michaelfleming

Michael J. Flemingis 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.

Michaelis 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…

As 2020 draws to a close, it’s important for sellers to look back at the year and review their nexus footprint. Many states put in place thresholds that sellers should look at as they carry on with their business and prepare for the coming year.

Additionally, they require sellers to look at certain time periods–mostly the previous calendar year–so that sellers can determine if they met the economic thresholds and physical presence requirements set out by a specific state. If they did, then they need to register for sales tax.

In this week's episode of the Sales Tax and More Podcast, Michael Fleming and Ellie Moffat talk about why it’s important for sellers to review their economic nexus position as the year comes to an end and how it can help them plan for 2021. They will also be discussing the importance of looking at physical presence nexus and explain why this should be done on a regular basis. Stay tuned.

Michael J. Flemingis the founder and president ofSales 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. 

Michaelis a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of theSales Tax and Morepodcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes.

In this episode…

Just because the government says that a seller should register for income tax doesn't necessarily mean that the seller has to register everywhere. According to the team at Sales Tax and More, it depends on where your exposure is material. So, what does this mean in terms of income tax compliance for online sellers?

For over 60 years, income tax protection has come down to Public Law 86-272. Now, Amazon and e-commerce sellers are battling the ins and outs of this federal law in order to maintain income tax compliance without paying tax in every state. Luckily, Sales Tax and More is here to help you prepare for upcoming income tax changes and challenges in the new year.

In this week's episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming and his co-host Ellie Moffat explain why income tax will be the next big battle for e-commerce and Amazon sellers. They discuss the provisions of Public Law 86-272, how different states implement the law, and what online sellers should do to handle issues related to income tax 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…

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. Flemingis the founder and president ofSales 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. 

Michaelis a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of theSales Tax and Morepodcast, where he shares his wisdom and learnings to his audience in order to help them navigate the tricky world of taxes.

In this episode…

What exactly is a marketplace? Well, it depends—every US state defines a marketplace a bit differently. However, a common definition involves a person contracting with a seller, including compensation and the facilitation of a sale. Typically, there must also be additional services to make the marketplace complete.

For example, in the state of Georgia and many other states, if a person or company only collects compensation and does not provide any additional services, then it is not a marketplace. Examples include sites like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce, as these allow an e-commerce seller to set up an online store and collect payment, but do not provide the services defined under a marketplace.

In this week's episode of the Sales Tax and More podcast, Michael J. Fleming, the Founder of Sales Tax and More, sits down with his co-host Ellie Moffat to explain the ins and outs of marketplaces. They discuss the connection between economic nexus and marketplaces, the various caveats to selling on a marketplace, and the best practices for business owners selling on their own websites. Stay tuned.

Michael J. Flemingis the founder and president ofSales 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.

Michaelis a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of theSales Tax and Morepodcast, 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. Flemingis the founder and president ofSales 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. 

Michaelis a renowned writer and speaker, and he regularly presents on webinars. He is also the host of theSales Tax and Morepodcast, 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.

TJ Hyland is the Head of e-Commerce Partnerships in the US at Payoneer, a digital payment platform that empowers businesses around the world to grow globally. His primary focus is building Payoneer’s US partner ecosystem and supporting its ever-growing niche in the online seller market. He is responsible for everything from helping sellers complete cross-border transactions to assisting them with the capital they need to grow their businesses. 

As an e-commerce specialist and foreign exchange consultant, TJ has a unique insight into selling on international marketplaces. After working with online sellers for the past six years, he knows the struggles they face on a daily basis—and how to solve them.

In this episode…

Many online sellers source their inventory from international markets like China, meaning that they often require a large amount of working capital. Therefore, for these sellers, having extra cash flow is crucial for keeping their inventory in stock and their businesses afloat. 

However, many sellers face great challenges when it comes to funding or possessing additional working capital. This is largely due to the fact that most commercial banks are weary of giving loans to such businesses—despite the exponential growth of the e-commerce industry. So what alternative funding solutions are available for online sellers?

TJ Hyland, the Head of e-Commerce Partnerships in the US at Payoneer, joins Michael Fleming and Ellie Moffat in this week's episode of Sales Tax and More to talk about the various working capital solutions available for online sellers. Tune in as TJ shares how extra cash flow impacts the inventory cycle, the common sources of funding for online sellers, and how Payoneer's Capital Advance solution helps businesses grow globally.

Balthasar Wyss is the Vice President of Customer Success and Operations for FlavorCloud, a leading cross-border international shipping company that helps your brand go global. Prior to joining FlavorCloud, Balthasar was the Senior Director of Partner Marketing & Business Development at Avalara, which is a leading provider of sales tax and compliance solutions. He also worked at Microsoft Corporation as Director of Channel Strategy and Partner Marketing.

Balthasar holds a Master's Degree in Social Psychology and Business Administrationa, holds a PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Zurich in Switzerland, and is a postgraduate fellow in Behavioral Sciences at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. 

In this episode…

With the rapid globalization of the world economy, it has now become easier for businesses and individuals to have things ordered from across the border. It offers convenience and competitive prices both for consumers and sellers, but it does pose some problems for those who facilitate the trade.

Balthasar Wyss, VP of Customer Success and Operations for FlavorCloud, says that there are factors to consider when doing cross-border trading; the most important of which is compliance and trade policy.

Tune in to this episode of Sales Tax and More, as Balthasar Wyss talks about why cross-border trading has become increasingly popular, trade policies and compliances to remember, and the challenges of cross-border trading particularly in times of crisis.