Overview: New York Sales Tax

New York Sales Tax Returns

Sales tax is tax placed by the government on the sale of goods and services.

• It is typically calculated as the percentage of the purchase price and is collected by the retailer at the point of the sale.
• The retailer then remits the tax to the government.

As a business owner, you want to make sure you are collecting the correct amount of sales tax from your customers.

• Sales and use tax rates in New York State reflect a combined statewide rate of 4%, plus, the local rate in effect in the jurisdiction (city, county, or school district) where the sale occurs.

If you’re registered for sales tax purposes in New York State, you must file sales and use tax returns monthly, quarterly, or annually with the state. Even if your business did not make any taxable sales or purchases during the period, you must file your sales and use tax by the due date.

Sales Tax Quarters in New York

1. First quarter: December through February
2. Second Quarter: March through May
3. Third Quarter: June through August
4. Fourth Quarter: September through November

Sales tax returns are due on the 20th day of the month following the end of a filing schedule period.

• Ex: The second quarter filing for the period: 3/1/24 – 5/31/24 will be due on 6/20/24.

A business owner should always maintain detailed records of all sales, taxable and nontaxable, as well as the amount of sales tax collected.

Taxable Sales vs Non-Taxable Sales

Taxable sales are transactions that are subject to sales tax. Some examples of taxable sales include:

• Tangible items such as clothing, electronics, furniture
• Certain services such as repairs, maintenance, entertainment

Non-taxable sales are transactions that are exempt from sales tax. Some examples of non-taxable sales include:

• Items for resale
• Medical services
• Educational services

Sales Tax Forms

ST-810 Form: New York State Quarterly Sales and Use Tax Return for Monthly Filers

ST-809 Form: New York and Local Sales and Use Tax Return for Part-Quarterly (Monthly) Filers.

• You will be required to file a monthly sales tax return if the combined amount of your taxable quarterly sales and purchases subject to use tax during any quarter is $300,000 or more.

ST-100 Form: New York State and Local Quarterly Sales and Use Tax Return for Quarterly Filers.

• You will be required to file a quarterly sales tax return if the combined amount of your taxable quarterly sales and purchases subject to use tax during any quarter is less than $300,000 during the previous quarter and more than $3,000

ST-101 Form: New York State and Local Sales and Use Tax Return for Annual filers.

• You will be required to file an annual return if you owe $3,000 or less in tax during an annual filing period.

If you're a business owner in the New York Metro Area and need help making the best decisions for your business, request a consultation with our experienced accountants today. We look forward to providing you service.