Blog

Federal Court Rejects Washington’s Attempt to Dismiss DtC Lawsuit

In late October, the District Court of Eastern Washington rejected an effort by the state to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its prohibition on direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of spirits by out-of-state producers. While the case remains open before the court, the full-throated denial of the motion to dismiss was notable for what it signals about how […]

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Consumers with Buying Power Want DtC Beer Shipping

Direct-to-consumer (DtC) beer shipping has remained out of reach for beer enthusiasts who crave the convenience of having their favorite brews delivered right to their doorstep. The demand for DtC beer shipping is palpable, but the supply is disappointingly scarce, with only 10 states and D.C. allowing beer to be shipped to its residents. A […]

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They’re Here…Tax Reporting Season Updates

During our recent “Spooky Season Tax Updates” webinar, we discussed the most important changes that will affect filers in the upcoming tax reporting season. From a lowered e-filing threshold to Transmitter Control Code (TCC) requirements, the implications of changing IRS and state government reporting rules and regulations can be tricky to combat. But don’t worry: […]

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Subscription Streaming in the Sales Tax Crosshairs

As the U.S. economy teeters on a recession and budget shortfalls emerge, states begin searching for ways to expand sales tax revenue. Companies that offer subscription streaming services are increasingly finding themselves the targets of newly proposed taxes and attempts to expand and contort existing taxes to include streaming providers. What is the current sales […]

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Utilizing a ‘How To’ Manual to Prepare Your Annual Statement

While the NAIC Annual Statement instructions are useful when completing your annual statement, they don’t always address every page or every row/column on an exhibit or schedule. The instructions also exclude insights and preparation suggestions that could help you prepare your annual statement more efficiently. If you find yourself looking for more than what the […]

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2nd Annual DtC Spirits Shipping Report Sees Rise in Consumer Demand

Sovos ShipCompliant recently released its second annual Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report, in partnership with the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA). In just its second year, the report shows consumer demand for DtC spirits shipping is on the rise, with 87% of regular craft spirits drinkers saying they want to be able to legally purchase craft […]

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What You Need to Know about the IRIS System for 2023 Reporting

Another tax information reporting season is approaching quickly. As businesses begin the process of filing information with the IRS, there are some important updates that need to be kept in mind. If you previously filed forms in the 1099 series with the IRS via the File Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system, you will now have […]

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Wineries and Distilleries Must Register for the CA Bottle Bill Now

On January 1, 2024, wines and spirits sold in California will become subject to the state’s Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, or bottle bill. As the effective date draws near, wineries and distilleries selling in California need to prepare themselves for the new requirements. (Beer and low-ABV mixed drinks were already part of the Act.) […]

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4 Challenges When Relying Only on Core Banking Systems for Tax

Banks and credit unions typically use core banking systems that house customer data and other tax information related to customer accounts. When tax information reporting season arrives, these are the back-end systems that data is pulled from. However, there are challenges in utilizing just these systems and not also utilizing a tax information reporting solution […]

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Use Sovos CertManager to Ease Tax Process After an Acquisition

CFOs have a lot to consider, especially if their company recently acquired another organization. Are you fully aware of that business’ tax process? How do you know if their approach to exemption certificate management was compliant? With Sovos CertManager, ensuring a smooth tax process after an acquisition doesn’t have to be an unreachable goal – […]

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Maximize Sales Tax Savings While Minimizing Risk for Manufacturers

Manufacturers often buy expensive stuff, including the enormous pieces of machinery and equipment necessary to efficiently run their production processes. In almost every state, manufacturers can purchase at least some items to be used in the production process free of sales tax or possibly subject to a reduced rate. However, the scope of available exemptions […]

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How Sovos CertManager Helps Growing Businesses with Sales Tax

Exemption certificate management can be an extremely time-consuming and costly challenge for businesses, especially as their organization expands into new jurisdictions. How can you ensure that all customer and exemption data is correct? Is any data missing? If your team is still utilizing a manual process, are you positive that nothing was overlooked? For growing […]

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2023 Beverage Alcohol Summit Takeaways

The two-day 2023 Sovos ShipCompliant Beverage Alcohol Summit virtual event included a wide variety of speakers covering topics that affect every level of the industry. Some of the highlights from the event are presented below. Actionable DEI Strategies for Growth Dr. J Jackson-Beckham, of Brewers Association, shared five strategies to build diversity, equity, inclusion and […]

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How Can Women-Led Beverage Alcohol Companies Change the Industry?

The beverage alcohol industry might no longer be strictly viewed as a “boys’ club,” but there are a minority of women leading organizations in the space. However, the number of women-led wineries, breweries and distilleries is on the rise, which – as we’ll explain – is likely a very positive thing for the industry. Let’s […]

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Potential Government Shutdown Will Affect Beverage Alcohol Industry

Unless Congress is able to pass an appropriations bill in the next few days, the U.S. government is set to shut down all nonessential services effective October 1, 2023. This will include (among many other agencies) the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which will impact the beverage alcohol industry. If the shutdown […]

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Why Conduct a Pilot Season for Tax Information Reporting?

Another tax information reporting season is just around the corner and now is the time to start preparing your teams handling forms such as Series 1099, 1098, 1042-S, 3921, 5498, W-2, W-2G and more. Getting your teams ready and testing your reporting process ahead of January ensures you are set up for a successful season. […]

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Sovos Education Returns to Orlando with Statutory Accounting CPE

If you didn’t join us in D.C. or San Francisco earlier this year, you won’t want to miss one last opportunity in 2023 to take part in live continuing education. Sovos Education is returning to the Orlando area for a full week of statutory accounting CPE opportunities and we’re hoping to see you there. Sun […]

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Prevent Consumer Confusion Around Hard Versions of Soft Drinks

A trend of the last few years has been the surge in new products entering the beverage alcohol market, from hard seltzers to RTD cocktails, along with the entry of well-established, traditionally non-alcoholic brands, like Hard Mountain Dew and Simply Spiked. While the growth of hard soft drinks is great for consumers, who benefit from […]

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