I clean windows in washington state and to my knowledge I don’t have to apply sales tax to window cleaning or gutter cleaning. The only thing I’m supposed to apply it to is pressure washing. I’ve been checking out various estimate sheets on here because I’m looking to change mine up a bit. I’ve noticed that some people are charging sales tax for window cleaning.
Is that a state by state thing? Does anyone know? I’d hate to get hit during an audit. I’d appreciate any info and wisdom
Regulations will vary from state to state. States all tax in different ways and different rates. Sales tax, use tax, property tax, etc… Check with your secretary of state, they usually have info on business filings, taxes, and can lead you in the direction of licensing or regulation.
Where I am located, we have to charge sales tax per county we work in. Most counties are the same % rate. There are a few that are .25 or .50 % different than the others. Keeping track of each county is a real pain. We also have to keep track of what city we work in so that each city gets a slice of the pie. It totally sucks and is a book keepers nightmare.
As far as the sales tax goes in my area, you must submit it on time monthly to avoid stiff fines.