Sales and Use Tax | TaxConnections

08 Aug 2023

Texas Sales And Use Tax Rules For Construction-Related Services

The Texas sales and use tax rules surrounding contractors and other construction-related work are incredibly complex. Additionally, the rules are structured to have broad application and thus impact many industries, including general construction, oil and gas related services, demolition, and more. The application of these rules is a fact-intensive undertaking and should be performed on a case-by-case basis, but I have outlined a basic overview of these rules below.

What is a “Contractor”?

The Texas Comptroller defines a “contractor” as a person who performs one or more of the following real property improvements and who, in making the improvement, incorporates tangible personal property into the real property being improved: [1]

“New Construction”

Building new improvements to residential or nonresidential real property; or
Completing any part of an uncompleted new structure that is an improvement to residential or nonresidential real property
“Scheduled and Periodic Maintenance”
Making improvements to real property as part of periodic and scheduled maintenance of nonresidential real property [2]
“Residential Repair & Remodel”
Repair, restoration, maintenance, or remodeling of residential real property
Work performed by a “contractor” also specifically includes the initial finish-out work to the interior or exterior of an improvement to real property [3], and the addition of new usable square footage to an existing building. [4]

Is Work Performed By a “Contractor” Subject to Sales Tax?
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Written by Jason Hendrix | Posted in Sales/Use Tax • TaxConnections

08 Aug 2023

Sales Tax And Due Diligence In An M&A Deal

The fast-paced world of private equity investment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and the art of aligning business interests in the perfect deal certainly sounds glamorous. It’s often where Wall Street meets Hollywood and depicts people reaping lots of money in the process! There are so many components in the making of a successful merger, including synergies between the companies’ cultures and employees, financial aspects, logistics, and other important areas. Tax matters (and in our world, state tax matters) are often the last pieces of the puzzle to be brought to the deal process. And while taxes are rarely the things making the headlines in a transaction, they really are an important piece of the overall transaction – both on the state income tax side (which we’ll discuss briefly below) and the sales tax side. And all the things that we discuss regularly here in our blog – nexus, taxability, look-back, exposure and remediation – they all come up in an M&A transaction. And if the exposure is big enough, it can derail a deal. Unfortunately, we’ve seen it happen!

Some Basics

In an acquisition of a company the deal is structured as either the purchase of the stock of a company (an equity deal) or its assets (an asset deal). From an income tax perspective (federal or state), the structure of the deal makes a difference as well.

Regarding sales tax, on the actual purchase itself, there is generally no sales tax due on the consideration paid for a company in equity-based deals. However, there may be sales tax ramifications on the purchase of assets in an asset-based deal. Most states have exemptions for assets transferred as part of an acquisition (for instance an “occasional sale” exemption), but it is always important to understand the transaction itself, including the actual assets transferred, timing of such transfers, etc.
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Written by TaxConnections Admin | Posted in M&A Deals • Sales And Use Taxes

01 Aug 2023

“Data Processing Services” And Sales And Use Tax: The Problem With Applying A Stagnant Definition To A Dynamic Industry

Last week, I posted a brief summary of sales tax issues related to software and computer programs. However, as the characterization and taxability of “data processing” is such a complex and hotly contested area, I felt a separate post was merited. The definition of “data processing” was implemented in 1987, and has not been substantially updated. As all readers are aware, in that same time span the use of computers has evolved from being little more than an afterthought to being an essential part of life, and are the primary engine for both communications and business. As discussed below, the disconnect between (i) the ever-changing landscape of computers and (ii) the stagnant definition of “data processing” services can create a host of problems for Texas taxpayers.

Definitions of “Data Processing Services”

Texas Tax Code § 151.0035 defines “data processing service” to include the following:

-word processing, data entry, data retrieval, data search, information compilation, payroll and business accounting data production, and other computerized data and information storage or manipulation;
-the performance of a totalisator service with the use of computational equipment required by Subtitle A-1, Title 13, Occupations Code (Texas Racing Act); and
-the use of a computer or computer time for data processing whether the processing is performed by the provider of the computer or computer time or by the purchaser or other beneficiary of the service. [1]

This definition was originally implemented in 1987, but has not been substantially updated since then. [2] Comptroller Rule 3.330 defines “data processing services” to mean “the processing of information for the purpose of compiling and producing records of transactions, maintaining information, and entering and retrieving information.” [3] Further, the Comptroller’s definition states that “data processing services” specifically include “word processing, payroll and business accounting, and computerized data and information storage or manipulation.” [4]

Impact on Various Industries
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Written by Jason Hendrix | Posted in Sales And Use Tax

19 Jul 2023

Texas Sales And Use Tax Treatment of Software And Computer Programs

The function and utility of computers has changed and evolved at an exponential rate over the last several years, and will likely continue to do so, particularly as advancements like artificial intelligence become integrated in more industries. Unsurprisingly, current Texas sales and use tax authority surrounding the use of computers is complex and can create problems for taxpayers who provide computer programs and software, and perform related services. The following types of transactions involving software and computer programs are discussed briefly below:

Sale of a computer program to a customer;
Providing “contract programming” services; and
Providing repair, maintenance, and restoration services for a computer program
Sales of Computer Programs or Software

Comptroller Rule 3.308(c)(1) provides that “[t]he sale, lease, or license of a computer program is a sale of tangible personal property. Tax is due when the computer program, or a license to use the computer program, is transferred for consideration in Texas, or stored, used, or consumed in Texas, in electronic form or on physical media.” [1] This stems from the Comptroller’s treatment of software as “tangible personal property”, the sale of which is generally taxable in Texas. [2]
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Written by Jason Hendrix | Posted in Sales And Use Taxes • Texas Tax

23 May 2023

Sales Tax And Due Diligence In An M&A Deal

Some Basics

Written by Monika Miles | Posted in M&A Deals • Sales And Use Taxes

17 May 2023

Rentals Versus Services Under Texas Sales And Use Tax

One of the thorniest issues in Texas sales and use tax is the distinction between the rental of tangible personal property (which is subject to tax) and the provision of a service (which is only taxable if the service is taxable). This distinction not only affects the taxability of charges for the rental or service but also that of equipment that is purchased to provide the rental or service.

What’s a Rental?

The rental of tangible personal property in Texas is subject to sales or use tax.[1] A rental occurs when possession but not title to tangible personal property is transferred for consideration.[2] A person acquires possession of tangible personal property when that person acquires operational control over that property.[3] Operational control, in turn, means that the customer can use, control, or operate the tangible personal property.[4]

What are Taxable Services?

Only the following services are subject to Texas sales or use tax:
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Written by TL Fahring | Posted in Sales/Use Tax • TaxConnections

11 Apr 2023

Texas Tax Roundup | March 2023: Flowback, Welding, Local Taxes, And More!

Welcome back to another Texas Tax Roundup! March 2023 brought us a lot of administrative action, especially for Texas sales or use tax. Let’s get started!

Rules

Franchise Tax

Apportionment

34 Tex. Admin. Code § 3.591 (Margin: Apportionment)—The Comptroller adopted his amendments outlined in our previous post to implement the Texas Supreme Court’s opinion in Sirius XM Radio, Inc. v. Hegar, No. 20-0462 (Tex. March 25, 2022).[1]

Notable Additions to the State Tax Automated Research System

Franchise Tax

Apportionment

Comptroller’s Decision No. 116,251, 116,252 (2023)— The ALJ upheld assessments of sales tax and franchise tax against an out-of-state corporate taxpayer for periods in which the corporation had only a single employee in Texas. The taxpayer was in the business of selling telecommunication services. The Comptroller had become aware of the taxpayer’s business activities in Texas due to information from the Texas Workforce Commission. The ALJ found that the presence of an employee in Texas created nexus for purposes of both sales and franchise tax.[2] Outside of asserting that Texas lacked jurisdiction to tax, the taxpayer didn’t provide any evidence showing that the assessments were incorrect.

Sales And Use Tax

Flowback Services
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Written by TL Fahring | Posted in Franchise Tax • Sales And Use Tax Manufacturing Exemption

04 Apr 2023

Sales Tax, Software, SaaS & Consulting- How They Work Together

There are sales tax software companies out there (some of whom are our strategic partners, so this is where this fine line we walk gets a little curvy) who will tell companies how easy it is to “bolt on” their solution to billing or CRM systems. With the flip of a switch, sales tax compliance can be done monthly…if only the company knows where it has created nexus, knows exactly how to code its products, and has properly contemplated the ramifications of dealing with retroactive liability and also, possibly, income tax. We built a lot into that last sentence. Here’s why – it is never as easy as flipping a switch. We all know that, and yet, we realize how tempting it is for companies out there to want to jump to the “easy” software solution.

In this blog, we want to share some very common questions we get from clients and prospective clients, and share why the “people element” is still a necessary (and vital) element in the sales tax compliance equation. Let’s start with a few basic requests that we frequently encounter.

Can You Help us with Sales Tax Registrations in Multiple States?

Of course we can! But let’s ask a few questions first.

Do you have nexus? Nexus can be of the physical presence type (employees or independent contractors, an office, or inventory within the state), or economic nexus (a certain threshold amount of sales – often referred to as Wayfair nexus in honor of the 2018 US Supreme Court case).If so, when did you create it?

Many of the sales tax compliance software companies don’t talk much about retroactive exposure. Their sales people are focused on signing clients up for future software sales. We know, that sounds a bit cynical. But, we’ve had many conversations with clients who buy the software without really considering their potential retroactive exposure (more on that below).

If you have created nexus some time ago (2020, 2021), are you prepared to deal with paying any tax which may have been due from those time periods?
Have you considered voluntary disclosure agreements (see below)?

Have you reached out to any customers to determine if they may have self-remitted the tax already, OR can you go back to customers to collect that back tax that you may not have collected? (Oh what a Pandora’s Box!)
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Written by Monika Miles | Posted in Sales And Use Taxes

21 Feb 2023

2023 Court Cases And Decisions: Sales And Use Taxes

The Geo Group, Inc. v. Hegar, No. 07-22-00005-CV (Tex. App.-Amarillo Jan. 23, 2023, no pet. hist.)—The Seventh Court of Appeals held that a company that owns and operates correctional and detention facilities under contracts with the state of Texas and the United States was not entitled to a sales tax refund due to the company’s purchases being exempt, affirming the trial court’s decision to that effect.

The company had argued that the detention and rehabilitation services that it provided are a quintessential governmental function, making the company an “instrumentality” of the state and federal governments and thereby rendering the company’s purchases exempt from sales or use tax under 34 Tex. Admin. Code 3.322(c) (Exempt Organizations).

The court of appeals noted that “instrumentality” isn’t defined in the Texas Administrative Code and the Black’s Law Dictionary defines “instrumentality” as: “1. A thing used to achieve an end or purpose. 2. A means or agency through which a function of another entity is accomplished, such as a branch of a governing body.”[1] Finding the first definition to be too broad to serve any purpose (virtually any independent contractor employed by the government could be an instrumentality under this definition), the court of appeals determined that the second definition of “instrumentality”— relating the term to “a branch of a governing body”—was more in harmony with the exemption in question.

The court of appeals found that while the company housed federal detainees and was required to comply with specific government regulations, the company was a distinct entity engaged in commercial for-profit activities, wasn’t controlled by the federal or state or federal government and didn’t contract exclusively with the federal or state government. For all of these reasons, the court of appeals held that the company wasn’t an instrumentality of the federal or state government that was exempt from sales or use tax.

Collections

Tax Liens
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Written by TL Fahring | Posted in Sales/Use Tax

30 Nov 2022

Florida Department Of Revenue Ruling On Sales And Use Tax

Know The Florida Facts Before You File Your Tax

There has been a longstanding Florida sales tax exemption for food, however that exemption was limited to specific categories and types of food and did not extend to all food sales. In a restaurant setting, all food purchases would be exempt from Florida sales and use tax because of the intent to resell the food to its customers. In healthcare facilities, as well as other types of facilities that provide food services to the individuals occupying them, the line of demarcation between who is the ultimate consumer of the food can be more complex. Agile Consulting Group’s sales tax consultants have received a ruling from the Florida Department of Revenue that entitles facilities that furnish meals to individuals housed within them to make non-taxable purchases of all food under an expanded interpretation of the Florida sales tax exemption for food.

Written by Aaron Giles | Posted in Florida • Sales/Use Tax

01 Nov 2022

Tax And Business Climate In Kentucky

This month we travel to the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. The nickname is based on the bluegrass found in many of its pastures due to its fertile soil.

The Red River Gorge is a canyon system on the Red River in east-central Kentucky. Geologically, it is part of the Pottsville Escarpment, a resistant sandstone belt of cliffs and steep sided, narrow crested valleys. The prevalence of sandstone allowed the Red River to cut a magnificent gorge through the mountains. It is a rock climber’s paradise and is some of the best natural areas around!

Kentucky is a land with diverse environments and abundant resources, including the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park and the longest of navigable waterways and streams in the contiguous United States. Lush forests, mighty rivers and quaint towns blanket the landscape of the state.

The Kentucky Derby is a renowned horse race held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May in Louisville. It is preceded by a 2-week festival and is celebrated in the Kentucky Derby Museum year-round.

Business Climate

Written by Monika Miles | Posted in Kentucky Sales Tax Compliance • Tax Rates

20 Sep 2022

Shocking Court Cases In Texas: Franchise Tax, Sales & Use Tax, Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax, Beverage Tax

Court Cases

Franchise Tax

Apportionment

Conagra Brands, Inc. v. Hegar, No. 03-21-00111-CV (Tex. App.—Austin Aug 24, 2022, no pet. h.)—The Third Court of Appeals held that a taxpayer could not include gross receipts from certain securities in its apportionment-factor denominator for purposes of calculating its Texas franchise tax.[1]

The taxpayer in question was in the business of producing food products for sale to grocery stores, convenience stores and food service businesses. In order to mitigate the risks associated with potential fluctuations in the price of necessary components and raw materials, the taxpayer bought and sold commodity futures contracts.
The taxpayer argued that these securities were inventory for federal tax purposes and that the gross proceeds from the sale of these securities should be included in its apportionment factor denominator. On appeal, however, the taxpayer didn’t dispute the trial court’s finding that the securities weren’t inventory as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Instead, the taxpayer argued that the securities were in substance inventory under the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Corn Products Refining Co. v. Comm’r, 350 U.S. 46 (1955).