Sales Tax Compliance
Sales tax nexus studies, state registrations, return filing and voluntary disclosure for sellers in multiple states.
How BATS handles sales tax compliance
Since the Supreme Court's 2018 Wayfair decision, states can require out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax once they pass economic thresholds. We find where you have nexus, register you, set up collection and file returns, and help you resolve past exposure.
We work with clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so state-specific rules are covered whether you are in one state or several.
Who this is for
- Online and e-commerce sellers shipping across states
- SaaS and digital product companies
- Businesses selling into new states
- Companies with uncollected sales tax exposure
Everything covered in this service
Economic and physical nexus study
State sales tax registrations
Taxability review for your products
Monthly, quarterly and annual return filing
Exemption certificate management
Voluntary disclosure agreements for past exposure
The paperwork behind sales tax compliance
| Nexus study | Where your sales and activities create collection obligations |
|---|---|
| State registrations | Sales tax permits in each required state |
| Streamlined Sales Tax registration | A single registration covering participating member states |
| Sales tax returns | Monthly, quarterly or annual filings by state |
| Resale and exemption certificates | Collected and kept to support exempt sales |
| Voluntary disclosure agreements | Resolve past exposure with limited look-back and reduced penalties |
What we'll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes much faster. Don't worry if something is missing; we'll help you find it.
- Sales by state for the past several years
- Marketplace reports showing facilitator-collected tax
- Product list and descriptions
- Locations of inventory, employees and offices
- Existing permits and recent returns
How it works, step by step
Nexus study
We map where your sales and activities create obligations.
Register
We register in the required states.
Collect and file
We set up collection and file returns on schedule.
Clean up the past
We negotiate voluntary disclosures where needed.
Why clients choose BATS for sales tax compliance
Reconciled every month
Every account tied out to its statement, not just categorised.
Tax-ready books
Set up to flow straight into your business return.
Clear reporting
Plain-English summaries with the numbers that matter.
Scales with you
Add payroll, AP/AR or CFO support as the business grows.
Sales Tax Compliance FAQs
11 answers to the questions clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
What is economic nexus?
A state's right to require sales tax collection once your sales or transactions into the state exceed its threshold, even with no physical presence.
Do marketplaces collect for me?
Most states require marketplaces such as Amazon to collect on sales made through them, but your direct website sales may still be your responsibility.
Which states have no statewide sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax, though some Alaska localities charge one.
What are typical economic nexus thresholds?
Many states use $100,000 of sales into the state, and some also count the number of transactions. Several states have dropped their transaction tests. We check each state's current rule.
Is software or SaaS taxable?
It depends on the state. Some tax SaaS and digital products, others don't, and some tax them only partially.
Are shipping charges taxable?
In some states yes, in others no, and often it depends on how shipping is stated on the invoice.
What if I should have been collecting for years?
A voluntary disclosure agreement usually limits how far back the state looks and waives penalties. Coming forward before the state contacts you is important.
What is use tax?
Tax owed on taxable purchases when the seller didn't charge sales tax. Businesses often owe it on equipment and supplies bought from out-of-state vendors.
Which accounting software do you support?
QuickBooks Online and Xero most often, along with common payroll, bill pay and e-commerce tools.
Can we start partway through the year?
Yes. We bring the books up to date from the start of the year, then continue monthly.
How do we communicate with you?
By email, our client portal and scheduled calls. You have a named contact who knows your business.
Often paired with this service
E-Commerce Accounting
Accounting for Amazon, Shopify and Etsy sellers: payout reconciliation, inventory, COGS and marketplace sales tax.
Learn moreTax Preparation & FilingMulti-State Tax Filing
Part-year, nonresident and multi-state business returns for people who moved, commute across state lines or work remotely.
Learn moreAccounting & BookkeepingBookkeeping Services
Monthly bookkeeping, bank reconciliations and financial reports so your numbers are always current and tax-ready.
Learn moreSales Tax Compliance in every state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Popular cities
- Birmingham, AL
- Anchorage, AK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Denver, CO
- Bridgeport, CT
- Wilmington, DE
- Jacksonville, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Honolulu, HI
- Boise, ID
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Des Moines, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Louisville, KY
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, ME
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Billings, MT
- Omaha, NE
- Las Vegas, NV
- Manchester, NH
- Newark, NJ
- Albuquerque, NM
- New York City, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Fargo, ND
- Columbus, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Portland, OR
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
- Charleston, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Nashville, TN
- Houston, TX
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Burlington, VT
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington
- Charleston, WV
- Milwaukee, WI
- Cheyenne, WY
Get help with sales tax compliance
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your taxes and books, wherever you are in the U.S.