Blog

Puerto Rico sales tax
Keys to Unlocking the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Puzzle

Are you making sales into or within Puerto Rico? Would you like to expand into PR but are uncertain of the sales tax compliance hurdles you may face? (¡¿Habláis Español?!) If so, you’ll want to understand the tax implications of your activities and be aware of the key sales tax issues and unique tax situation […]

Read More
insurance statutory reporting
Ensure Company Success with a Nimble Sales Tax Strategy

By Diane Yetter, President and Founder of Sales Tax Institute When it comes to building a strategy to manage sales tax, every company will have its own set of obligations, complications and concerns. What is consistent among nimble sales tax strategies (those that improve efficiency and adaptability while reducing risk) are the components you need […]

Read More
DtC shipping myths
Dispelling the Top 5 DtC Shipping Myths

Direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shipping can at times seem convoluted and increasingly complicated. States continue to evolve their DtC shipping requirements, which can understandably create some confusion over what is and is not allowed. However, working with the right partner can help to clear up some of that confusion. Here are some of the top misconceptions […]

Read More
cider compliance and tax
Compliance and Tax Considerations for Cider Producers

The summer months can be ideal for enjoying a hard cider, but it’s always a good time for cider producers to brush up on three-tier compliance rules. Before expanding into new markets, you must be familiar with the specific rules of each state. In this blog, we will cover the major regulatory and tax rules […]

Read More
2022 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Mid-Year Report

A lot has changed in the direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping channel since the January release of our Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report—changes in volume and value that have the market resembling pre-pandemic patterns. Note: The proprietary data featured in this mid-year report is compiled from an algorithm measuring total DtC shipments based on millions of anonymous […]

Read More
on-site DtC
Can a State Restrict DtC Shipping of Alcohol into Other States?

The legal landscape for direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of alcohol is a hodgepodge of rules and regulations that vary from state to state. This follows the broad principle set out in the 21st Amendment that each state shall govern the “transportation or importation . . . therein of intoxicating liquors.” As such, New Hampshire can permit the […]

Read More
Wine age verification compliance
Massachusetts Announces Age Compliance Checks for DtC Shippers

The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission in Massachusetts recently announced that they will be conducting Minimum Purchase Age Compliance Checks in retail stores and aimed at direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shippers through December 31, 2022. With this information in mind, now is a great time to refresh your age verification knowledge and company policy. What are age […]

Read More
malt new product registrations
Beer/Malt New Product Registrations Inch Upward in Q2 2022

Smaller product categories in wine and beer/malt lead the way  Summer has officially arrived, and with rising temperatures also come rising beverage alcohol product registrations. While the industry is not seeing the same spikes as during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still signs of positive growth. There were increases in Product Registration […]

Read More
Three-tier distribution tips for distillers
Three-Tier Distribution Tips for Distillers

The three-tier system is the most prevalent way that spirits are sold in the United States. We have compiled a comprehensive state-by-state guide that outlines the complex requirements distillers must keep in mind when expanding into a new state. In this blog, we will break down the main regulatory and tax rules that distillers distributing […]

Read More
Washington NFT sales tax
What Washington’s Interim NFT Guidance Means for Sales Tax Compliance

Earlier this month, Washington released an Interim Guidance Statement on the taxability of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In short, the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) suggested that certain types of NFTs would be subject to sales and use tax under existing rules applicable to digital goods and would also be subject to their business and occupancy […]

Read More
retailer DtC shipping
Will the ‘Uniform’ DtC Law Threaten DtC Shipping?

On July 13, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) voted to approve a model act that could impose significant burdens on businesses engaged in direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of beverage alcohol. (Read on to find out just who the ULC is, anyway.) While the model bill has not garnered a lot of attention yet, what attention it […]

Read More
sales tax wayfair
What are the Sales Tax Implications for Firearms and Firearm Safety Devices?

Sales tax is commonly a driving force for revenue, yet it can be utilized by legislatures to influence change in public policy. Whether the policy sought is centered on economic, public welfare or environmental grounds, tax has been historically used as a facilitator. For example, plastic bags at checkouts of food markets are often subject […]

Read More
register transmitter control code (TCC)
IRS to Require Electronic Filing of Form 1042 and Other Returns

This blog was updated on December 13, 2023 Editor’s note: Since this blog was initially published, there have been further updates to the Form 1042 reporting requirements. Read more information on our dedicated HUB page. Last summer, the IRS released Proposed Regulations amending the rules for filing electronically for a variety of business income tax returns, […]

Read More
legally ship spirits
Which Alcoholic Products Can Be DtC Shipped?

More consumers than ever are looking to avail themselves of the market for direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipped beverage alcohol. What was once more a niche market for prized domestically produced wines has gone on to pique consumer interest in accessing the broad range of alcoholic products made within the United States that are not also widely […]

Read More
TIN matching 1099 reporting
Top Tips for Unclaimed Property Audits

By: Laurie Andrews and Paola Narez  Picture this: you just completed a risk assessment on your unclaimed property processes, and you feel like you have this whole unclaimed property thing figured out. You enhanced your systems to make sure you are reviewing every property type and analyzing it the right way, but you have discovered a […]

Read More
Sovos Education Services
Educate Yourself on Sovos Education Services

If you were unable to join us on our recent webinar discussing Sovos Education Services and all the resources we offer, don’t worry.  Read on to find out what you missed. Booke Seminars is now Sovos Education Many of you are likely familiar with Booke Seminars – the longstanding provider of insurance accounting education. Booke […]

Read More
RTDs Vermont
New Rules for RTDs in Vermont – Including DtC Shipping

On July 1, 2022, Vermont Act 177 takes effect, creating new ways to sell Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits in the state, including permission for distillers to ship these products direct-to-consumer (DtC). As defined in the act, “RTD Spirits Beverages” are alcoholic beverages obtained from distillation that contain no more than 12% ABV and are packaged in containers […]

Read More
Compliance concerns for importers
Compliance Concerns for Importers

Within the three-tier system that governs how alcohol is sold and distributed within the United States, importers are considered a type of supplier. As such, they are largely regulated like domestic producers, meaning they must distribute through wholesalers, who will sell to the retailers, where customers will finally be able to purchase the importer’s products. […]

Read More