I am just beginning my VA business in the State of Wisconsin. I'm not sure whether I am to charge sales tax to my customers or not. Someone told me I charge sales tax to customers in WI and no other states. Would that be a correct statement? Please help.

You will need to go on the website for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (or whatever the taxing authority is called) and see the list of taxable vs. non taxable services when sold in the state of WI. It should also describe taxation of providing services out of state.

In Iowa, the services I offer are not taxable, whether they are sold in state or out of state, but if I expand my services I always have to verify if they are taxable or not. I was able to email the IA Department of Rev, describe my services and they emailed me back to let me know if they were taxable. It was a great way to have a decision in writing from the gov. agency.

Good Luck!

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services

I live in CA where everything that can be taxed is (including at one time, Twinkies). I dont have to charge tax for 'services' only 'goods'. I dont sell actual goods so I dont have to charge taxes on anything. The tax site for Wisconsin would probably be a good place for you to spend some time reading, you can also find out about your quarterly tax rates, which you will probably have to pay.

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

The best place to check interpretation of the Sales tax law is with a Accountant (CPA type). According to my accountant, administrative services are not taxable. However, if you purchase goods or equipment out of state, and do not pay sales tax in that state, you are subject to Use Tax.

Always check with a qualified professional.

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Kathy Crofoot
http://www.kathycrofoot.com

Everyone gave me great information. I will check with the internal revenue and /or accountant. I want to make sure I do everything correctly. Thank you so much!

I know this is an old thread, but I have a question about sales tax. My virtual business is mainly desktop publishing. Since I am offering the service of designing and creating documents, I include the option of having the documents printed but I outsource that to a printing company and charge the client only what it costs me. Would this, in anyone's opinion, count as "goods" since I am not making a profit on the printing? I want to make sure I don't need to file sales tax. Thanks

Debra Nail

Best to call the Department of Revenue in your state so you can speak to a live human and can ask a lot of specific questions. That always helps me.

And if calling DoR is too intimidating, call SCORE (aka Service Corps Of Retired Executives). I called them and asked to speak to an accountant. Hopefully I'll have an appointment with one next week who can answer all my sales tax and payroll tax questions!

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Bernat Virtual Assistance, I Make My Clients Shine!