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Thread: Online Sales Tax Proposal

  1. #51

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by jerrywall View Post
    During an audit they look at bank accounts.
    The state of Oklahoma? LOL, that's a good one.

  2. #52

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by Stew View Post
    The state of Oklahoma? LOL, that's a good one.
    I've been audited. Multiple times but the state only once. They absolutely looked at my bank statements. If anything, working with Oklahoma was significantly worse than the IRS. (side note: owning small businesses can suck sometimes).

  3. Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Couple of thoughts....


    As pointed out previously, I doubt most people choose to buy on Amazon simply to save 8% in sales tax. They do it because it's convenient, more selection, easy return policy and often better prices.

    To me, what's helped the B&M retailers get more of my business is by being more customer friendly, loosening return policies and matching reputable online prices.

    I was in Academy Sports the other day buying the wife some boxing gloves (don't ask). I pulled up Amazon to get reviews and compare prices. The exact same item was 50% cheaper on Amazon. Fortunately, Academy will price match plus, take off an additional 5%. So, I shopped local. Target has done the same.

    I already shop at target over Walmart when I can and the difference if about the cost of sales tax - so, I don't think the 8% tax is a huge deciding factor.

    Lastly, if you wanna get an even better price than Amazon - install WikiBuy to your browser (desktop or phone). It's an awesome little plugin. When you search Amazon and pick an item - it finds the exact same item from other retailers cheaper. And, most do not collect sales tax and shipping is free. I've bought lots of items they suggested and have yet to have an issue and saved about 30% over Amazon.

    Also, I often find the same items new on Ebay for cheaper than B&M or Amazon (sometimes they are much higher though, so compare prices). Latest find.... Recently wanted a shelf for the tops of my iMac's (to sit portable drives, etc. on) and a shelf for the top of my TV (for my Cox mini box, Apple TV, Tivo mini, etc.). The Stanley brand TV shelf is $50 in B&M (plus tax), $37 on Amazon (soon to be plus tax), $33 on WikiBuy (no tax, no shipping fee) and $28 on Ebay (no tax, no shipping fee) - Exact Same Brand New Item. *FYI - if you need a shelf for the top of your TV or computer monitor - this thing is awesome and cheap!

    As for my reporting of online sales tax.... I use a CPA and my online purchases are marked in Quickbooks. She calculates the tax when she does my taxes. Fortunately, most of my online purchases are business related and deductible. But, again, I don't mind paying 8% when shopping the most convenient sellers and getting the best possible price.

  4. #54

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by BBatesokc View Post
    I was in Academy Sports the other day buying the wife some boxing gloves (don't ask).
    But I have to.

  5. #55

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by traxx View Post
    But I have to.
    Do you even fight bro? :P

  6. #56

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by jerrywall View Post
    I've been audited. Multiple times but the state only once. They absolutely looked at my bank statements. If anything, working with Oklahoma was significantly worse than the IRS. (side note: owning small businesses can suck sometimes).
    I'd be for abolishing Oklahoma corporate income tax, but don't see how it would be politically possible to raise a tax or make new taxes to make up for lost revenue.

  7. Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by traxx :
    But I have to.
    Quote Originally Posted by jerrywall View Post
    Do you even fight bro? :P
    She joined a boxing gym in Edmond and really likes it. Now, I have to be on my best behavior!

  8. #58

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    I was just thinking.. if Amazon could just add the estimated sales tax amount to the price shown for an item, this transition would be a lot easier.

    It looks like they have a spot on the Checkout page for estimated tax, but that means you'll have to go into your cart (or use the sidebar feature with the little dropdown) to see what your running tax total is.

    I'm sure Amazon won't do this, though, because they aggressively try to price match or beat other retailers and in their defense, taxes are not their problem.

    Like they say.. the only sure things in life are taxes and death, so this change was inevitable.

  9. #59

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Are there any Amazon facilities in Oklahoma?

    I couldn't find anything through my research.

  10. Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by Pete View Post
    Are there any Amazon facilities in Oklahoma?

    I couldn't find anything through my research.
    I've looked previously and did not find any. I believe Texas and Kansas have them though.

  11. #61

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by jerrywall View Post
    Do you even fight bro? :P
    I am no longer married, so the answer to that question is no.

  12. #62

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by BBatesokc View Post
    She joined a boxing gym in Edmond and really likes it. Now, I have to be on my best behavior!
    I'm scared of my wife already. I can't imagine if she had training...

  13. #63

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    So I had the npr on the radio today, they were discussing the Guv has penciled in 150-300 $ Million annually they expect to collect from Amazon. Sounds like the Okies don't like to voluntarily pay their online sales taxes, lol.

  14. #64

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by Bits_Of_Real_Panther View Post
    So I had the npr on the radio today, they were discussing the Guv has penciled in 150-300 $ Million annually they expect to collect from Amazon. Sounds like the Okies don't like to voluntarily pay their online sales taxes, lol.
    Who would. It's more work for the average person to try to figure out how much to owe to the government. Its kind of a pain just to get a report from amazon. This is by design I'm sure. Don't want people to know how much money they blow.

  15. #65

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by Bits_Of_Real_Panther View Post
    So I had the npr on the radio today, they were discussing the Guv has penciled in 150-300 $ Million annually they expect to collect from Amazon. Sounds like the Okies don't like to voluntarily pay their online sales taxes, lol.
    Pretty much. I believe the estimate is that approximately 96% of Oklahomans were not paying their use taxes.

    Quote Originally Posted by jn1780 View Post
    Who would. It's more work for the average person to try to figure out how much to owe to the government. Its kind of a pain just to get a report from amazon. This is by design I'm sure. Don't want people to know how much money they blow.
    Although it is not exactly accurate, the Oklahoma Tax Commission provides an easy calculation to estimate your use taxes from your AGI on your Oklahoma Form 511. I've always used that calculation to estimate how much I owe.

  16. #66

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by baralheia View Post
    Pretty much. I believe the estimate is that approximately 96% of Oklahomans were not paying their use taxes.

    Although it is not exactly accurate, the Oklahoma Tax Commission provides an easy calculation to estimate your use taxes from your AGI on your Oklahoma Form 511. I've always used that calculation to estimate how much I owe.
    I tried saying this earlier in the thread: most people have not paid sales tax on Amazon and in my experiences most people did not know we were supposed to be claiming. Then, I come on here and say that and it's like everyone here says they pay them every year. Or, there are few who knew, but still used Amazon as a means to avoid a sales tax (more power to them, in my opinion - I won't demonize them).

    The law was never really clear or out in the open. This should have been what was done from the beginning. Regardless, I'm glad we can finally put all of this behind us.
    I can't wait to see how in a few years this won't be enough for the state and municipalities, though. It has the potential to be the casino/gambling/lottery debacle all over again: "But, what about all the money from the lottery our schools were supposed to get?!"

  17. #67

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by TU 'cane View Post
    I tried saying this earlier in the thread: most people have not paid sales tax on Amazon and in my experiences most people did not know we were supposed to be claiming. Then, I come on here and say that and it's like everyone here says they pay them every year. Or, there are few who knew, but still used Amazon as a means to avoid a sales tax (more power to them, in my opinion - I won't demonize them).

    The law was never really clear or out in the open. This should have been what was done from the beginning. Regardless, I'm glad we can finally put all of this behind us.
    I can't wait to see how in a few years this won't be enough for the state and municipalities, though. It has the potential to be the casino/gambling/lottery debacle all over again: "But, what about all the money from the lottery our schools were supposed to get?!"
    I don't think there's an over promise in this case. They're not talking about the billions of revenue like Henry promised. Even if it's only $85 million in additional revenue, plus an increase in local sales, this is beneficial. The actual projections are $300 million IIRC but I expect the reality will be a bit less, but with increase local retail, which means more income taxes and improved employment.

  18. #68

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by jerrywall View Post
    I don't think there's an over promise in this case. They're not talking about the billions of revenue like Henry promised. Even if it's only $85 million in additional revenue, plus an increase in local sales, this is beneficial. The actual projections are $300 million IIRC but I expect the reality will be a bit less, but with increase local retail, which means more income taxes and improved employment.
    You are right, I guess there isn't a "promise" with this.

  19. Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Just throwing in my post-Amazon tax collection experience so far.

    Since Mar. 1, I have placed 4 separate Amazon orders (mostly office and gardening supplies). Totals have ranged from $80-$2,200. The percentage of tax that has been added to each sale has ranged from 3.7%-4.9%. Not really sure why it varies and Amazon isn't telling me if some items are not being taxed while others are. Regardless, it looks like what they are collecting is the overall state tax and not the local taxes. Last time I checked the state tax was either 4 or 4.5%. If so, it ridiculous to think local retailers are loosing sales to the Internet simply because of taxes.

  20. #70

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by BBatesokc View Post
    Just throwing in my post-Amazon tax collection experience so far.

    Since Mar. 1, I have placed 4 separate Amazon orders (mostly office and gardening supplies). Totals have ranged from $80-$2,200. The percentage of tax that has been added to each sale has ranged from 3.7%-4.9%. Not really sure why it varies and Amazon isn't telling me if some items are not being taxed while others are. Regardless, it looks like what they are collecting is the overall state tax and not the local taxes. Last time I checked the state tax was either 4 or 4.5%. If so, it ridiculous to think local retailers are loosing sales to the Internet simply because of taxes.
    I did a price check example before, but I'm going to do another one, because it is so insane. I have an air purifier, and those things require you to replace the filters periodically. I also use a Brita pitcher, and same story. I tried to price the Brita filters at the local Walmart, ended up not finding them anywhere, but I did find the air filters and figured I'd take a quick look, as I've always bought them from Amazon because frankly I didn't even know Walmart carried them, at least not in the stores.

    There is a big 'primary' filter that lasts 6 months to a year. I pay Amazon $11.89 each. Walmart wanted $17.94. There's also a 'pre' filter, and if you use it it helps that primary filter last longer. These should be replaced every three months, and I pay Amazon $7.73 for a two-pack. Walmart wanted $19.95 for one. I didn't believe this either and figured someone had put the wrong label on, or the product on the wrong part of the shelf, but I compared the sticker to the box and no, they seriously wanted twenty bucks.

    I'll leave it as an exercise for the reader as to where I purchased and why, but here's a hint. If Walmart or anyone else thinks taxes figured into the equation for even one second, they're deluding themselves.

  21. Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by stile99 View Post
    ... Walmart wanted $19.95 for one. I didn't believe this either and figured someone had put the wrong label on, or the product on the wrong part of the shelf, but I compared the sticker to the box and no, they seriously wanted twenty bucks.

    I'll leave it as an exercise for the reader as to where I purchased and why, but here's a hint. If Walmart or anyone else thinks taxes figured into the equation for even one second, they're deluding themselves.
    Same thoughts here. The tax is not what draws me to or from a seller. It's price, convenience (both in the purchase and possible return), variety and reviews.

    Had a recent WalMart sticker shock myself. Went to buy replacement windshield wipers for three of our cars. I like the RainX brand Walmart carries and didn't think anything of the $20/ea. price tag (considering the dealer wants a lot more). For whatever reason I went to read reviews while standing there in WalMart with 6 sets of wipers in my basket. That's when I saw that Amazon sells the exact same wipers for 50% cheaper than WalMart (free shipping and probably only 4% tax collected).

    I also love Amazon's return policy. I think every time I've returned something (not very often), they credited my card as soon as they received a notification I had dropped the item off at a UPS store - No questions, no waiting until they received the package and inspected it, no hassle at all. While Walmart is pretty good about returns - you have to wait in line and then the lady wants to take everything out of the box and inspect it, call someone over from electronics and acts like you're pulling a scam.

  22. #72

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    huh... i purchased one item on 3/3 and was charged around 8.5%.

  23. #73

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    I bought a used book on March 3 and wasn't charged any tax. The third party seller is based outside of DC. Below is what it says at the link on the invoice on tax information. Crystal clear. Why does "Identity of the seller" matter? If the item shipped by a third party who does not have infrastructure in Oklahoma then Amazon as go between does not collect tax? That would explain why I wasn't charged. Also, what amazon says they dinged your card for is not really what they dinged your card for?

    How Sales Tax is Calculated

    If an item is subject to sales tax in the state to which the order is shipped, tax is generally calculated on the total selling price of each individual item. In accordance with state tax laws, the total selling price of an item will generally include item-level shipping and handling charges, item-level discounts, gift-wrap charges, and an allocation of order-level shipping and handling charges and order-level discounts.

    The amount of tax charged on your order will depend upon many factors including Identity of the seller, type of item purchased, and destination of the shipment. Factors can change between the time you place an order and the time of credit card charge authorization, which could affect the calculation of sales taxes. The amount appearing on your order as Estimated Tax may differ from the sales taxes ultimately charged.

  24. Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Quote Originally Posted by Martin View Post
    huh... i purchased one item on 3/3 and was charged around 8.5%.
    I looked over my order history. While, at the time of checkout, it didn't show me a breakdown of the taxes collected, my individual invoice history does shed more light on the tax issue.

    The order I placed this morning (all one order) was later broken down into 3 separate invoices in my Amazon purchase history. Two of the invoices didn't charge any tax at all. The third did. When you apply the math only to the invoice with taxes collected, it jump a little - to 6.2%.

    Which still makes me wonder - How in the heck are they calculating this?

  25. #75

    Default Re: Online Sales Tax Proposal

    Isn't Amazon a weird mix of stuff that is actually sold by Amazon itself, and then things that are sold by other sellers with Amazon only warehousing and fulfilling the orders?

    Makes me wonder if Amazon is only collecting on stuff that is sold by Amazon itself, and not collecting on stuff that is only filled and shipped by Amazon.

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