Posted by: thepinetree on 11/20/2013 02:43 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 11/20/2013 02:43 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
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New Sales Tax Tool To Reduce Retailer Errors and Consumer Complaints
Sacramento – The California State Board of Equalization unveiled an easy-to-use, online mapping tool that will help prevent consumers from being overcharged sales tax. “We want retailers and consumers to have 100% confidence they are paying the correct tax,” said Board of Equalization Member George Runner. “I requested the creation of this tool after hearing from taxpayers who were having trouble proving their correct tax rate. I’m confident it will help solve a lot of problems.”
Using the mapping service, retailers simply enter an address, and the service pin-points the location on a map and provides the sales and use tax rate at that address. It also shows the entire area where that rate applies.
Sales and use tax rates vary widely across California, and can change over time. Retailers can easily find the current tax rate at a specific location using this new service. It helps to ensure that their customers pay the correct amount of tax.
“Identifying the right sales tax rate in any given locale can be confusing for retailers as well as consumers, given the wide variety of rates applicable throughout our state. We are excited to offer this new, helpful online service to retailers,” said Executive Director Cynthia Bridges.
In addition to the statewide sales and use tax rate of 7.50 percent, some cities and counties have voter approved district taxes. Multiple district taxes may also be in effect at a specific location. More than three-fourths of all businesses in the state are located, or do business, in areas with a district tax. The highest sales and use tax rate in California is currently 10.00 percent.
For more information about sales and use tax rates, including help for consumers who have been overcharged, visit www.boe.ca.gov/knowyourrate.
This service was jointly developed with the California Department of Technology.
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Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents the State Board of Equalization's Second District. He is a leading advocate for California taxpayers. Runner has worked to improve California’s tax policies and practices and to create and retain more private sector jobs in our state. Prior to his election to the Board, Runner served twelve years in the State Legislature, authoring the well-known California Amber Alert and California's Blue Alert. As a thoughtful conservative, his legislative priorities included improving the economy, business growth, education excellence, and public safety for all Californians. As a member of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, Runner consistently led the fight against tax increases and supported tax relief for families and businesses.
The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects $52.5 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov.
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