Blog

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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What States Do Not Allow Alcohol to be Shipped?

The direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping model is growing in popularity, as the DtC wine channel recently broke the $4 billion per year mark, and 92% of craft beer drinkers are looking to order their favorite brews to the front door. It’s no surprise that producers, retailers and other potential shippers are itching to meet the growing […]

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Understanding Changes in Form 1099-K Reporting for 2023

Editor’s note: This blog was updated on November 28, 2023 Update: Since this content was published, the IRS released additional guidance further delaying and making changes to the implementation of the lowered Form 1099-K reporting threshold for 2023 returns. Read our recent blog post for additional details about the latest Form 1099-K reporting threshold requirements.   […]

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Crypto Tax & Unclaimed Property Compliance – A Year-Round Approach – Part II

Part I of II – written by Wendy Walker Click here to read part I of the series. This quarterly blog series focuses on tax information reporting (TIR) and unclaimed property (UP) issues impacting businesses facilitating transactions involving digital assets. Each quarter, Sovos experts will provide updates and reminders on tax and UP issues in advance […]

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How to Manage Sales Tax in DtC Shipping

Managing sales tax obligations can be complex in the direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol beverage shipping space. Luckily, Sovos ShipCompliant’s Alex Koral, regulatory general counsel, broke down key considerations in the recent Understanding Sales Tax for the DtC Shipper webinar. Here are highlights from the presentation to help you better understand the many nuances of this tricky […]

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What Should I Know About Certificate of Label Approvals (COLAs)?

Beverage alcohol suppliers and producers selling in the United States typically must obtain Certificate of Label Approvals (COLAs) from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) before product distribution. This ensures that suppliers and producers are compliant with federal regulations regarding the design of their alcohol labels. (Additionally, most states have their own […]

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5 Benefits to Attending Sovos’ Insurance Regulatory Summit

Where can you go to receive best-in-class education on insurance accounting and theory, network with your insurance professional peers, earn CPE credits and stay ahead of industry change? Sovos’ 2022 Insurance Regulatory Summit is that opportunity. This is an annual, exclusive event providing the insurance industry with premier educational sessions from regulatory experts and instructors. […]

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