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Welcome
to the Streamlined Sales Tax Registration System
(www.streamlinedsalestax.org
).
Introduction
The
Streamline Sales Tax is an initiative undertaken
by many states for the purpose of trying to
reduce the administrative work and expense
businesses incur administering state and local
sales tax. There
are many things being done by the states to reduce
the work and expense, including standardizing
definitions, utilizing common forms and
procedures, the certification of sales tax
administration software for businesses use, and
the use of this website to allow businesses to
register for sales tax collection purposes.
Certified
Technology
An important and new component of the Streamline initiative is the certification of sales tax administration software for business use. There are two types of software and each type provides unique benefits for business. The first type of software is known as a Certified Service Provider (CSP). The second type of software is known as a Certified Automated System (CAS).
A CSP is designed to allow a business to nearly outsource its sales tax administration function. The following is the definition of a CSP from the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA): “A
n agent certified under the Agreement to perform all the seller's sales and use tax functions, other than the seller's obligation to remit tax on its own purchases.” The software system of a CSP knows what products and services are taxable, knows the tax rate at which they are taxable, can interface with your accounting system, and will file the tax return and pay the tax on your behalf. Each state that is a member of the Streamline initiative has evaluated the accuracy of the tax decisions and is willing to stand by the accuracy of the decisions they have evaluated. In addition, the states that are members of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board will pay the CSP to provide their sales tax administration service to businesses who meet the definition of a
volunteer
.
Three companies have achieved the distinction of being Certified Service Providers and under contract with the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board. The following, in alphabetical order, is a description of each company as written by each company.
Avalara
: Rated four stars in 2005 by CPA Technology Advisor, named in “Top Ten Awesome QuickBooks Add-Ons” by QuickBooks educator and columnist Douglas Sleeter, and currently running an average of 4.5 transactions per second against its sales tax engine for over 2,000 users, Avalara is a leading provider of sales tax automation for small and medium businesses. Choose among its easily implemented, integrated editions of AvaTax Connect™ for Microsoft Dynamics™ GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Sage MAS 90 / 200 ERP, Sage MAS 500 ERP, Sage Accpac ERP, and QuickBooks, among others. Or with AvaTax SDK™, link Avalara’s Web services API with any e-commerce or third-party accounting application. Find out more at www.avalara.com.
Exactor
: is revolutionizing sales tax compliance by providing the true next-generation end-to-end, automated solution for secure, reliable and accurate sales tax record keeping and processing. Exactor's service gives business owners the ability to automate their sales tax efforts with an ease of use unparalleled in the industry. Exactor provides an end-to-end solution that seamlessly and automatically bridges between all elements of a transaction, starting from the point of transaction, such as the shopping cart, through the final e-filing and remittance of taxes owing. This allows the merchant to focus on SALES, while Exactor deals with the TAX. Please visit us at www.exactor.com , e-mail us at info@exactor.com or call us at (800) 851-8226
SpeedTax
SpeedTax – certified as both an SST Model 1 (CSP) and Model 2 (CAS) provider – combines the practical advantages of Web-based technology with CPA designed functionality, so sales tax compliance can be both cost-effectively automated, and expertly managed. Its “Core Four” strengths set SpeedTax apart:
Advanced technology. Advantageous use of the latest in Web services and coding economies ensures real-time accuracy in sales tax determinations, no need to buy or maintain software, minimal screen-loads during management tasks, and anytime-anywhere administrative access.
SpeedTax Console™. This online administration and service center includes executive dashboard reporting and other CPA -designed features that make sales tax management simultaneously intuitive and comprehensive.
SpeedTax Service Engine™. Because the SpeedTax central service is rules based, its inherent flexibility ensures efficient handling of rule additions and changes, and enables SpeedTax to provide its clients with access to its product taxability table at no cost.
Customer service excellence. As part of a codified corporate commitment, quick response times and informed, helpful people are always guaranteed.
Simplify sales tax, accelerate business. Find out more at
www.speedtax.com.
A CAS is designed for a business that wants to have the sales tax administration function inside its own firewall. The following is the definition of a CAS from the (SSUTA): “
Software certified under the Agreement to calculate the tax imposed by each jurisdiction on a transaction, determine the amount of tax to remit to the appropriate state, and maintain a record of the transaction.” The software system of a CAS knows what products and services are taxable, knows the tax rate at which they are taxable, and can interface with your accounting system. The business that uses a CAS remains responsible for filing the tax return and paying the tax. Each state that is a member of the Streamline initiative has evaluated the accuracy of the tax decisions and is willing to stand by the accuracy of the decisions they have evaluated.
One company has achieved the distinction of being Certified Automated System and under contract with the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board. The following is a description of that company as written by that company:
ADP Taxware:
ADP Taxware has provided sales, use and value added tax compliance solutions for over twenty-five years. We are a Certified Service Provider (CSP), and additionally offer a Certified Automated System (CAS). ADP Taxware processed the first certified transactions in 2001 during the pilot run by the Streamlined Sales Tax Project. ADP Taxware clients include businesses of all sizes and markets, and our products integrate with accounting and ERP systems including SAP and Oracle Financials. For more information, visit www.taxware.com or contact Charles Collins (919-782-0628 or charles.collins@taxware.com) or Michael Janes(781-557-2660 or michael.janes@taxware.com).
Registration
Check-List
For you to have a positive experience with this registration system please have the following information available before you begin to register:
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Your federal employer’s identification number (FEIN) or social security number if you do not have a FEIN.
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Business name, business address and mailing address.
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Date when you will start collecting sales taxes.
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Name, address and phone number of contact person.
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Your
NAICS
code.
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Name of CSP or CAS if you intend to use one.
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The states (if any) where you are currently registered to collect sales tax.
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You will need to create a password to gain access to your record after registration.
For
questions on registration, and filing and paying of taxes, please click
on the link to the Frequently Asked Questions.
Once
you click the submit button at the end of the registration you will be
registered for sales and use tax in all of the full member states
listed in the form and all of the selected associate states.
When
new member states join, all registered sellers will be notified,
potentially by email, of their requirement to begin collecting sales
and use tax in that state. If the new state is an associate
member the seller will be given the option of collecting tax for that
state.
-
Register
Volunteer to participate in Streamlined Sales tax. -
Update Registration
Login to update previously submitted registration
information or user credentials, add an associate state or opt out of
voluntary SST participation.
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