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HH82_2
December 6, 2017

I charged sales tax without 'Certificate of Authority'

  • December 6, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

Hello community,

 

I just started my LLC a few months ago which is a business renting out lighting equipment to the film industry.

 

So far I already had three jobs through the same client and I charged sales tax on the first two invoices. On the third invoice my client sent me a Form ST-120 Resale Certificate asking that I don't charge sales tax to them anymore. So far so good. We did not amend the first two invoices and just stopped charging sales tax from the third invoice/job on.

 

However, I was never aware that I had to have a 'Certificate of Authority' in order to charge sales tax and I am now worried about what to do.  

 

What can happen to my business based on the fact that I charged sales tax twice without the 'Certificate of Authority'?

 

Do I still need to apply for the 'Certificate of Authority' although my client (which will most likely stay my only client) sent me a Form ST-120 Resale Certificate?

 

I would appreciate some clarification, I am worried about eventual penalties ...

 

Thank you

    1 reply

    Rustler
    Rustler
    December 6, 2017

    Just apply for the sales tax permit, do not mention previous sales when you do so, but do say the start date for the business is before the first sale date.  (by the way, LLC is not a business type and really has nothing to do with anything in terms of accounting or taxes)

     

    Then file your sales tax report when required.

     

    I question the validity of a resellers permit though, you are renting, ergo they are not buying for resale - which is what that form is all about.  I would ask to speak to an auditor ( I always talk to auditors, but that is me) or other customer service rep (write their name down, date and time) and explain that you will be renting, and if a company you rent to should give you a reseller pemit is it ok to not charge sales tax on the rental.

     

    The onus to abide by the sales tax requirements of when to tax or not, is on you not the renter/purchaser.  Or rent sales tax included and pull it out to report it, allowing the renter to think he is getting over if in fact he is not using that permit correctly.

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