Diving into the ecommerce world is exciting, but sometimes the jargon can be a bit much. One term you’ll hear is “economic nexus.” Think of it like a signpost in the world of sales taxes, guiding businesses where they stand.
Here at TaxHero, we want to make things simple. We’ll break down this term, explain why it matters, and help you understand how it affects your ecommerce business. Ready to get started?
Economic nexus is a set of criteria determining if your ecommerce business has a significant presence in a particular state. This idea became well-known because of the South Dakota v. Wayfair case in 2018. If your ecommerce business meets these criteria, you must follow that state’s tax rules, which means collecting and remitting sales tax.
Simply put, if your ecommerce business has a notable footprint in a state – through sales, transactions, or physical presence – it triggers economic nexus in that jurisdiction.
The importance of understanding economic nexus in ecommerce lies in avoiding legal issues and planning finances wisely, helping you expand your business smoothly without unexpected tax problems. It acts as a guide to navigating potential tax obligations when entering new markets by ensuring compliance and strategic growth.
When establishing an economic nexus for your ecommerce business, states generally consider a few key factors. Here’s what you need to keep an eye on:
When managing an ecommerce business that spans across different states, it’s vital to be aware of the variations in economic nexus laws that exist from state to state. Here’s why it matters:
Each state sets its thresholds for establishing economic nexus based on sales revenue or transaction volume. It’s essential to be aware of these individual thresholds to remain compliant and avoid unnecessary complications.
Refer to the table below to find out the thresholds in each state:
|
Not all states define economic nexus in the same way. Some focus more on sales revenue, while others prioritize transaction volumes or physical presence. Keeping tabs on these variations helps in strategizing your ecommerce business operations effectively.
Given the complexities, seeking advice from ecommerce sales tax professionals like TaxHero can be the best action. We can help you navigate the maze of state laws, ensuring your ecommerce business remains compliant and thrives.
Seasonal businesses are not exempt from these laws. It’s crucial to calculate your sales and transactions during your operational months accurately to comply with the respective state’s thresholds and criteria.
Economic nexus focuses on sales and transaction thresholds, whereas click-through and affiliate nexus revolve around relationships with affiliates in a state. Depending on your business model, you might need to comply with one or more nexus regulations.
Suppose you find out that you’ve established an economic nexus unknowingly. In that case, it’s recommended to consult with a tax expert promptly to understand the necessary steps for compliance and rectify any past discrepancies.
With all these regulations and variations, you’ll need a sales expert to check which states your business has established economic nexus. You can schedule a call with our CEO, who will personally onboard and explain how TaxHero conducts nexus checks.
Furthermore, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive services, ensuring you understand the basics and adapt to state-specific laws. Let’s embark on this journey together for a successful and compliant ecommerce business adventure.
|
|
|
The sales tax compliance process continues even after the collection and remittance of sales tax to the state. You must consistently improve your tax filing record to avoid penalties for unsatisfactory sales tax collections and remittances.
Knowing and remembering your sales tax due dates is essential to avoid penalties, as it can result in the revocation of your sales tax license. As mentioned, due dates and tax filing frequencies differ by state. If you conduct business in multiple states, keep track of all the due dates and filing frequencies separately.