Sales and Use Taxes

AMSOIL continuously monitors and adjusts for complex sales and use taxes. While Congress debates The Marketplace Fairness Act, a proposed...

August 1, 2013

AMSOIL continuously monitors and adjusts for complex sales and use taxes. While Congress debates The Marketplace Fairness Act, a proposed tax bill that would make it easier for states to collect sales tax on internet purchases, AMSOIL would like to remind Dealers of the current laws.
AMSOIL collects state and state-run local-jurisdiction sales taxes from all Dealers and customers unless they have a valid exemption certificate on file. While this relieves Dealers of much of their sales tax compliance burden, they may still incur use taxes.
Use tax comes into play when products are purchased tax-free and used. It can arise several different ways. For example, if you purchase products tax-exempt with a valid resale certificate, and you personally use those products, a use tax is due. This could be for a quart of oil removed from your inventory and used in your lawn mower or any products given away as gifts or samples. As another example, if you pick up products from the Portland Distribution Center, but live outside Oregon, a use tax is due in your home state. AMSOIL has distribution centers in two states without a state sales tax, Oregon and Alaska. The previous examples, and other situations, can create tax obligations Dealers are responsible for paying.
If AMSOIL collects the wrong amount of sales tax, Dealers can use the Sales Tax Refund Claim Form (G20) to report the inaccuracy. Whether reporting an overpayment or underpayment, the claim form will document the proper tax and allow AMSOIL to remit or refund the correct amount. Section 5 of the form relates to personal use. If AMSOIL collected sales tax from a Dealer based on suggested retail pricing, but the Dealer personally uses the product, the tax is re-calculated based on the wholesale pricing and the Dealer receives a refund for the overpayment. With the increase in state audits, be aware that if you are contacted by a state auditor, sales tax should never be paid twice. If AMSOIL collected and paid the correct amount of sales tax, you are not responsible for any additional tax liability on those purchases. Contact AMSOIL Account Services for copies of invoices where sales tax was paid.
Account Services Contact Information
Fax: (715) 395-5332
Direct Phone Line: (715) 399-6348