Patricia 's Biz Talk posts

Giving Back is a Blessing

What a great idea for a group! Learning what others are doing to improve the lives of others leaves me re-energized and hopeful.

Every month, my business sponsors two women through Women for Women International (www.womenforwomen.org). This organization helps women survivors in war-torn countries understand their basic rights, learn marketable skills, receive medical care, and even start their own businesses.

Understanding life from their perspective reminds me of my many blessings, including the blessing of being able to give back.

~ Patricia Klingler, Xplore Your Zing Life Coaching

Do You Know About Destination-Based Sales Tax?

Hello,

My business is service-based (personal coaching), so I do not charge sales tax. However, I used to carry a product I sold online, for which I did charge sales tax.

I would like to bring that product back, and am curious how those of you who sell online are dealing with the destination-based sales tax (DBST) requirements passed by the Washington state legislature on July 1, 2008.

Destination-based sales tax requires you to charge the tax rate based on where the item you shipped is received. If you live in Seattle and ship a book or article of clothing to a purchaser in Spokane, you tax them at the Spokane tax rate. If you ship to someone in Tacoma, you charge them the Tacoma rate.

Especially of note: If you sell an ebook, it is considered software, and is also taxable under the destination-based sales tax requirements. I spoke with two employees at the Department of Revenue, and they both explained the law the same way.

I also called my shopping cart supplier (1shoppingcart.com), and the rep I spoke with didn't know about DBST. Their system has not been revised to accommodate the 21 states with these requirements.

My husband has a small home-based business on the side, leasing a software program. He has clients in small towns across the state, and now allocates much more time every month to do his manual invoicing.

You can learn more on the Department of Revenue's website - http://dor.wa.gov/Content/FindTaxesAndRates/RetailSalesTax/ DestinationBased/MoreSST.aspx

Do you have experience with destination-based sales tax using an online shopping cart?

Thanks.

~ Patricia

I've Climbed on Board

Hello, everyone! I'm delighted to have joined my first ever online networking group. Admittedly, I've been a bit leery of other options, but Biznik just seemed to fit when Rachel Reed invited me.

After a second layoff from the field of HR Training, I decided to segue into life coaching, and established my business in 2004. I continue to tweak and nip and tuck it as I develop myself as an entrepreneur.

I'm having lots of fun in the process. Last year, I went on a spiritual journey (not to a physical place, except inside myself) and emerged with a soul I have named Joy! That's me! I'm learning to appreciate everything around me, as I park my ego at the curb and spend lots of time gallivanting with the real me.

I'm excited about meeting many of you, here online and at hosted events.

Zingfully, Patricia