Digital Economy

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We recently launched the Sutherland SALT Digital Economy Forum, which provides comprehensive state tax resources regarding the taxation of the digital economy. Following is a summary of recent digital economy administrative guidance, noteworthy cases and legislation. If you would like to learn more about the Sutherland SALT Digital Economy Forum or any of the issues covered here, please contact us.

Sales, Use and Other Transaction Taxes

Administrative Guidance

  • Massachusetts Soliciting Comments on Software Directive. On February 7, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue issued a draft directive that addresses the application of the Massachusetts sales and use tax to sales of software and computer-related services.
  • Wisconsin Updates Guidance Regarding the Sales and Use Tax Treatment of Computer Hardware, Software, and Services; Addresses Cloud Computing. On January 25, 2013, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) updated its software guidance for sales occurring on and after October 1, 2009. While the taxability conclusions and destination-based sourcing regime remain largely unchanged, the DOR expressly addressed software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS).
  • Missouri DOR: Computer Software May Not Be Eligible for Manufacturing Exemption. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) recently determined that a company’s software programs were not eligible for the manufacturing equipment exemptions from sales and use tax because the software was not directly used in the manufacturing process.

Continue Reading Digital Economy Update: Administrative Guidance, Noteworthy Cases and Legislation

The Tennessee Department of Revenue issued an interesting ruling addressing the taxability of two types of Internet-based services. The Department determined that the first type (facilitating remote access to the user’s computer) was a non-taxable service and the downloaded Java applet was software but not the true object of the transaction. The Department determined that…

On January 8, 2013, the Sutherland State and Local Tax (SALT) Team appeared before the Oregon Supreme Court in an important case concerning the scope of Oregon’s central assessment method of property taxation. Comcast Corporation v. Department of Revenue, Case No. S059764. The issue in the case concerns whether cable television and Internet access services are within the scope of “data transmission services” for ad valorem tax purposes. This case is being followed closely by participants in the Digital Economy (e.g., sellers of Internet access, digital goods and services, and cloud computing providers) and taxing jurisdictions throughout the country.Continue Reading Sutherland SALT Argues Digital Economy Central Assessment Case

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Sutherland SALT Digital Economy Forum, which provides resources, legislative monitoring and advocacy, and strategic counsel on the state taxation of the Digital Economy. To access free resources on the taxation of the Digital Economy, click on the Digital Economy Forum link at the top of…