US sales tax guide for international sellers

Due to recent economic nexus changes, an international seller doesn’t require a physical presence to create nexus. Nexus can be generated by inventory or if your number of sales or transactions exceeds a certain amount per state.

Another change that has been made since the 1950s-1970s is that interstate commerce can now be taxed. Other states, apart from your own, now have the right to tax you for transactions across states and countries.

If you, as an international seller selling to US customers, have a physical presence or inventory in a warehouse in the US, you are required to collect sales tax.

Or, if your number of sales in the US exceeds a certain number (depending on the state to which you’re selling), you will need to collect sales tax.

However, if none of the above criteria apply to you, you are not required to collect sales tax as an international seller.

In order to register for sales tax as an international seller, you’ll need a Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) and other business-related information.

As an international seller to US customers, it is necessary to register through your foreign entity within each US state you are operating in or have economic nexus. Visit each state’s Department of Revenue website for guidance on the appropriate registration process.

Compliance requirements for international sellers regarding US sales tax depend on myriad factors. These include your (the seller’s) location, the location of your customers, your product type, and the volume of your sales.

But the general rules are as follows.

As an international seller, you’re required to register for a US sales tax permit. Maintenance of your compliance requirements includes the remittance of sales tax on taxable transactions and the filing of regular sales tax returns.

Your sales tax returns need to be filed with the appropriate state and local tax authorities or government agencies. Regulations may differ according to state.

Read U.S. Sales Tax, Demystified for more information.

Common FBA exemptions include dietary supplements, clothing, and groceries. However, it is important to be knowledgeable about which state acknowledges which exemptions and exclusions (based on your particular product).

Tax jurisdictions change frequently, which can make it difficult to remain compliant. But, if you get your tax rates wrong, you could get audited. These rates apply to both products and customers, so keep up to date with any changes.

Other common mistakes include misdeclarations, missing payment dates, and both missing and invalid exemptions. Once again, keep a very detailed updated record of these to avoid auditing.

And don’t forget your consumer use tax. International sellers often focus primarily on their sales tax and forget their other tax requirements.