As consumer products become more high tech, the line between computers and traditional devices has blurred. Even basic products, such as toothbrushes, alarm clocks, doorbells, smartphones, cameras, home security systems, printers and copiers now include technical software that enables new functionality options for the device. As a general principle, tangible…
On July 1, 2014, the United States Supreme Court agreed to review the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Direct Marketing Association v. Brohl.1 The Court of Appeals held that federal courts lack jurisdiction under the Tax Injunction Act (TIA) to address Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) challenge to Colorado’s…
With the significant rise of third-party enforcement actions—especially consumer class actions and qui tam actions involving state tax questions—corporate taxpayers are being forced to assess a significant set of risks in connection with their compliance obligations. Continue Reading ›
On May 30, 2012, the State Board of Equalization (SBE), approved pro-posed amendments to the California Code of Regulations, Title 18, section 1684. The Proposed Regulation attempts to provide guidance as to the meaning of the broadened statutory definition of “retailers engaged in business in this state.” The statutory definition…
California Sales and Use Tax Regulation 1698.5, which sets forth comprehensive procedures for sales and use tax audits, has been approved by the California Office of Administrative Law. The new regulation, which was proposed by the California Board of Equalization (BOE), goes into effect August 18, 2010. According to the…
For purposes of the California sales and use tax law, a “sale” and “purchase” do not include the design, development, writing, translation, fabrication, lease or transfer for a consideration of title or possession of a custom computer program. An issue that often arises with respect to a custom computer program…
Pursuant to Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code Section 19306(a) a claim for refund typically must be filed within for years from the date the return was filed, four years from the last day prescribed for filing the return (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing the return),…
Taxpayers intending to change their residency for California personal income tax purposes should be aware that intent alone is insufficient to establish new residency. Moreover, intent coupled with physical acts of starting to move or transition to another state is also insufficient to establish new residency. The California courts have…
Pursuant to Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code Section 17041, a California resident is taxed on all income, from whatever sources derived. In contrast, Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code Sections 17041(b) and 17951 state that nonresidents and part-year residents of California are only taxable on income from sources within California. Exactly…
Pursuant to Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code Section 17014(a), a resident is an individual who (1) is in California for “other than a temporary or transitory purpose” or (2) is “domiciled” in California but is outside California for “a temporary or transitory purpose.” Presence within California for more than nine…