Sales Tax

[Eric Manacsa]

Question on itemizing sales tax on contracts/reciept.

When I got my business tax id here in Los Angeles, I received two types. I got one for website services or what they consider multimedia services and a separate one for the photo/video portion of the business.

I was told that I need to charge taxes in the photo aspect of the business since I'm delivering a tangible item, the printed photos themselves.

For video, do you all charge sales tax since you are handing over a tangible item on DVD?

Thanks for answering this newbie question.

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Eric Manacsa

Question on itemizing sales tax on contracts/reciept.

When I got my business tax id here in Los Angeles, I received two types. I got one for website services or what they consider multimedia services and a separate one for the photo/video portion of the business.

I was told that I need to charge taxes in the photo aspect of the business since I'm delivering a tangible item, the printed photos themselves.

For video, do you all charge sales tax since you are handing over a tangible item on DVD?

Thanks for answering this newbie question.

This is one of those questions where you simply MUST talk to a local attorney or tax accountant familiar with both your business situation and the tax regulations in your specific location. They're the only people who can give you any reliable information..

[Justin Ferar]

Originally Posted by Eric Manacsa

For video, do you all charge sales tax since you are handing over a tangible item on DVD?

YES! Don't fool with the CA State Board of Equalization. Charge CA sales tax.

I called them myself and was told very directly.

[Tim Harjo]

Yes! to repeat what Justin said. I have never had a client that had a problem with this... even though they may have to pay a hundred or so dollars just for the tax.

Besides, by charging tax, it helps your image - in that you look established. Fly by night operations don't charge tax.

[Eric Manacsa]

Thanks for the response everyone. I looked over some contracts of established local video services and found they itemized sales tax as well. For my current gig this weekend, I absorbed the sales tax but itemized it on the contract so they know I'm a serious law abiding service provider.

I added fine print to my ad to state, "plus 8.25% California Sales Tax" so I don't have to absorb it in the future.

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