Sales tax is due on internet purchases!
You may notice sometimes when you purchase items by phone, catalog, or internet that you are not charged Wisconsin sales tax for these items. It is a common myth that sales tax is not due on items purchased from a company out of state. Wisconsin sales tax is due on the purchase of all taxable items. Many companies out of state do not charge Wisconsin sales tax even though they should. If this happens to you, then it is your responsibility to pay the sales tax due on those purchases. You should save these invoices throughout the year and include them with your income tax documents. The sales tax due is added directly to your income tax return and paid when the return is filed.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is attempting to increase compliance this year for sales tax. A box must be checked on your individual income tax return certifying that no sales tax is due on internet, mail order, or other out-of-state purchases. Please keep this in mind throughout the year and save those invoices! Many of the larger internet companies are now in compliance but many other companies are not charging Wisconsin sales tax. If you have any questions about whether a purchase is subject to sales tax, please contact our office at (262) 798-8160.