According to a recent report by the Tax Foundation, New York has the second worst business tax climate in the entire county. Think about that… 48 out of 49 other states have a better business tax climate than New York. 97.9% of the other states in the union have a better business tax climate than New York. If they decide to mint official state quarters again, the New York State quarter will probably replace the Statute of Liberty with an auditor knocking on a business’s door.
Don’t pack your bags for neighboring New Jersey yet though because the report claims New Jersey is the only state that is worse.
While we can’t do anything to change that except vote and reach out to our elected officials, we can provide you with some simple tips to help limit your New York State sales and use tax exposure.
1. File sales tax returns even if you don’t think your sales are subject to tax. Unless fraud is committed, filing sales tax returns starts the statute of limitation running. You’ll be better protected if the statute of limitation restricts the audit period to three years instead of the usual six years when no returns have been filed. People make honest mistakes and misunderstandings happen so you should try to limit any potential audit period. Plus, just because you might not have a sales tax issue doesn’t mean you won’t get caught by that sneaky use tax.
2. Keep adequate books and records. Failing to keep the right documentation is a pitfall that many businesses get trapped by. It’s simple: If you don’t keep the right records then the auditor can basically make up a number and if an auditor makes up a number you won’t be happy. Keeping the correct documentation can also help your position when the auditor is considering whether to abate penalties and reduce interest.
3. If you have been assessed from an audit, expect another audit. If you made mistakes in the past, New York State is almost certainly going to come back to make sure you corrected those mistakes. Honestly, why wouldn’t they? They want you to comply with the tax laws. And at the end of the day, if you have a good customer, aren’t you going to go back to that customer?
New York State might be okay with being the second worst but don’t let them drag your business or your clients down with them. Contact Sales Tax Defense LLC if you have a sales tax problem so we can help!
Mark L. Stone, CPA, MST
Sales Tax Defense LLC
Phone: 631-491-1500
2106 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729
Black Westchester
Black Westchester - News With The Black Point Of View is an online news magazine for people of color for Westchester and the Tri- State area of New York at every economic level. Our mission is to promote the concept of “community” through media.
1 comment
I am a New Yorker born and raised. Many, many of us are leaving or have left. We can’t afford to live or own businesses in our own home town. It’s a shame!
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