Since late 2008, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has routinely taken the position that charges for application service provider services, software as a service, or other online services may be subject to New York sales tax as licenses of software. Some sellers began collecting sales tax on this basis, and the
sales tax
The Windy City’s Taxes on Cloud Computing, Streaming Services
On August 7, the Chicago Department of Finance delayed the effective date of the imposition of the Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax on cloud computing services from September 1, 2015, to January 1, 2016. However, the Department did not delay the effective date of the imposition of the Amusement Tax on streaming services. Chicago will…
Multistate Tax Commission Committees Discuss Apportionment Details and an Information-Sharing Program
Yesterday, the Multistate Tax Commission held meetings of its Litigation, Uniformity, and Strategic Planning Steering Committees. The meetings were generally dominated by discussions of evolving apportionment issues, including litigation and significant edits to existing regulations. The Uniformity Committee also advanced its new model “engaged in business” statute.
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Michigan Supreme Court Approves Partial Use Tax Exemption for Transmission and Distribution Equipment
The Michigan Supreme Court held that an electric utility’s transmission and distribution equipment used for both taxable and exempt purposes qualifies for a partial sales and use tax exemption. See Detroit Edison Co. v. Dept. of Treasury, No. 148753 (Mich. July 22, 2015). This marks the latest in a line of cases addressing whether…
Sutherland Adds Counsel Amy Nogid, Continues Expansion of Leading National State and Local Tax Practice in New York
We are pleased to announce that Amy F. Nogid has joined Sutherland’s State and Local Tax (SALT) practice as counsel in New York. Prior to joining Sutherland, Amy was of counsel at Morrison & Foerster LLP.
Amy represents clients in all aspects of state and local taxation matters at the administrative, trial and appellate levels…
All Sales Final: Indiana Merchandise Return and Coupon Creation Services Not Taxable
By Charles C. Capouet and Madison J. Barnett
The Indiana Department of Revenue determined that a taxpayer’s sales of merchandise return-related services to retailers are not subject to Indiana sales and use tax. The Department addressed the taxability of three services: (1) the Merchandise Authorization Service (MAS), which utilizes the taxpayer’s proprietary database and risk-scoring…
Found in Translation: Online Drop Shipment Facilitation Service Not Subject to New York Sales and Use Tax
By Evan M. Hamme and Open Weaver Banks
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance released an advisory opinion explaining how it will treat drop shipment facilitation services for sales and use tax purposes. The petitioner uses proprietary software to create an Internet-based “hub” through which a web-based merchant orders products from a…
Software Training Not Subject to Indiana Sales and Use Tax
By Charles C. Capouet and Andrew D. Appleby
The Indiana Department of Revenue found that software training is not subject to sales and use tax because it does not constitute tangible personal property. The Department audited the taxpayer and assessed additional use tax on its purchase of a software license agreement. Nearly half of the…
More Than Just a Little Bit – New Jersey Division of Taxation Says Convertible Virtual Currency Transactions, Like Bitcoins, Are Subject to State Sales and Use Tax, Corporation Business Tax and Gross Income Tax
By Robert P. Merten III and Prentiss Willson
The New Jersey Division of Taxation has issued a technical advisory memorandum (TAM) explaining New Jersey’s tax position that transactions involving convertible virtual currency— “electronic/digital money” with an equivalent or substitute value in real currency, such as bitcoins—are subject to state tax liability, including sales and use…
Tyler Pipe II? Washington Court of Appeals Rejects Transactional Nexus Argument, Upholds B&O Tax on Drop Shipments
By Evan M. Hamme and Madison J. Barnett
The Washington Court of Appeals upheld a broad application of the Washington Business and Occupation (B&O) tax to sales between an out-of-state seller and out-of-state purchasers when the products are delivered in Washington. Although the taxpayer maintained a research and product development facility in Washington, none of…



