The Washington Department of Revenue recently released informal guidance regarding the taxability of online instructional classes. The guidance states that live classes where participants can interact in real-time with the presenter are not subject to sales tax; however, pre-recorded videos and classes are subject to sales tax. This distinction focuses on the live ability to
Hire local? Washington Superior Court finds Seattle payroll expense tax constitutional
Addressing cross-motions for summary judgment from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the City of Seattle, the Superior Court of Washington for King County held that the City’s new payroll expense tax, which applies to businesses that spend $7 million or more on payroll in Seattle, is constitutionally permissible.
On July 6, 2020, the
Washington provides guidance regarding marketplace facilitators & the delivery of restaurant and grocery food
On May 7, 2021, the Washington Department of Revenue issued Excise Tax Advisory 3223.2021, providing guidance on the proper taxation of grocery food and restaurant delivery services provided through marketplace facilitators. Marketplace facilitators that are facilitating the retail sale of prepared food or groceries through its marketplace are responsible for collecting and remitting sales
Washington issues guidance on taxation of electronically transferred credit bureau services
The Washington Department of Revenue issued Excise Tax Advisory 3107.2021 on May 3, 2021 stating that credit bureau services transferred electronically are subject to retail sales tax and B&O tax. By statute, taxable retail sale includes “credit bureau services” and the sale of “digital goods” and “digital automated services.” Credit bureau services include the assembly
Capital gains tax bill passes Washington state senate
On March 6, a bill to tax capital gains passed the Washington state senate. S.B. 5096, introduced on Jan. 6 by state senators Hunt Robinson and Wilson Nguyen, would impose an excise tax equal to seven percent of a Washington resident’s capital gains, starting January 1, 2022.
Only individuals are subject to the tax, and
Washington Department of Revenue issues draft workforce education investment surcharge rule
On February 17, 2021, the Washington Department of Revenue issued a Preproposal Statement of Inquiry regarding a proposed new rule for the business and occupation tax workforce education investment surcharge for select advanced computing businesses. A public meeting on the proposed rule is scheduled for March 10, 2021. Interested parties can submit written comments in
Washington proposes tax on sales of personal information and data
On January 19, 2021, House Bill 1303 was filed, which would amend the Business and Occupation Tax to impose a tax of 1.8% on gross income of a business engaged in selling or exchanging personal data within Washington. The bill defines “personal data” to include any information that is linked or reasonably linked to an
Quick Update: Delaware, Indiana and Washington
In this episode of the SALT Shaker podcast, host Chris Lee discusses the Verisign decision from Delaware concerning NOL limitations, an Indiana letter ruling concerning the taxation of software (2019-09ST), and a Washington Department of Revenue decision concerning nexus 
(Det. No. 15-0036).
Questions or comments? Email SALTonline@eversheds-sutherland.com.
Washington ALJ Rules Video Game Developer’s Attendance at Trade Show Created Substantial Nexus
On December 4, 2020, the Washington Department of Revenue Appeals Division determined that an out-of-state company’s participation in an annual three-day trade show in Washington state was sufficient to create substantial nexus with the state and subject the company to both business and occupation tax (B&O tax) and retail sales tax. The taxpayer, an out-of-state
Washington considers digital advertising tax
Washington lawmakers may soon begin debate on a digital advertising tax, prompted by a draft copy of a yet-to-be-filed bill. Washington currently applies its business and occupation tax to digital advertising services under the service and other activities classification (1.5%). This bill would instead subject digital advertising services to the business and occupation tax