As states are becoming more aggressive with respect to tax collection, they are also broadening the activities that cause nexus, or taxable presence, for companies. This is important because once a company has nexus, they can be subject to sales tax collection, income tax reporting and other taxes as well.

Some activities that may cause nexus (and therefore state tax reporting issues) include:

• The hiring of an employee
• Contracting with an independent contractor
  Maintaining inventory in third party warehouses
• Owning property or renting office space
• Exceeding a certain threshold of sales or transactions in a given state (see the Wayfair case discussion)
• Using fulfillment services like Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) or similar services which place inventory in third party warehouses in different states

Once a company begins doing business in a state, we assist with procedures for filing necessary sales tax and income tax returns. We also help with apportionment reviews and general compliance.

On the income tax side, one hot topic is properly sourcing revenue for service-based companies. Many states have embraced a concept referred to as “market-based sourcing” for service revenues. That generally means that the revenue will be recognized in the state in which the value of the service was received. What that means can vary by state.

Have a question? Contact Monika Miles Group Consulting.