Utah Sales Tax on Out-of-State Purchases: What You Need to Know

Does Utah collect sales tax on out-of-state purchases?
If you purchase an item for use in Utah from an out-of-state retailer or on the internet and the retailer or internet seller does not collect the sales tax, then you must pay use tax on the item directly to the Tax Commission.
Read more on tax.utah.gov

One of the several states that charge sales tax on domestic transactions is Utah. But what about purchases made outside of the state? Are those also subject to sales tax in Utah? Yes, under some conditions Utah does demand the payment of sales tax on purchases made outside the state.

You must pay a use tax on an item you purchase from an out-of-state shop if the retailer does not charge Utah sales tax, according to the Utah State Tax Commission. Based on the item’s purchase price, this use tax is equal to the Utah sales tax rate. It’s crucial to understand that both physical and online purchases must comply with this criteria.

Utah mandates that, if certain conditions are met, out-of-state vendors collect sales tax in addition to the use tax. An out-of-state vendor is required to collect sales tax from Utah residents who make purchases from them if they have a physical presence in the state, such as a warehouse or office.

Whether Utah accepts out-of-state resale certificates is an additional crucial factor to take into account. Utah does accept out-of-state sales certificates as long as they comply with specific regulations, therefore the answer is yes. The certificate must be used specifically to purchase goods that will be sold, and it must be valid in the state where it was granted. Additionally, the seller is required to retain a copy of the certificate on file for a minimum of three years.

Utah is not a state that reciprocates when it comes to sales tax agreements. This implies that even if you make a purchase in a state where the sales tax rate is lower than Utah’s, you will still be responsible for paying the difference. You won’t have to pay the additional amount if, however, you make a transaction in a state with a higher sales tax rate than Utah.

So, in Utah, is it necessary to collect sales tax? The answer is affirmative if you have a nexus in the state. However, you are exempt from collecting sales tax if you are an out-of-state vendor without a physical presence in Utah. It’s crucial to keep in mind that Utah residents who buy things from you might still have to pay use tax on those purchases.

In conclusion, Utah does, in some cases, require the payment of sales tax on purchases made outside the state. It is crucial to comprehend these standards whether you are an out-of-state customer or seller to make sure you are in compliance with Utah’s sales tax rules.

FAQ
How do I become tax-exempt in Utah?

You must submit an application for a sales tax exemption certificate to the Utah State Tax Commission in order to become tax-exempt in Utah. Typically, this certificate is given to specific categories of organizations, such as governmental bodies and non-profits, that are free from paying sales tax on specific goods. Once your application for a sales tax exemption certificate has been granted, you can use it to avoid paying sales tax at merchants while making purchases.

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