Get Tax-Exempt With the Right Drop Shipping Sales Tax Strategy

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Amazon, the largest global platform for product sales, offers unparalleled opportunities for ecommerce businesses. But taxes are also an ever-present reality that can lessen their hard-earned income. Can you really drop the drop shipping sales tax on Amazon? Let’s find out.

As an Amazon seller, you have the painstaking responsibility to collect sales tax for every purchase. But there is a silver lining in the form of dropshipping. This business model is one of the few ventures eligible for the coveted Amazon Tax Exemption Program (ATEP).

But how do you achieve tax-exempt status on Amazon via dropshipping?

In the upcoming sections, we will delve into the specifics, equipping you with the knowledge to implement this tax-saving hack.

We will cover everything from the eligibility criteria to the intricacies of sales tax compliance in dropshipping. Get ready to discover practical tips, actionable steps, and expert guidance that will enable you to position yourself for financial success on Amazon.

Understanding Sales Tax in Dropshipping

Embarking on your drop shipping journey means understanding the key parties involved: 

• you, 
• your valuable customers, 
• and the third-party company

Why is that?

The rules and regulations governing Amazon sales tax vary based on the locations of the buyer, seller, and third-party supplier engaged in each transaction. Discerning the precise methods for collecting and remitting sales tax is paramount to avoid legal consequences.

Here are a few important things to consider if you use the dropshipping model for your business:

Sales Tax Nexus

A sales tax nexus refers to the connection between a seller and a state, which requires you to collect and remit sales tax from customers in that state. Factors determining a sales tax nexus include having a physical presence, employees, or storing inventory in a state.

Nexus plays a crucial role in the context of dropshipping. If you have a nexus in a state where the sale occurs, collecting sales tax is paramount, even if you’re working with a third-party dropshipper. On the other hand, you’re exempted from collecting sales tax if you don’t have nexus. 

Retailer-Dropshipper Relationship

In business, a foundational principle holds true: the end customer is responsible for paying the consumption tax, as they directly benefit from the final product. This tax specifically targets consumption, encompassing personal and expenditure purchases.

But when it comes to dropshipping, the sales tax process can get slightly confusing. You might wonder, “Am I obliged to pay tax on the orders I place with my suppliers? Is it the suppliers’ responsibility to collect tax?”

Here’s the good news: You’re not required to pay sales tax on purchases intended for resale. The key lies in a single requirement, which we will delve into in the next section.

Sales Tax Permit: The Answer to Tax-Exemption

If you want to resell products online, you will need a sales tax permit. In this case, it’s not only for collecting and remitting sales tax; this document also helps you apply for the Amazon Business’s Tax Exemption Program. 

In most states, registering for a sales tax permit is relatively simple and can be completed online. Let’s help you get started. 

#1. Compile All Business-Identifying Information

Having your ducks in a row from the beginning is important as a business owner. This will ensure that you can always correctly identify yourself and your business when dealing with government agencies or financial institutions.

Double-check if you have the following proper documentation for your online business.

• EIN: The Employer Identification Number is a unique nine-digit number the IRS assigns for tax collection. Other names it goes by are FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number or FIN (Federal Identification Number). 

• Business Bank Accounts: A dedicated bank account for your business not only aids in streamlining financial operations but also serves as concrete evidence of your online business’s legitimacy.

• Trademark Registration: Trademark registration can help deter others from using your mark and give you the exclusive right to use the mark in commerce. It also acts as evidence of ownership and helps protect your investment in your brand. 

#2. Apply to the State Department of Revenue Website

The State Department of Revenue is a vital government institution entrusted with tax collection and enforcement of tax laws. Each state operates its own Department of Revenue, overseeing taxation matters within its jurisdiction. 

Here are things to remember about registering your online business:

Await confirmation and be patient about the issuance of your sales tax permit. Following these steps establishes your commitment to operating within legal frameworks.

How to Get Tax Exempt on Amazon in Minutes 

Now that you have your sales tax permit, you're one step closer to getting your tax exemption status approved.

Next is heading over to your Amazon account and applying the following steps.

#1. Select the States You Want to Avoid Sales Tax Exemption In

Online sellers under US law are required to collect sales tax in states with a physical presence or nexus. Amazon has used this loophole to its advantage, systematically avoiding collecting sales tax in most states.

Dropshippers can get Amazon tax exemption from some states, so be sure to check them before applying.

Source: Amazon

You will notice that some places are not included in Amazon business tax-exempt. It's because these states do not levy sales taxes.

#2. Fill Up Your Business Info 

Once you have determined the states in which you are seeking Amazon tax exemption, input the requested business information. This may include the business name and the type of products you're selling. 

This step entails submitting essential documents such as your sales tax permit and other important tax-exempt records.

#3. Get an Amazon Sales Tax Exemption Certificate

Sometimes, having a sales tax permit means having a resale certificate. But if you’re not confident about your eligibility, you must focus on obtaining exemption certificates. 

• The rules for resale certificates vary by state. Some only accept multi-state tax certificates, which provide a comprehensive sales tax exemption certificate recognized by 38 states. 

• There’s also Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA), where you can benefit from a single exemption certificate if your business is registered under this program.

When you purchase from the supplier, you must provide them with your complete exemption certificate. Then, the supplier will not charge you sales tax.

Don’t forget to double-check everything after you sign up for a resale certificate. Once you click “Activate Certificates, ” your Amazon tax-exempt status will take effect in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Amazon Business will upload the Amazon Tax Exemption Certificates within 24 hours. 

Optimize Your Sales Tax Obligations With Unloop

Collecting, remitting, or paying sales tax is the bare minimum requirement in Amazon, but you also need to stay compliant with rules and regulations. Fortunately, sellers can now apply for sales tax-exempt status.
Unloop can help you through the process and ensure everything is filed correctly so you can continue earning profits without penalty. Are you ready to get tax-free income? Book a call today, and let’s see what Unloop can do for you!