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View Full Version : Must I collect Tennessee Sales Tax?


nashscan
02-10-2012, 07:03 PM
My wife and I are starting a pet sitting / house sitting business in Tennessee, where we go to clients' homes and take care of their animals and house while they are at work or out of town. Whether this is a taxable service in the eyes of the state seems to vary according to who I talk to. Where can I find a hard answer to this question?
vangogh
02-10-2012, 07:17 PM
A friend of mine used to do pet and house sitting, though not in Tennessee. I wasn't aware services were taxed outside of income, but I do see where some services are considered taxable in Tennessee. I found a couple of things for you that might help.

Tennessee Department of Revenue (http://www.tn.gov/revenue/tntaxes/salesanduse.shtml) - Page on sales and tax use
Tennessee Bar Association (http://www.tba.org/legisflash/2002/servicestax.html) - Page talks about taxable services and list a lot of services

I couldn't find specifically what you were looking for, but maybe one or the other will help. You may want to give the Department of Revenue a call. They should have the definitive answer. Their number is at the bottom of their site.
MyITGuy
02-10-2012, 11:53 PM
Page 22/23 of the Tax Guide should clarify your question for you. IMO it's not a taxable service unless you're providing bathing/grooming services.
http://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxguides/salesanduse.pdf
huggytree
02-11-2012, 08:45 AM
hire an accountant and ask him

my accountant is the first person i go to with questions like this
nashscan
02-11-2012, 09:08 PM
hire an accountant and ask him

my accountant is the first person i go to with questions like this

I think this is what I will have to do. I tried to look up the tax laws, and it's about as clear as mud. Thanks for your responses y'all.
jamesray50
02-11-2012, 10:38 PM
IMO you could save some money and all the Tennessee sales tax office and describe what you are doing. They will tell you if you should charge your customers sales tax. Chances are your accountant will not know the specific answer to your question and will advise you to call the sales tax office, or they will do it themself and charge you for doing it.