Sales or "use tax" on items purchased for which the seller didn't collect the tax can be paid on your state tax return.
For example, the California state return specifically asks the taxpayer to report any unpaid sales taxes. They can also be paid directly to the state agency that administers sales taxes. See here for more information.
I'm having trouble finding where to enter this in TT. I am needing to amend my return, so figured I can make it part of that. I went through my state section, and searched for "sales tax," but TT isn't asking anything related to unpaid sales tax on purchases.
To assist you, can you clarify which state you are filing taxes in? This will help us guide you.
Any unpaid online sales tax would not be reported on your personal income tax return within Arizona. The state of Arizona does has a Transaction Privilege Tax that is imposed on businesses selling within Arizona where sellers are required to report the sales taxes.
It sounds like I just need to calculate the amount and send them a check:
https://azdor.gov/individuals/income-tax-filing-assistance/understanding-use-tax
@rwom1217 wrote:
It sounds like I just need to calculate the amount and send them a check:
https://azdor.gov/individuals/income-tax-filing-assistance/understanding-use-tax
Yes, with regard specifically to Arizona, the use tax is not part of the state income tax return, it is a separate voluntary payment. (For some, but not all states, a voluntary disclosure and payment is included in the state income tax return.)
When you say voluntary, does that mean it isn't legally required?
@rwom1217 wrote:
When you say voluntary, does that mean it isn't legally required?
It is legally required, but Arizona has not created a specific form to collect the tax. You must declare and pay it yourself.
Other states have made the declaration part of their state tax return, and have created a "safe harbor" formula so that if you pay what they estimate for you, they won't come after you for more if it turns out you made more un-taxed purchases than they estimated.