Greenbush VA Sales Tax:
What Businesses Must Know

Sales tax range in Virginia

In 2024, sales tax rates in Virginia, including va sales tax, are structured similarly to the previous year with minor amendments, raising the question of what is virginia sales tax as it could affect planning and budgeting. Here's a brief overview of the ranges for 2024 and how they compare to 2023:

Statewide Base Rate

The base sales tax rate across Virginia remains at 4.3% in 2024, unchanged from 2023. This virginia sales tax rate applies to most tangible personal property sales.

Local Option Taxes

Local jurisdictions in Virginia can impose additional taxes based on local policy, which includes sales tax virginia, leading to questions such as how much is sales tax in Virginia and what is sales tax in Virginia. In 2024, these local option taxes range from 1% to 2%. This range is stable when compared to 2023, where local option taxes were also between 1% and 2%, providing clarity for those questioning what is the sales tax in Virginia.

Regional Rates

Specific regions have distinct additional taxes. For instance, the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions continue to levy a 0.7% regional transportation tax in 2024. This rate remains the same as in 2023 and is applicable to various goods and services, including the sales tax in VA on cars.

Combined Rates

Combining the base rate, local rate, and regional taxes, the overall va sales tax rate in certain areas like Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads can reach up to 7% in 2024. This cumulative rate mirrors the 7% rate seen in 2023, which includes the sales tax in VA on cars.

Reduced Rates for Food

The sales tax on groceries continues to be lower. In 2024, the reduced state sales tax rate on food and personal hygiene products remains at 1.5%, plus the local rate, keeping the effective rate at approximately 2.5%. This reduced rate has not changed from 2023.

Remote Sellers and Marketplace Facilitators

Starting from July 1, 2023, Virginia required remote sellers and marketplace facilitators exceeding certain sales thresholds to collect and remit sales tax. This rule remains enforced in 2024 with no changes in the threshold amounts.

Calculating Virginia sales tax

Identify the State Sales Tax Rate

The current state sales tax rate for Virginia is 4.3%.

Determine the Local Sales Tax Rate

Virginia's local sales tax rates vary by county and city and generally range from 0.7% to 1.7%.

Add State and Local Rates

For most localities, the total sales tax rate, including virginia state sales tax and sales tax VA, ranges from 5% to 6%, making it important to understand what is sales tax in Virginia and similarly, what is virginia sales tax.

Calculate State Sales Tax for E-commerce

In-state Sales: Apply the combined state and local sales tax rate based on the buyer's shipping address.

Out-of-state Sales: Generally, collect Virginia sales tax if the seller has a physical presence or significant economic nexus in the state.

Calculate Sales Tax for Software as a Service (SaaS)

Virginia does not consider SaaS as a taxable good but consult local guidelines as interpretations can vary, particularly in terms of the local rate.

Calculate Sales Tax for Services

Most services in Virginia are not subject to sales tax, except for those explicitly listed, such as accommodations and telecommunications.

Collecting the Tax

Remove the tax-exempt items and services before calculating the sales taxes. Example: If an item costs $100 in a locality with a 5.3% sales tax, the tax would be $100 x 0.053 = $5.30.

Filing and Remitting the Tax

Businesses are required to file periodic sales tax returns with the Virginia Department of Taxation.

E-commerce Specifics

Destination-based Taxation: Sales tax is calculated based on the buyer’s shipping address.

Exemptions and Deductions

Some items, like groceries and prescription drugs, might have reduced rates or exemptions.

Use Tax Consideration

If Virginia sales tax wasn't charged at the point of sale, the consumer may owe a use tax of the same rate.

Recent changes to Virginia sales tax

In 2024, Virginia enacted significant changes to its sales tax structure to enhance revenue and improve compliance. Key changes compared to 2023 include:

• The state sales tax rate increased from 5.3% to 5.5% effective January 1, 2024.
• A new higher tax rate of 6% was introduced for luxury goods, defined as non-essential items priced above $2,000, effective March 1, 2024.
• Online marketplace facilitators are now required to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers if their cumulative sales surpass $100,000 or 200 transactions annually, effective July 1, 2024. This is an expansion from the 2023 threshold of $500,000 or 500 transactions.
• A reduction in the food and personal hygiene item sales tax from 2.5% to 2%, providing tax relief on essential goods, effective January 1, 2024.
• The tax exemption for school supplies, clothing, and footwear extended the maximum purchase price eligible for exemption from $20 to $25 for school supplies and from $100 to $125 for clothing and footwear, effective August 1, 2024.

Understanding origin vs. destination sales tax collection

Virginia is a destination-based sales tax collection jurisdiction. This means that sales tax rates depend on the location where the purchaser takes possession of the purchased goods or services. Sellers are required to collect and remit sales tax based on the address where delivery is made or where the buyer takes possession.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Virginia Department of Taxation's guidelines on sales and use tax at: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/sales-and-use-tax.

Taxable products in Virginia

Tangible Personal Property

General Merchandise: This includes items like clothing, electronics, furniture, home appliances, and books.

Food and Beverages: Grocery items are generally taxed at a reduced rate. Prepared foods and beverages, such as those sold in restaurants or ready-to-eat meals, are subject to the general sales tax rate.

Digital Goods: Sales tax is applied to digital products like downloadable music, movies, ebooks, and software.

Automotive Products

Vehicles: The sale of motor vehicles is subject to a motor vehicle sales and use tax.

Auto Parts and Accessories: Parts, tires, and accessories for vehicles are also taxable.

Services

Certain Services: Some services that involve the creation or fabrication of tangible personal property, such as printing services or custom manufacturing, are subject to sales tax.

Utilities and Rentals

Utilities: Electricity, gas, and water services usually incur sales tax.

Rental Services: The rental of tangible personal property, including equipment and vehicles, is taxable.

Telecommunications and Information Services

Sales tax is applied to telephone services, internet services, and other telecommunications services.

Medical and Personal Care Products

Non-prescription Medicines and Personal Care Products: Over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and hygiene products are generally taxable.

Medical Devices and Prescription Drugs: These are usually exempt from sales tax.

Home and Garden Supplies:

Building Materials: Lumber, paint, and other home improvement materials are subject to sales tax.

Garden Supplies: Plants, soil, and gardening tools incur sales tax.

Is SaaS taxable in Virginia?

In Virginia, Software as a Service (SaaS) is generally not subject to sales tax as it is considered a service rather than tangible personal property.

However, specific circumstances and additional services bundled with SaaS could potentially alter its taxability. Always consult the latest state tax regulations for precise guidance.

Are digital products taxable in Virginia?

In 2024, digital products in Virginia are generally subject to sales tax.

This includes items like downloadable software, e-books, and digital audio or video content. The sales tax rate for digital products is typically the same as for physical goods. Certain exemptions may apply depending on specific use cases or types of products.

Are services taxable in Virginia?

In Virginia, the taxation of services is generally limited. Most services are not subject to sales tax, but there are exceptions, such as charges for certain labor, personal property services, and admissions to events.

Physical nexus

In 2024, Virginia's physical nexus requirements for sales tax have undergone changes compared to 2023. The following highlights how these requirements evolved:

Presence of Physical Facilities

In 2023, any physical presence, such as a store or warehouse, established a physical nexus. In 2024, this requirement remains unchanged; having a physical facility within Virginia continues to create a nexus.

Employees and Representatives

In 2023, having employees, agents, or representatives in the state who solicit sales or perform services triggered a nexus. By 2024, this requirement is still in effect, reaffirming that physical presence by personnel establishes a nexus.

Inventory Storage

Inventory warehousing was a nexus trigger in 2023 if goods were stored in third-party warehouses, including those used by fulfillment centers. For 2024, storing inventory in Virginia continues to result in nexus, maintaining the same criterion.

Temporary Physical Presence

In 2023, nexus was typically not established by transient or temporary physical presence unless it was regular or systematic. As of 2024, temporary physical presence, such as participation in trade shows or special events, continues not to establish a physical nexus unless there is consistency or regularity.

Affiliated Entities

In 2023, the presence of an affiliated entity in Virginia performing activities on behalf of the retailer could create nexus. The standard for 2024 remains that if an affiliated entity in Virginia enhances the business, it establishes a nexus.

Leased Property

Leasing property in Virginia triggered nexus in 2023. In 2024, leasing or renting property within the state continues to create a nexus.

Economic nexus

In 2024, Virginia's economic nexus for sales tax maintains several key elements while witnessing incremental adjustments compared to 2023. The primary aspects of these regulations pertain to the criteria that define economic presence and tax obligations.

Thresholds

In 2023, Virginia established economic nexus thresholds at $100,000 in gross revenue or 200 or more separate transactions. In 2024, these thresholds remain consistent. Sellers exceeding either threshold must register for and collect sales tax.

Reporting and Compliance

Compliance requirements for remote sellers remain intact from 2023 to 2024, emphasizing accurate reporting and timely payment of collected taxes. Virginia continues to enforce stringent penalties for non-compliance to ensure adherence.

Marketplace Facilitators

As in 2023, 2024 sees marketplace facilitators held to the same economic nexus standards as individual sellers. Facilitators conducting $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions are mandated to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of their sellers.

Exemptions

Product-specific exemptions, unchanged from 2023 into 2024, persist. Essential items like certain groceries and medications continue to be exempt from sales tax.

Audit and Review

Virginia sustains its aggressive approach to auditing and reviewing out-of-state sellers to enforce compliance effectively. The criteria for triggering audits remain consistent between 2023 and 2024, focusing on significant discrepancies and non-filing entities.

Technological Integration

The emphasis on the use of technology for compliance management continues, with Virginia enhancing its online platforms to streamline tax filing and payment processes from 2023 to 2024.

Sales tax exemption certificates

In Virginia, sales tax exemption certificates enable qualifying individuals or entities to purchase goods and services without paying sales tax, provided they meet specific criteria set by the state.

These certificates are typically issued to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and certain businesses engaged in reselling goods. The purchaser must present the exemption certificate to the seller at the time of the transaction. The seller is responsible for maintaining records of these certificates to verify the tax-exempt status of the transaction.

Misuse or inaccurate application of exemption certificates can result in penalties or fines, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation and compliance.

Sales tax discounts and incentives

In Virginia for the year 2024, businesses may benefit from several sales tax incentives and discounts designed to encourage economic growth and reduce operational costs. Here are a few key points:

Manufacturing and Research Exemptions: Virginia offers sales tax exemptions on the purchase of machinery, tools, and equipment used directly in manufacturing and research and development activities. This includes items crucial for the production process and R&D efforts.

Enterprise Zones: Businesses located in designated Enterprise Zones might be eligible for state and local incentives, including sales tax refunds. These zones are established to stimulate economic growth and investment within specific areas.

Data Centers: Operators of data centers can receive sales and use tax exemptions on specific equipment used directly in their operations. Virginia has become a hub for data centers, and this incentive plays a significant role in that development.

Agricultural Exemptions: Agricultural businesses can benefit from exemptions on purchases of specific farming equipment and machinery, fertilizers, feed, and other essential inputs.

Business-to-Business Transactions: Certain transactions between businesses, especially those involved in resale or further manufacturing, can be exempt from sales tax. It's pertinent that businesses maintain proper documentation to qualify for these exemptions.

Energy Efficiency: Purchases of energy-efficient equipment or renewable energy systems may qualify for incentives that can include sales tax exemptions or reductions, aligning with Virginia's efforts to promote sustainable practices.

State tax holidays in Virginia for 2024

Sales tax holidays are designated periods when specific items can be purchased without paying state sales tax. In 2024, Virginia does not have any scheduled sales tax holidays.