The subject of whether sales tax is applicable to internet purchases has grown in importance over the past several years as online shopping has grown in popularity. One of the biggest internet markets, eBay, is no different. The quick response is that yes, depending on a number of different variables, eBay does apply sales tax on some purchases.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to remember that eBay is a marketplace and not a retailer. This implies that rather than being set by eBay itself, individual states set the sales tax for purchases made on the website. By 2021, 38 states will have regulations in place requiring online marketplaces like eBay to collect and send sales tax from customers who are located in those jurisdictions. The term “marketplace facilitator tax” applies to this.
Sales tax is not necessarily required for every eBay purchase, though. Only purchasers residing in states with legislation regulating marketplace facilitators are subject to the fee. Additionally, several things, including groceries, clothing, and prescription medicines, may not be subject to sales tax.
Moving on, the answer to the linked query of whether Detroit has a sales tax is yes. The sales tax in the city of Detroit, Michigan, is 6%. The combined sales tax in Detroit is 12% as a result of this in addition to the 6% state sales tax in Michigan.
Similar to this, Michigan law normally exempts from sales tax business products like office supplies and cleaning materials. However, a shop supply may be charged sales tax if it is utilized directly in the creation or manufacture of a product.
And last, there is controversy around the continued taxation of tampons. Tampons and other menstruation items were no longer subject to sales tax in Michigan as of 2020. The fact that not all states have this exemption has been the topic of continuous discussion and advocacy activities.
The specifics of whether or not a transaction is liable to tax depend on a variety of criteria, including the buyer’s location and the sort of item being purchased, even though eBay does apply sales tax on some purchases. Additionally, there are differences in the rates and exemptions of the sales tax by state and even by city, so it is crucial to understand the local tax regulations.