As of today, Wisconsin becomes the 20th full member state to the SST (which also has three associate member states, namely Utah, Ohio, and Tennessee). Welcome aboard!
Back on February 19th, when Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed his state’s Streamlined Sales and Use Tax conforming legislation into law, he said, “With streamlined sales taxes, we are restoring real fairness. I’ve worked very closely with retailers in the state, and it’s very unfair that they hire people and have a sales tax and their competitor on the Internet does not.” As of today, that situation could change.
Amnesty: And what is the especially good news for businesses that have not yet registered to collect Wisconsin sales and use tax? The amnesty program triggered by SST membership. With effect from July 1, 2009 (when Wisconsin became an associate member) through September 30, 2010, sellers that register and meet certain criteria will be spared the uncollected and unpaid state and local sales and use taxes, penalties and interest associated with nonpayment. Registration for the program is available through the Streamlined Sales Tax Central Registration System, found here.
Tax Rule Changes: Of the 574 tax rule changes that become effective today, sales and use tax will be imposed on certain digital goods. [***shameless corporate plug alert***] Avalara, as one of only four Certified Service Providers, planned for each of the rule changes and not only updated – but certified – all of these rules to be effective at 12:00 a.m. and one second, October 1st. Way to go, programmers, tax researchers, compliance, and other Avalara techno experts that made it happen! 
Filed under: Legislation, SST Tagged: | Avalara, CSP, Governor Doyle, SST, SST Governing Board, SST member state, Wisconsin
Congratulations Wisconsin and foreign people too! Great news for SST! :- ) Yeah!
The fact is clear that the states are joining into the SST initiative at a very good rate and we will one day in the US see the leveling of the playing field between the online companies and the brick/mortar co’s whether any one wants to admit it or not. Fair taxation matters in business.