Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 2:00 – 3:30 pm EST

Instructors: Diane Yetter, YETTER; Karen Anderson, Unclaimed Property Recovery and Reporting, LLC; Jon Casher, IOFM

Topic: California Regulation Landmines: For Firms In and Outside the State

The state of California has always been one of the states that other jurisdictions look to in making their tax policy.  In recent years, California has watched from the side lines on some major initiatives.  But, in 2011 it finally took a position that resulted in a flurry of activity with a large taxpayer – Amazon.com.  The remote seller tax collection rules were changed retroactively and are dependent on federal action.  What are taxpayers expected to do in the meantime?  Learn the history of this far reaching requirement and how the effective date will be determined.

We will also cover some other general California sales and use tax provisions including the most exemptions, drop shipment rules and tax calculation rules that impact not only taxpayers in California but any remote sellers with California deliveries.

Benefits:

• Avoid liability and penalties for unpaid tax
• Gain an understanding of how these rules impact your organization
• In-state businesses will understand how to source their sales and use the correct tax rate
• Out-of-state businesses will understand when they have to collect California sales tax

Learning Objectives:

* Understand the California Click Through Nexus rules and when they will be effective

* Understand how to determine if an exemption applies to sales made to California customers

* Learn what rules apply to drop shipments to addresses in California

* Learn the correct sourcing rules that apply to California sales and how they differ for in state and out of state sellers

March 1, 2012, 1:05 pm EST

Palm Desert, CA

Instructors: Diane Yetter, YETTER; Scott Peterson, Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board; Harley Duncan, KPMG

Topic: Demystifying Business and Sales Tax Collection Requirements & Responsibilities

As some states face some of their worst budget crises, efforts to broaden the definition of a retailer doing business in the state subject to sales tax collection requirements has been gaining momentum.  This panel discussion brings together leaders in the sales and use tax arena to discuss the efforts being made by the states, federal legislative efforts and what the potential consequences are on businesses of all sizes.  The panel will address key issues facing e-tailers including managing risk, balancing customer relationships and competitive issues.  Key issues to be discussed will include:

-          Overview of the current landscape and tax collection requirements

-          Individual state activities in passing “click through” and affiliate nexus provisions including negotiations to delay legislation

-          Status of federal legislation regarding remote seller collection responsibilities

-          Impact of the federal legislation on the Streamlined Sales Tax Project activities

-          Discussion of the balance between additional sales & use tax revenue and cost of collection

-          Overview of the practical implications of tax collection and options available to e-tailers