taxes, sales taxes vs. use taxes, sales taxes in online transactions, and sales taxes on out of state sales.

1. Do I Have to Charge Sales Tax?

Many small business owners assume that they don't have to charge sales tax. But are you sure? If your products or services are subject to sales tax in your state, you do have to collect and pay sales taxes to the state.

2. Are the Products or Service I Sell Subject to Sales Tax?

Learn how to find out if the products or services you are selling are subject to sales tax in the states where you do business.

3. Do I have to Charge Sales Tax for Internet Transactions?

If you are selling online to customers within your state, you must charge them sales tax. If you have a "presence" in another state, you must also charge sales tax. The laws on Internet sales are changing, as states try to get more revenue by increasing the concept of "presence."

4. How Do I Register with My State Taxing Authority?

You can register and set up your payment online in most states. Here is the information you need to have on hand in order to complete the sales tax registration form (varies by state).

5. How Do I Collect, Report, and Pay Sales Taxes?

The process of collecting, reporting, and paying sales tax differs for each state, but you can find out how in general the process works by reading this article.

6. Do I Have to Collect Sales Tax in My Home Business?

Many home business owners assume since they are selling from home their sales are not taxable. Not true; if the product or service you are selling is taxable, you must get a seller's permit and collect, report, and pay sales taxes.

7. Do I Have to Collect Sales Taxes on Out of State Sales?

Out of state sales are complicated and there are many different circumstances you need to consider if you have a nexus (presence) in other states. Learn about some of the common circumstances in this article.

8. How Do I Find Out Sales Tax Rates?

Sales tax rates change for each state and for each locality within each state. Learn about local option taxes and how you can find out tax rates by zip code.

10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Credit

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

US Business Law / Taxes

Common Questions about Sales Taxes All About Sales Taxes for Your Business