Struggling with sales tax filing? We’ll explain how to determine Michigan sales tax rates. We’ll also cover key topics such as collection methods and filing frequencies, and introduce you to a sales tax solution to help you maintain compliance throughout your entire sales tax process in Michigan.
Collecting Michigan Sales Tax from Customers
Let’s explore how you can collect Michigan state sales tax.
Do I Have to Collect Michigan Sales Tax from Customers?
Retailers who meet these two requirements are required to collect sales tax in Michigan:
- You have a sales tax nexus in Michigan.
- You sell taxable products or services in Michigan.
What Creates a Sales Tax Nexus in Michigan?
Any retailer making retail sales in Michigan is required to collect sales tax. Factors that create nexus include:
- Economic Nexus: Businesses that make $100,000 or more than 200 transactions in a calendar year.
- Physical Location: Businesses that have an office, warehouse, or storage inventory in the state.
- Employee Location: Businesses that have an employee in the state.
- Fundraising Events: Businesses that hold more than two fundraising events in a year need to register for sales tax.
Learn more about the sales tax nexus and when you’re required to collect sales tax here.
Do I Have to Collect Sales Tax from Michigan Customers if I Sell on Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, or Etsy?
No.
Michigan has a marketplace facilitator law, which means marketplaces like Amazon are required to collect sales tax on behalf of 3rd party sellers on their platforms.
If you have sales tax nexus in Michigan, remember that you are still required to collect sales tax on your other non-marketplace Michigan sales.
Read more about the marketplace facilitator sales tax law.
Taxable Products in Michigan
Most tangible personal property and services like clothing and automotive services are taxable in Michigan.
It also imposes a reduced state sales tax rate of 4.000% on the sale of electricity, natural or artificial gas, and home heating fuels for residential use.
However, Michigan doesn’t impose taxes on basic necessities like most medical supplies, food, and beverages.
Here’s a detailed look at the items taxed in Michigan:
Are Groceries Taxable in Michigan?
No. Grocery items are non-taxable in Michigan.
Is Clothing Taxable in Michigan?
Yes, clothing is taxable in Michigan.
Are Digital Products Taxable in Michigan?
No, digital products have a sales tax exemption in Michigan.
Is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Taxable in Michigan?
No, SaaS is non-taxable in Michigan.
Are Services Taxable in Michigan?
Services are generally not taxable in Michigan, except when they are combined with the sale of tangible personal property.
In such cases, Michigan looks at “the predominant nature of the transaction.” This means if the transaction is mostly a service where providing the product is not the primary result, then it is non-taxable.
But if the transaction is the sale of a taxable item where the service is tangential, then it’s taxable.
We recommend contacting the Michigan Department of Treasury if you have any specific questions about the taxable sales and services in the state.
Tax-exempt Items
A few tax-exempt items in Michigan are:
- Sales of drugs for human use that are legally dispensed by prescription.
- Over-the-counter drugs for human use that are legally dispensed by prescription.
- Food or tangible personal property purchased under the federal food stamp program.
- Live animals purchased with the intent to be slaughtered for human consumption.
- Food or drink heated or cooled by artificial means to an average temperature above 75 degrees F or below 65 degrees F before sale and sold from a vending machine. A few exceptions are milk and non-alcoholic beverages.
But to collect sales tax, you need a seller’s tax permit. Let’s explore how you can get one.
How to Register for a Michigan Seller’s Permit
You can register for a sales tax permit at the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Explore how to register for a sales tax permit in every US state.
Do I Need to Renew My Michigan Sales Tax License?
Yes.
Michigan sales tax licenses are valid from January through December of each year. You may be required to provide more information when your license expires. In such cases, the Michigan Department of Treasury may communicate with you.
Do I Need a Michigan Sales Tax License if I’m Only A Wholesaler?
Since wholesalers buy for resale and don’t make any retail sales, they don’t need to register for sales tax.
Wholesalers who claim an exemption should provide a written statement that indicates they are purchasing for “resale at wholesale.”
Do I Need A Michigan Seller’s Permit if I Only Sell Temporarily in the State?
Yes.
But if you only make sales at two or fewer events in Michigan in a year, you can file a Concessionaire’s Sales Tax Return (Form 5089) instead of registering for a Michigan sales tax permit.
How to Collect Sales Tax in Michigan
As Michigan has just one statewide sales tax rate, anyone selling to a buyer in Michigan should apply that single 6% rate to the transaction.
Find the sales tax rates of your specific Michigan city here.
Should You Collect Sales Tax on Shipping Charges in Michigan?
No. Michigan imposes sales tax on the sales price from the sale of tangible personal property. Separately stated delivery charges, such as shipping, are excluded from the definition of the sales price. this makes shipping charges exempt from sales tax.
Find out more about sales tax on shipping in every US state.
How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Michigan
There are multiple ways to file and pay sales tax in Michigan:
- File and pay online: You can file and pay sales tax at Michigan Treasury Online.
- File and pay by mail: Although Michigan recommends filing by mail, you can also fill out a paper sales tax return and file via mail. Make sure to fill out the correct form based on your Michigan filing frequency.
- Let Zamp handle your Michigan sales tax filing and remittance so you never have to look at a sales tax return again!
Explore how you can file and pay sales tax in other US states.
