Wyoming Business Tips for Oct. 14

October 8, 2012

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Leonard Holler, WSBDC regional director, Casper.

“I want to buy a business, but someone told me that I will have to pay sales tax on the purchase of the business. Is that correct?” Bruce, Wheatland.

Depending on the terms of the business sales transaction, it may be.

If at least 80 percent of all of the assets of the business are located in Wyoming, and you continue to use the tangible personal property in the operation of the ongoing business in the state, it is excluded from the statutory definition of a “sale” subject to tax. It would not be subject to sales or use tax but, if the sale includes vehicles and you meet that 80 percent threshold, those vehicles would be exempt from sales tax when licensing them at the county treasurer’ office.

However, sales tax would be charged on the sales price of the “tangible personal property” if the sale is for less than 80 percent of all assets of the existing business.

By definition, if the sale is for less than 80 percent of all the assets, it would still exclude accounts receivable, inventory items for resale, goodwill (and other intangibles) and real estate, but could include furniture, fixtures, vehicles and equipment used in the business.

You, as the purchaser or successor of the business, also retain the obligation to pay the tax until the former owner produces proof of the payment (certificate of no tax due) from the Department of Revenue of the sales tax owed.

The seller should file a return within 30 days after discontinuing or selling the business and you, as successor, should probably withhold enough money from the purchase price to pay the taxes until the proof of payment (certificate) is received indicating that there are no further taxes due.

For more questions about the terms of a sales transaction, call the Department of Revenue at (307) 777-2459 or email DOR_taxability@state.wy.us.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.

Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)