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Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… If you’re a business owner or online seller, you might have a few questions when it comes to sales tax compliance. Are sales to a business taxable? What do I do if customers keep short paying tax on invoices? And, a frequently asked query: what do I need to know about exemption certificates? Exemption certificates help a business or individual avoid payment of sales tax on transactions that are exempt. However, they have to be valid in order to serve this purpose. In some states like Connecticut and Maryland, these certificates expire in 3 and 5 years respectively, while in many other states they don't expire at all. In this episode, the team at Sales Tax and More reveals everything you need to know about exemption certificates, sales tax compliance, use tax responsibility—and more! In this third part of the frequently asked questions episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming and Ellie Moffat share their expertise about exemption certificates and whose responsibility it is to pay sales tax. They also discuss the grounds for rejection of a sales tax certificate, what to do when a customer short pays the tax on an invoice, and whether or not sales to a business are taxable. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… To ensure sales tax compliance, one of the best decisions a company can make is to consult a professional tax expert. This is because sales tax requirements can differ for each seller and each state—what applies in one state may not hold for another. So, whether you’re a retail store seller, an online seller, an interstate seller, or even an international seller, it’s important to find a sales tax expert that can help you comply with all sales tax requirements. Luckily, the team from Sales Tax and More is here to answer all your burning questions regarding sales tax registration, compliance, and more. In this second part of the frequently asked questions episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming and Ellie Moffat share their expertise about registering for sales tax. They answer client questions about the states that don't require registration, the taxability of freight, and whether or not an individual tax identification number (ITIN) or US bank account are needed to register and pay sales tax in the US. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… When it comes to sales tax compliance, it can be easy to get confused about the different rules and requirements. When should you register for sales tax? What is required for a complete registration? And what exactly is nexus? These are just some of the sales tax questions commonly asked by businesses and sellers. However, it’s important to remember: Failure to comply with sales tax regulations can lead to fines and penalties, and, in some cases, it can negatively affect the daily operations of your business. Therefore, it is very important to get the guidance you need on all issues related to sales tax and more. In this episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, co-hosts Michael J. Fleming and Ellie Moffat answer their client’s most frequently asked questions about sales tax. They discuss what you need to consider before registering for sales tax, the different types of nexus, how to register for resale certificates, and much more. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… For most e-commerce sellers, online marketplaces like Amazon provide great opportunities for growth and increased sales volume. However, just like brick and mortar store owners, it is important that these e-commerce sellers stay abreast with all issues related to taxation in the states they operate in. At the end of October 2020, the California Franchise Tax Board started sending out letters to Amazon FBA sellers. This is because the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) got information from Amazon about its sellers who had inventory in the state in 2017, and now the board is pursuing these sellers starting with the tax year 2018. So, what options do FBA sellers have in regards to these recent tax demands? In this week's episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about the recent franchise tax letters being sent to Amazon sellers from the California Franchise Tax Board. Michael explains why the letter was sent out, what it says, and what options sellers have in regards to its contents. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… Before making any decisions regarding sales tax, you should first acquire all the information you need to create an effective tax plan. However, it’s important to gather your information from the right sources when conducting your sales tax research in order to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. For example, the team at Sales Tax and More knows from experience that relying on verbal answers from states on issues related to taxability can have major consequences for your business. According to Michael J. Fleming of Sales Tax and More, this is just one of the many dos and don’ts of sales tax research. In this episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host, Ellie Moffat, about the best strategies for conducting sales tax research for your company. They discuss the common mistakes sellers make when gathering sales tax information, the right tools and sites to use for your research, and what you need to know about the taxation of services. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… When it comes to taxes, states have more power than most people realize. They can track down non-taxpayers and enforce assessments, even if the company or business owner is in a different state. Because of this, failing to pay your sales tax can result in major consequences for your business. According to Michael J. Fleming of Sales Tax and More, there are a number of ways states can find a person or company that has not been paying the required taxes. These include auditing their customers, using discovery units, and gathering information from third parties like broken partnerships, unhappy spouses, and disgruntled employees. In this episode of Sales Tax and More, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about the consequences associated with people or businesses not paying sales tax. Michael explains what causes states to seek out non-taxpayers, how they find the information they need, and the actions they can take in response to non-compliance. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… The last quarter of the year is often characterised as a time of giving, with many businesses sending gifts and donations to different charities. However, what companies may not be aware of is that these charitable actions can create tax consequences. So, what do these companies need to pay attention to in order to determine whether these acts of charity are exempt or taxable? Michael J. Fleming of Sales Tax and More has a few insights. In this episode of Sales Tax and More, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about the tax implications of gifts and donations to charities. Michael explains the two main factors that determine the taxation of these charitable acts, and what different states take into consideration when approaching use tax exemptions. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… Since January 1, 2020, Illinois has required marketplace facilitators who cross the state's economic nexus thresholds to collect retailers’ use tax. However, this has caused serious problems for online sellers, as Amazon has a number of warehouses in the state. With this change, marketplace sellers were expected to pay the retailers’ taxes out of pocket. Luckily, Illinois is in the process of making some updates to solve these sales tax problems for Amazon sellers. As of January 1, 2021, marketplaces will be required to collect retailers’ occupation tax, rather than marketplace sellers. But what does this mean for remote sellers outside of Illinois? In this episode of Sales Tax and More, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about the sales tax problems in Illinois regarding marketplaces and Amazon sellers. Michael explains the cause of these problems, the current updates, and what the state has been doing to resolve the issues. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… When determining the taxability of software, there are a number of factors to look at. Most commonly, these include the medium of delivery, the state in question, and whether or not the software is going to be used 100% for business purposes. For these reasons, it is important for businesses to stay on top of changes in taxability rules in their respective states. This is especially true when dealing with downloadable software or in cases where the software is used as a service. Luckily, Michael J. Fleming of Sales Tax and More is here to help. In this episode of Sales Tax and More, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about whether or not software is taxable. Michael shares the factors that determine taxability, what different states take into account, and how Sales Tax and More helps businesses handle the taxation of their software. Stay tuned.
Sona Akmakjian is the Global Head of Strategic Accounting Partnerships at Avalara. With over 28 years of experience in transaction tax services and consulting, she has a wealth of expertise, with particular strengths in areas such as strategic alliances, relationship management, executive collaboration, and product management in all consulting and software environments. Over the years, Sona has established herself as a thought leader in the field of transactional tax automation. She has deep industry knowledge, which she gained from her experience working for a state tax agency and administering sales and use taxes. Additionally, Sona has Big Four accounting firm experience, tech software experience, and mid-market consulting experience. In this episode… Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many companies had started using automation to improve and scale their business processes. When the pandemic struck, it only accelerated this automation process, as more organizations saw the importance of digital solutions. This is just one of many trends that have emerged due to the current crisis. Others include globalization and a significant boost in the e-commerce industry. All of these changes have—and will continue to have—an impact on the collection, accounting, and remittance of sales tax in the country. Sona Akmakjian, the Global Head of Strategic Accounting Partnerships at Avalara, joins Michael J. Fleming and Ellie Moffat in this week's episode of Sales Tax and More to discuss the current sales tax trends in the country. Sona talks about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on automation, taxation, and the e-commerce industry. She also shares the results from the recent Avalara survey about the effects of the Wayfair case on retailers and businesses. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… Most issues related to sales tax can be traced back to one or more of the seven pillars of sales tax success. These are the foundation blocks to any successful sales tax strategy, and, according to Michael J. Fleming, they can help a business mitigate or eliminate possible exposures during an audit. So what are these seven pillars? They include nexus, exemption certificate management, registrations, and more. Michael and his team at Sales Tax and More want to help you stay aware of these pillars, as failure to comply can often lead to penalties and interest. In this week's episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming sits down with his co-host Ellie Moffat to talk about the seven pillars of a successful sales tax strategy. He explains where the pillars come from, why they are important, and how they help businesses during a tax audit. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… According to a recent survey conducted by Avalara, approximately 50% of companies are not sales tax compliant. Michael J. Fleming believes that there are many reasons behind this non-compliance, including complacency or a lack of knowledge on the part of the concerned parties. However, if a company has nexus in a state, then it is required to register, collect, and remit sales tax. So what do you need to know in order to stay proactive and avoid the consequences of sales tax non-compliance? In this week's episode of Sales Tax and More, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about his thoughts on the recent survey done by Avalara on sales tax compliance. He talks about the main reasons that companies have been non-compliant, the greatest areas of exposure for these companies, and how CPAs can help their clients resolve issues with non-compliance. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… Is Canadian sales tax something that US sellers need to worry about? The answer, like so many other answers when it comes to sales tax, is it depends. That’s why Michael J. Fleming of Sales Tax and More is here to break down everything you need to know about sales tax in Canada. In Canada, there are two levels of tax: federal level taxes and local level taxes. And, unlike the US, Canada has almost no tax exemptions, except for a certificate that can be used with indigenous peoples. Additionally, the term "nexus" is not used in Canada when referring to sales tax—instead, they say "carrying on business." So how does this apply to you and your business? In this week's episode of Sales Tax and More, co-hosts Michael J. Fleming and Ellie Moffat discuss the collection and remittance of sales tax in Canada. Michael explains the major differences between taxation in the US and Canada, and when it is appropriate for US sellers to register in the country. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… A recent study carried out by Avalara showed that many companies have not been compliant with the Wayfair ruling of 2018, meaning that they have failed to collect and submit sales tax. According to Michael J. Fleming, one of the reasons behind this noncompliance is simply a lack of knowledge. So what do e-commerce sellers need to know about sales tax in 2020? Whether or not you need to file for sales tax as an e-commerce seller depends on a number of different factors. For example, physical nexus could be created on the basis of having inventory in Amazon warehouses, even if the seller is not physically present in a given state. In this week's episode of Sales Tax and More, co-hosts Michael J. Fleming and Ellie Moffat talk about the collection and filing of sales tax for e-commerce sellers. Tune in as they discuss how sales tax applies to sellers using different online platforms, why some companies have been reluctant to comply with the Wayfair ruling, and how this non-compliance will impact their businesses.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… The answer is yes: Many services are taxable, and each year more states increase their lists of taxable services. In most cases, whether or not a service is taxable depends on the state where the service is provided, as well as what type of service it is. However, it could also depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the transaction. So why is there so much confusion about the taxation of services? According to Michael J. Fleming, services have historically been non-taxable, so some businesses still assume that their services are not subject to tax. Unfortunately, due to changes in the economy, states have decided to start taxing services in order to boost their overall revenue. In this week's episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about the taxation of services in various states. Michael highlights the different services that are taxable, the states that tend to be more aggressive than others, and the reason why many people get confused by their taxation. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, dropshipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… Before the Wayfair ruling, dropshipping companies didn't have to register for sales tax in states that didn’t collect it. In fact, due to their business models, most dropshipping companies didn’t have to register for sales tax at all. However, since the Wayfair ruling, these companies are now responsible for registering everywhere across the country that collects sales tax. What’s more, dropshippers are having to ask for resale certificates in order to protect themselves from vendors that have nexus in different states. So what can these dropshipping companies do to avoid additional charges and better understand the world of sales tax? In this episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, co-hosts Michael J. Fleming and Ellie Moffat sit down to talk about dropshipping and sales tax in a post-Wayfair world. Michael discusses how dropshippers have been impacted by the Wayfair ruling, why there is persisting confusion around resale certificates, and his recommendations to dropshipping companies on how to deal with sales tax. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, drop shipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… When a State finds out that a seller supposed to have registered for sales tax has failed to do so, it will seek out that seller and require him to pay all the taxes he should have paid including any penalties and interest accrued. The State can decide to go back as far as 7-8 years or even the first day the seller started selling in that particular State, which is the first day of nexus. In such cases, negotiation with the State is often out of the question. But the seller can reach out to the State and enter into a Voluntary Disclosure Agreement (VDA) which will lead to reduced back taxes, reduced penalties and reduced or waived interest. However, there are limitations to doing a VDA. In this week's episode of the Sales Tax and More Podcast, co-hosts Michael Fleming and Ellie Moffat talk about the use and limitations of Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (VDAs). Michael starts by explaining what a VDA refers to and when it makes sense to use it, and then shares alternative solutions.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, drop shipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… Many sellers are under the impression that they do not have to worry about the collection and filing of sales tax returns because they have not established a physical presence in a given state. This is, however, not the case. As sales tax expert Michael J. Fleming explains, economic nexus can still be established if the seller meets the threshold requirements of that particular state. In recent years, some states have started to pursue and penalize the sellers that have defaulted on their sales tax. Although this was halted due to the COVID-19 crisis, these states will continue to reach out to sellers once the country returns to a level of normalcy. So what should you do to avoid back taxes, penalties, interest, and, in some cases, jail time? Michael J. Fleming has all the answers. In this week’s episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming sits down with his co-host Ellie Moffat to discuss why having physical presence matters more than ever when it comes to filing sales tax returns. Michael explains what sellers should do to reduce their amount of owed back taxes, penalties, and interest, and when it is appropriate to do a Voluntary Disclosure Agreement (VDA). Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, drop shipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… The Wayfair case ruling, which was passed by the Supreme Court on June 21, 2018, has affected sales tax collection and payment in the US for two years now. During this time, many sellers have sought professional guidance on the changes they need to make when it comes to filing their tax returns. However, others have decided to wait for Congress to intervene before taking action. But is it worth it to wait? According to Michael J. Fleming of Sales Tax and More, the answer is no. Based on Congress’ past actions, or lack thereof, any intervention could take a long time, and waiting would lead to penalties being imposed by relevant states. So how can you stay proactive and make the most of the situation? In this episode, Michael J. Fleming, the founder of Sales Tax and More, is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about how the Wayfair case has impacted the sales tax world. Michael explains what the term "nexus" means, the possible ramifications of non-compliance to the ruling, and his thoughts on waiting for Congress to intervene. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, drop shipping, e-commerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax and More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… The world of sales tax is constantly changing, and it is very important for companies to stay aware of these changes. For example, the 2018 ruling on the South Dakota v. Wayfair case had a great impact on the way companies and states handle sales tax for out-of-state sellers. In another recent update, digital products and software as a service are now subject to sales tax. According to sales tax expert Michael J. Fleming, this means that companies that ignore the filing and collection of sales tax could find themselves in serious, potentially business-ending trouble. In this week's episode, Michael J. Fleming, the founder of Sales Tax and More, is joined by his co-host Ellie Moffat to discuss why companies that have not filed sales tax, or have not updated their filing processes, could be at risk. Tune in as Michael explains why you should not rely exclusively on your CPAs, why it’s important to stay on top of multi-state sales tax, and how to best file in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael J. Fleming is the founder and president of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, drop shipping, eCommerce, and service providers. Michael is a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of the Sales Tax And More podcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. In this episode… Earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended the deadline for filing federal tax returns to July 15, 2020. Now, there is talk of extending it even further. However, sales tax expert Michael J. Fleming fears that if this were to go into effect, it would only put states into deeper economic trouble. This crisis has created a perfect storm for businesses across the nation, who are already facing a new recession. Michael wants to help these businesses stay proactive, rather than reactive, in order to take control of their post-COVID options. In this episode, Michael J. Fleming, founder and president of Sales Tax and More, is interviewed by his co-host Ellie Moffat about the impacts that COVID-19 will have on sales tax. Michael talks about the possible effects of extending tax deadlines, why the COVID-19 recession will be different from previous recessions, and how you can keep your options open. Stay tuned.
Michael J. Fleming is the Founder of Sales Tax and More, a full service consulting and solutions firm with a passion for state tax. Although he is based in Texas, Michael serves all the 50 US States, and he also serves Canada and Puerto Rico. He has many years of experience working for a prominent firm handling state tax issues and is considered one of the country's leading authorities on the topic and is an expert when it comes to Nexus, e-commerce, drop shipping, and service providers. Michael started Sales Tax and More with the goal of creating something different by providing flexibility, creativity, personalized service, accountability, and a commitment to education. In this episode, Julie Musgrave, guest host of the Smart Business Revolution podcast is joined by Michael J. Fleming where they talk about sales tax, the Wayfair decision and its impact on Michael’s business, effects of COVID-19 on businesses, and how working from home could create a nexus. The post Michael J. Fleming | Finding Your People and Navigating Sales Tax During Uncertain Times appeared first on Smart Business Revolution.
Michael J. Fleming is the Founder and President of Sales Tax and More. He is one of the country's leading authorities on sales tax issues such as consulting and research, registrations, returns, nexus, drop shipping, eCommerce, and service providers. Michael is also a writer and speaker, and regularly presents on webinars, and he is also the host of Sales Tax And More podcast where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes. Ellie Moffat is the Head of Marketing at Sales Tax And More. She is an experienced marketer with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. Ellie graduated from Brigham Young University - Idaho and is highly skilled in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), photography, social media consulting, graphic design, and social media ROI. She is also a co-host on the Sales Tax and More podcast. In this episode… Because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of income tax and sales tax extensions in the US. Businesses and individuals have been getting relief to help cushion them against the effects of the crisis but not all tax extensions are applied in the same way. One such case is that of income tax. There has also been some confusion coming out of the State of California following statements made by the Governor regarding sales tax extensions. This means that business owners need to be aware of the effects of these extensions on their businesses and finances, as well as what to look out for. In this week's episode, Michael Fleming and Ellie Moffat discuss the reasons behind sales tax and income tax extensions in the US, the implications of these extensions, why history has shown that States tend to be very aggressive coming out of a recession, and employees creating a nexus working from home. Stay tuned.
When most US-based sellers consider expanding their ecommerce business - they look to our neighbours in the north to figure out how to sell in Canada. Have you thought about taking your product to the Canadian ecommerce marketplace? What is holding you back? Great news! Kevin has a stellar guest who was kind enough to bring his knowledge and insights to bear on this critical topic! Michael Felming spent the better part of the last decade with a prominent firm that focuses exclusively on state taxes. While there, he became one of the country's leading authorities for state tax issues like nexus, drop shipping, eCommerce, and service providers. He assisted many other clients in many industries. He is a frequent speaker having been requested to speak at events all across the country and is often interviewed and quoted by major publications. Michael is passionate about understanding state tax and proactively helping companies, CPAs, and other tax professionals understand the nuances involved, to successfully avoid or limit audit assessments. Outline of This Episode [0:20] Kevin introduces his guest, Michael Fleming. [3:40] Michael explains how taxes work in Canada. [6:10] What you need to know about the Goods and Services Tax. [11:30] The difference between the US and Canada for tax filing. [15:00] What to expect with registering to sell in Canada. [26:30] How do the Province and local tax systems work? [35:00] What is the right thing to do? [36:30] Where do the tax treaties come into play between Canada and the US? [39:30] Kevin recaps the whole process and what you should expect. [44:00] How to connect with Michael. [46:20] Closing thoughts. How taxes work in Canada Have you wondered what the difference is between the United States and Canada when it comes to taxes? There are a few similarities and some important differences - thankfully we’ve got Michael here to help break it down for us. In Canada, there are two types of taxes - the Federal level tax (aka the Goods and Services Tax) and the local level taxes (these are taxes at the Province level). They also operate what is known as a Value added tax or a “VAT.” A VAT is a tax on the amount by which the value of an item has been increased at each stage of its production or distribution. Remember - this is just the tip of the iceberg. Tune into this episode of Maximizing Ecommerce to hear Michael expand on how taxes work in Canada. Do the right thing There is a growing segment in the ecommerce industry of folks who are trying to game the system. From shady business practices to straight up dodging tax bills - the ways you can tank your business are numerous! Here is Kevin’s advice - do the right thing. Yes, even when it is hard, and you have to take the long route rather than the shortcut - do the right thing. What will all of your success be worth if you don’t earn it honestly? The truth is, your ecommerce journey is going to be a challenging one, but it can also be rewarding if you bring the right mindset! Lions and Tigers and tax treaties, oh my! Did you know that one of the most important factors for sellers like you to sell in Canada are the tax treaties between the two countries? The topic of tax treaties generally comes up around the topic of income tax. Do you have to pay income tax in your home country and in a country you are selling in - like Canada? The good news is - no - you don’t have to pay an income tax in two countries. Tax treaties were created in large part to ensure that sellers don’t have to deal with double taxation. Of course - understanding how tax policies work and how they apply to your situation direction is going to differ slightly from one seller to the next. If you find yourself looking for a resource that will help you cut through all the complexity - Kevin and Michael have you covered! You can learn more about how to sell in Canada by visiting Kevin’s link to the “Canada Checklist” in the resources section and make sure to reach out to Michael for any questions you have. Three things you need to consider when registering to sell in Canada All of this tax talk can get your head spinning - unless you like geeking out on this type of thing! If you find yourself struggling to cut through all the jargon - good news - Michael provided three things you need to consider when registering to sell in Canada. Know your risk tolerance threshold. Don’t try to make it happen with a razor-thin profit margin - you’ll be miserable! Make sure you have cash reserves to handle any issue with the federal government. If you’d like a more detailed look at what it takes to sell in Canada - this is the episode for you. Have pen and paper ready - Michael has a lot to say! Resources & People Mentioned Canada Checklist Connect with Michael Fleming Sales Tax and More Michael on LinkedIn Michael J. Fleming (@MikeatSalesTax) | Twitter Connect With Kevin Sanderson www.YouTube.com/maximizingecommerce www.Facebook.com/maximizingecommerce www.Twitter.com/maxecom Subscribe to Maximizing Ecommerce onApple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM