You Got a Sales Tax Audit Notice.
Here's What to Do.
Don't panic. This is more common than you think, and you have options. Let's figure out your next steps.
First: Don't Respond Yet
Most audit notices give you 30-60 days to respond. Use that time to understand your situation before you say anything. Responding without full information can make things worse.
This is not legal advice. For assessments over $50K, consider consulting a tax attorney.
What To Do Next
Identify What They're Claiming
Read the notice carefully. Is it:
- •Audit notice: They want to examine your records
- •Assessment: They've already calculated what they think you owe
- •Registration demand: They want you to register going forward
Understand Your Actual Nexus Status
Just because a state sent you a letter doesn't mean they're right. You may not actually have nexus, or your exposure may be smaller than they claim.
Check your nexus status across 10 statesGather Your Documentation
You'll need to prove where your customers were located and what you sold them:
- • Sales by state for the period in question
- • Customer addresses (billing and shipping)
- • Any exemption certificates you collected
- • Product/service descriptions
- • Employee locations during the period
Understand Your Options
Contest the Notice
If you believe you don't have nexus or your product isn't taxable, you can dispute it. Many states will work with you if you have a reasonable argument.
Negotiate the Amount
The initial assessment is rarely final. Penalties are often negotiable, and interest can sometimes be abated for reasonable cause.
Set Up a Payment Plan
Most states will accept installment payments if you can't pay the full amount immediately.
Decide If You Need Professional Help
Consider hiring a tax attorney or SALT specialist if:
- • The assessment is over $50,000
- • Multiple states are involved
- • You want to contest the nexus determination
- • The state is being aggressive or unreasonable
Good representation often pays for itself in reduced assessments.
Which State Contacted You?
Each state has different rules and processes. Here's what to know:
Not Sure About Your Other States?
If one state found you, others might too. Check your nexus status across all 10 states we cover to avoid future surprises.
Check All States