We have asked senior managers at Allyn International to investigate the top trends in tax. On this 5th day of May, we have compiled the top 5 topics that are #trendingnow. Are you interested in knowing more about these trends? Just tweet us using the hashtag #allynintl or email us at [email protected].

Taxing Non-tangible Goods
 

Applying sales and use tax to transactions involving non-tangible goods (e.g., digital music and books) is trending in certain states.  While there is no consistency, states are looking to expand taxation of intangibles in the years ahead.  Allyn researches tax laws and pending legislation and provides taxability matrices and consultation specific to your business.

Nexus
 

A continued hot topic in sales tax is that of remote sellers.  Presence in a state is being defined by more than location within a state's borders.  Several states have some form of click-through nexus.  Knowing where your company is required to collect and remit sales tax is critical. Allyn provides nexus reviews, guidance, and management of your sales tax footprint.

 

Find more information on Sales Tax Nexus and the Internet.
Marketplace Fairness Legislation
 
The Internet Tax Freedom Act was extended to October 15, 2015.  "E-Fairness" proponents have launched a bill in Congress that is almost verbatim to the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 bill. The E-Fairness proponents are hoping to change a legal exception that now allows online retailers to avoid charging and collecting sales tax in states where they don't have a physical presence (store, warehouse, office, etc.).  The proponents claim that this gives the online sellers an advantage over the brick and mortar stores who must charge sales tax as well as giving consumers the idea that purchases are "tax free".  Allyn closely monitors pending, upcoming, and recent legislation.  Allyn researches tax topics and provides customized analysis and advice to its clients. 

Our experts weigh in on marketplace fairness .

Cloud Computing
 
The cloud is defined as services that provide customer access and use of software, servers, databases, operating systems, and other computing or storage resources via the internet.  Several states are taxing access charges and other IT-related services.   Cloud computing has created a host of challenges for tax practitioners when determining the true object of the sale and its tax treatment in various states.

Fewer State Tax Amnesty Program
 
Recently it has been noticed that many states are not offering tax amnesty programs to the extent that has been offered in the past.  States are scrutinizing current applications and exemptions and focusing more on enhancing their enforcement through more aggressive and more frequent audits.  Exemption certificates and registration remain key areas to ensure compliance.  

Allyn provides exemption certificate management services by qualified, experienced tax professionals and stores your company's exemption certificates on our TIMS™ software.  Allyn manages the entire exemption certificate process from issuance to acceptance, review, and electronic storage and allows you to focus your time in other areas.  Maintaining exemption certificates over the years provides for state sales tax audit liability minimization and compliance.
 

Allyn International Services, Inc is dedicated to providing high quality, customer centric services and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn's core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance.  Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North America, Europe and Asia and Allyn regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers FL USA, Shanghai P.R. CHINA and Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC. For more information, log on to www.allynintl.com.