Important Details on the Tennessee Economic Nexus

Alex Koral
November 30, 2020

This blog was last updated on June 7, 2021

Following the South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. decision, almost every state has adjusted its sales tax nexus. The Tennessee economic nexus is no exception. Initially, Tennessee required remote sellers with $500,000 or more in sales to Tennessee customers to register and collect Tennessee sales and use tax. However, as of October 1, 2020, the threshold decreased to $100,000. Below, we have highlighted several of the key points for remote sellers and marketplace facilitators.

Enforcement date:
October 1, 2019; threshold change effective October 1, 2020.

Sales/transactions threshold:
$100,000.

Measurement period:
Threshold applies to the previous 12 months.

Included transactions/sales:
Retail sales to individuals, businesses, organizations, and any other purchaser, whether the sale is taxable or exempt.

When You Need to Register Once You Exceed the Threshold:
The first day of the third month following the month in which the threshold is met. For example, if a seller meets the threshold on January 15, it must register, collect and remit sales tax beginning on April 1, for any sales made on and after April 1.

Summary: Tennessee has imposed sales tax obligations on remote sellers since October 2019. However, under Senate Bill (S.B.) 2932, the sales threshold for when economic nexus would apply was lowered from $500,000 to $100,000. At the same time, Tennessee adopted rules imposing sales tax obligations on marketplace facilitators for sales made by their users. Effective October 2020, both remote sellers and marketplace facilitators must register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue to collect sales tax for sales made in the state once they make $100,000 or more in sales. 

“Beginning on October 1, 2020, marketplace facilitators that make or facilitate more than $100,000 in sales to Tennessee customers in the previous 12-month period are required to collect and remit Tennessee sales tax,” according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. “The sales tax is collected on sales made by marketplace sellers to Tennessee customers. Marketplace facilitators that do not have at least $100,000 in total sales in this state do not have a collection responsibility.”

Tennessee Sales Tax Resources: Contact our team of experts for more information on the Tennessee economic nexus and how it has evolved. Also check out our interactive sales tax nexus map for real-time updates on every state.

Take Action

Check out our workshop on how to file your Tennessee state sales tax return.

Sign up for Email Updates

Stay up to date with the latest tax and compliance updates that may impact your business.

Author

Alex Koral

Alex Koral is Senior Regulatory Counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant in the company’s Boulder, Colorado office. He actively researches beverage alcohol regulations and market developments to inform development of Sovos’ ShipCompliant product and help educate the industry on compliance issues. Alex has been in the beverage alcohol arena since 2015, after receiving his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.
Share this post

alcohol deliveries
North America ShipCompliant
December 20, 2024
What if No One is Home to Sign for an Alcohol Delivery?

This blog was last updated on December 20, 2024 When no one is home to sign for an alcohol delivery, it becomes more than just a minor hiccup for direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers. It’s a domino effect that transforms a perfectly curated product into a customer’s disappointment before it’s ever opened. This becomes an even […]

taxation of motor insurance policies france
North America VAT & Fiscal Reporting
December 18, 2024
Taxation of Motor Insurance Policies: France

This blog was last updated on December 18, 2024 France is one of the most challenging countries in Europe when it comes to the premium tax treatment of motor insurance policies. This is mainly due to the variety of taxes and charges that can apply and the differing treatment of different vehicle types. This blog […]

california bottle bill compliance
North America ShipCompliant
December 13, 2024
California Bottle Bill: Compliance Updates for Wine and Spirits

This blog was last updated on December 16, 2024 California’s bottle bill got a major upgrade earlier this year, and it’s changed the rules for wineries, distilleries and beverage distributors in a big way. For the first time, wine and spirits manufacturers will need to register with CalRecycle, report sales and pay California Redemption Value […]

unclaimed property compliance for wineries
North America ShipCompliant
December 12, 2024
Unclaimed Property Compliance: What Wineries and Wine Clubs Need to Know

This blog was last updated on December 12, 2024 Although hard to believe, unclaimed property obligations impact ALL industries, including wineries and other wine clubs. While most companies typically only associate unclaimed property with outstanding checks, including accounts payable and payroll, there are other exposures for wineries and wine clubs to consider. Understanding these risks […]

retail delivery fees for alcohol shipping
North America ShipCompliant
December 5, 2024
Navigating Retail Delivery Fees: A Guide for DtC Alcohol Sellers

This blog was last updated on December 5, 2024 Direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers are no strangers to navigating a complex regulatory landscape. However, recently, a new challenge has emerged—the rise of retail delivery fees. From excise taxes to shipping restrictions, the industry has long dealt with a maze of state-specific rules that require careful attention […]