Overview

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair made it easier for states to force out-of-state businesses to collect and remit their sales taxes. Now, businesses can be forced to collect and remit a state’s sales tax simply because they make enough sales into the state. In other words, a business no longer has to be physically present in a state before the state can force the business to comply with its sales tax laws. Partner Mark Klein reviews the challenges our clients face when keeping up to date with these changing rules.

Sales tax affects every industry and business, even if what you sell isn’t taxable. The rules governing sales tax can be confusing and onerous. For example, most states, including New York, will impose personal liability on the individuals responsible for running the business if the business fails to collect and remint the correct amount of tax. Partner Joe Endres outlines best practices in order for businesses to avoid potentially significant tax liabilities, and also discusses the typical issues that arise during the course of a sales tax audit.

Over our nearly 200 years in business, our mindset and our day-to-day professional philosophy have remained simple and steadfast: working respectfully and collaboratively with our clients is the key to our mutual success. As business people ourselves, we realize that our future vitality and longevity depend on it.