Sales tax is one of the most interesting and challenging taxes. It involves clients in every possible industry. Every business has sales tax exposure, no exceptions. Even if a business does not make taxable sales (like a law firm), it still makes taxable purchases of goods and services used in the business (desks, computers, software, paper, pens, utilities, etc.). Even tax-exempt organizations (charities, religious organizations, etc.) must worry about sales tax compliance in several states, including New York State.

For more than 50 years, Hodgson Russ attorneys have been called upon to help thousands of clients navigate complex and confusing sales and use tax issues. Every client, no matter how sophisticated, has questions and concerns. We can handle your issues no matter where you are in the process.

From the first steps of a fledgling startup to the mature compliance issues of a multinational conglomerate, our attorneys have the experience to tackle your sales tax issues with competence, professionalism, and efficacy. We have successfully helped startups correctly apply the sales tax rules to their activities across multiple states. In addition, we have successfully defended audits across the country and in New York State. We have also successfully litigated cases where the taxing authorities have advanced an incorrect position that exceeds their authority under the applicable sales tax rules.

Our Experience

  • Audit Defense
  • Technology Sector
  • Construction and Contracting
  • Hospitality
  • Sales of Business Assets
  • High-End Luxury Items

Additional Resources

  • Frequently asked questions, and their answers, regarding sales and use tax audits can be found in the New York Sales and Use Tax Answer Book, written by Hodgson Russ attorneys Mark S. Klein and Joshua K. Lawrence. Purchase on Amazon. 


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News & Insights

Podcasts

  • Stupid Sales Tax Rules

    Have you ever really looked into some of the distinctions between what makes an item taxable or nontaxable in New York? Well, we have, and some of the rules are just plain outrageous. Joe is joined by Mark Klein, Joe Endres, and Josh Lawrence to discuss some of New York State’s silliest sales tax rules. You’ll be shocked at how the tiniest difference can result in a hefty sales tax bill. The panel shares stories about some of the niche sales tax issues that have come up on audit.

  • Introduction to Sales Tax (Part 3): Audits

    Our introduction to sales tax series comes to a close with an in depth discussion on the audit process. Have you ever wondered what happens in a New York State sales tax audit? Joe Tantillo and Joe Endres break down the ins and outs of the audit process. They discuss the rights of the taxpayer, audit procedure, and potential outcomes.

  • Introduction To Sales Tax (Part 2): If I Sell It, Will They Tax?

    The two Joes continue their sales tax discussion by venturing into the topic of taxability. They discuss the basics of the taxation of sales of tangible personal property versus sales of services. And Joe Endres poses some interesting hypotheticals about the applicability of the New York State sales tax.

  • Introduction To Sales Tax (Part 1): Nexus

    Joe is joined by sales tax expert and SALT attorney, Joe Endres, for the first part of our Introduction to Sales Tax Series. The pair discuss one of the most important issues in the world of sales tax: nexus. Often a threshold issue for companies trying to determine the taxability of their sales, nexus is the connection between a seller and a state that requires the seller to register then collect and remit sales tax in the state. Whether a seller has nexus with a given state can be a complicated matter even for the most experienced tax professionals. The two Joes break down the law of nexus and analyze the complexities of the law.

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Sales & Use Tax / News & Insights