Pumpkin Spice and Sales Tax Advice

Welcome to fall and welcome to another edition of Making Sales Tax Easy.

If you’re like me, you’re wondering, where in the heck did summer go, and is it really spiced pumpkin latte season already??

So as we all ponder that, I want to share that the words and catch-phrases of the day around here tend to be “nexus”, “sales tax”, “voluntary disclosure” and occasionally “audit”.?But, today it’s “video”.?

You may have noticed that I've spent some time and energy recently putting together some short form videos to connect in a different way with our followers.?If that all sounds very “marketing”, well, it is!

As a sales tax consulting firm that operates in a space of not only other professional services firms, but also software companies that promise to build a better sales tax mousetrap, we are continuously working on our messaging to prospective clients to let them know

a) that we’re here and

b) that we can help with all things sales tax.

As a subscriber to this newsletter already, you know what we do, and I'm so happy that you allow me to come into your mailbox a couple of times a month to say hello. Suffice it to say that it’s gotten noisier out there – what with social media, Google and LinkedIn algorithms, and even misinformation.?

While we’ve dabbled in video in the past, we are now taking a leap into more of a strategy around it, in the hopes that we can reach a wider audience that needs to know how we can help them – because there is still so much to do in the world of sales tax. If you have a few minutes (and some latte still in your cup to tide you over), I’d love for you to check out our new and improved YouTube channel, and videos like the one below about what you need to think about from a sales tax perspective if your company just received funding.

And on to this month's articles...

We talk about California's proposed new tax credit for manufacturing and R&D. We also give you an update on CA legislation. We talk about success stories regarding sales tax consulting and how to survive a sales tax audit. Lastly, we compare and contrast Pennsylvania and Ohio with regards to sales tax.

Finally, please check out my fundraising page for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. We are a sponsor in the fight again this year and would be honored by a donation to the cause.??Wishing you a happy October.

CALIFORNIA'S PROPOSED NEW TAX CREDIT: A BOOST FOR MANUFACTURING AND R&D

Oh what could have been…Hey there, California businesses! I’ve got some exciting updates coming your way. This is the first in a series of posts where we’ll discuss various bills that are currently on Governor Newsom’s desk, awaiting his signature. Let’s dive into Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52), which could significantly impact your manufacturing and research and development (R&D) activities.

To read more about this bill (that was just, unfortunately, vetoed by the Governor as the newsletter went to press) click here.?I left this in because it IS an interesting take and it DID make it all the way to the Governor. So stay tuned, it may be back.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: AB 2854 AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR LOCAL AGENCIES

California businesses and local agencies! Previously, we discussed Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) and its new tax credit for manufacturing and R&D equipment.

Let’s turn our attention to another important piece of legislation: Assembly Bill 2854 (AB 2854). This bill aims to bring more transparency and accountability to how local agencies handle sales and use tax rebates. Let’s dive into what AB 2854 entails and how it could impact you.

To read more about AB 2054, click here.

SUCCESS STORIES FROM SALES TAX CONSULTING

Sales tax compliance isn’t what it used to be—thanks to the Wayfair ruling and a maze of state-specific tax laws, it’s now a bit like playing a game where the rules keep changing. For businesses of all sizes, this can feel overwhelming. That’s where a seasoned sales tax consultant can be a game-changer.

To read more success stories regarding sales tax consulting, click here.

SURVIVING A SALES TAX AUDIT: PREPARATION AND PROCESS

For businesses operating in multiple states, keeping up with State and Local Tax (SALT) compliance can feel like a never-ending puzzle. And when a notice for a?SALT audit lands in your in-box, with its deep dive into your tax filings and business activities, it can all seem too much to handle. But with the right and plan and partners to assist you, it’s?possible to sail through the audit.

To read more about how to survive a sales tax audit, click here.

PENNSYLVANIA & OHIO AND SALES TAX- SaaS, SOFTWARE & OTHER

This month, we continue our blog series with a contrast of a couple of Ohio Valley states – Pennsylvania and Ohio – specifically their treatment of technology items for sales tax purposes. There are several similarities between these states, but also, of course, some differences!?

To read more about the tax landscape in Pennsylvania and Ohio, click here

About Monika and Miles Consulting

Monika is President and Founder of Miles Consulting with over 25 years of experience in multistate tax consulting (sales tax, income/franchise and credits & incentives), plus a few more in federal tax! Before starting the firm in 2002, Monika was a Senior Tax Manager at a Big 4 firm.

Miles Consulting Group is a professional services firm specializing in multi-state tax solutions, which addresses state and local tax issues, including general state tax consulting, nexus & taxability reviews, audit support, voluntary disclosure agreements, and other special projects.

We also specialize in SaaS and other technology industries. For more information, visit www.milesconsultinggroup.com and to contact us please call us at 408-266-2259 or email [email protected].