Ohio sales tax guide for SaaS businesses

Is SaaS taxable in Ohio?

Ohio taxes a wide variety of SaaS and digital products, with limited exceptions. Ohio does not tax most professional and other people services, though there are exceptions when services are packaged together with SaaS and other software products.

Additionally, some products may be taxed differently in sales to individual consumers and to other businesses. Determining whether your digital product falls under one of these exceptions can be complex, so it’s recommended to consult with a tax professional.

It’s important to note that these rules can vary from state to state, so it’s crucial to research the tax laws in each state where you do business. It’s also important to understand that the taxability of digital products, including SaaS, can change depending on state legislation.

How to determine if your product is taxable in Ohio

To determine if your product is taxable in Ohio, you first need to assess its specific functionality to properly classify it under state law.

In Ohio, as well as other states, the concept of sales tax nexus also plays a vital role in determining a business’s tax liability. Nexus refers to the connection or relationship between a business and a taxing authority. If you have nexus in Ohio, it means you’re obligated to collect and remit sales tax for transactions within the state.

In Ohio, the criteria for sales tax nexus include:

• Having a physical presence in Ohio, such as an office, store, or warehouse.
• Employing a representative, agent, or affiliate conducting business on the company’s behalf in Ohio.
• Exceeding $100,000 in gross sales or 200 separate transactions in Ohio within a 12-month period.

Sales tax compliance in Ohio

Ensuring your business’s compliance with Ohio sales tax laws is crucial to avoid potential fines, penalties, and audits. To maintain compliance, businesses with taxable products and nexus in Ohio should:

• Register for a sales tax permit: All businesses with nexus in Ohio must register for a sales tax permit.
• Collect sales tax: Once you have your sales tax permit, you need to collect the appropriate amount of sales tax on taxable transactions, including any taxable SaaS products and digital goods.
• File sales tax returns: Businesses must file periodic sales tax returns, typically on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, depending on the sales volume. When filing the return, you need to report the total sales and taxable sales, as well as the sales tax collected during the reporting period.
• Remit collected sales tax: Along with filing your sales tax return, you must also remit the collected sales tax to the state. Failure to do so could result in penalties and interest charges.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your business remains compliant with Ohio’s sales tax laws and avoids unnecessary penalties and liabilities.