Wayfair Decision – Information for Wisconsin Businesses

A Wisconsin business' in-state sales of products and services are not affected by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. The Court's decision provides that a state can require out-of-state sellers without a physical presence in that state (i.e., remote sellers) to collect and remit sales and use tax on sales delivered into that state. Therefore, if a Wisconsin business sells a taxable item that is delivered to a location in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin business will collect and remit the applicable taxes based on the delivery location in Wisconsin. This tax treatment was not changed by the Court's decision on June 21, 2018.

However, Wisconsin businesses must determine if they are required to collect another state's sales or use tax on sales delivered outside Wisconsin. Each state's laws and rules are different and applying the Court's decision will vary by state. In addition, the implementation dates for states that are requiring remote sellers to collect their sales or use tax may be different. A Wisconsin business should contact each state it makes sales into to determine if the Wisconsin business is required to collect that state's tax.

Wisconsin is one of 24 states that are members of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board. Streamlined Sales Tax information is provided on the department's Streamlined Sales and Use Tax webpage. The Streamlined Sales Tax website also has numerous member and non-member state resources available to assist Wisconsin businesses. These resources include:

  • Streamlined Sales Tax Registration System – Wisconsin businesses can register for sales and use tax in the member states by submitting a single application. There is no fee to complete and submit this online registration.
  • Certified Service Providers (CSPs) FAQs – CSPs are certified under the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement to perform all the seller's sales and use tax functions, except the seller's obligation to remit tax on its own purchases. A CSP allows a business to outsource most of its sales tax administration responsibilities. Wisconsin businesses have an option to contract with a CSP when registering through the Streamlined Sales Tax Registration System.
  • Remote Sellers: SD v Wayfair Decision – Wisconsin businesses can access updated remote seller information based on the Court's decision. This webpage provides contact information for states and various FAQs, including collection dates and registration information.
  • Remote Seller Guidance by State – Chart – Wisconsin businesses can access remote seller information for both Streamlined Sales Tax member states and non-member states. The chart provides state specific guidance, including links to state websites, remote seller compliance dates, remote seller thresholds, and links to each state's remote seller guidance web page.
  • State Website and Contact Information – Wisconsin businesses can access sales tax information for both Streamlined Sales Tax member states and non-member states. Information includes links to state websites, customer service contact information, registration pages, sales and use tax rates, and taxable/exempt information for each state.

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of December 28, 2023: subchapter III of Ch. 77, Wis. Stats.

Laws enacted and in effect after this date, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to this date, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, according to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.

The department welcomes your input on our guidance. Submit comments on this guidance document.

Guidance Document Number: 100242

December 28, 2023