US Sales Tax Basics by State
Updated 2026-08-23
Most US states with a sales tax require remote sellers to collect once they meet that state's economic-nexus rule. South Dakota currently requires remote sellers with more than $100,000 in gross sales into the state in the previous or current calendar year to register. Other states use different dollar amounts; some still use a transaction count. Marketplace facilitator laws often shift collection to the platform, but FBA inventory in a state can still create a seller registration obligation. Check each state's department of revenue.
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Primary sources
This page is grounded in the primary materials below. Rules change, so open the source and confirm the current version before acting.
FAQ
Which states have no sales tax?+
Five states have no state sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Note that Alaska allows local sales taxes, so sellers may still have obligations there.
What is economic nexus?+
Economic nexus is established when a seller exceeds a state's sales threshold (typically $100,000 in sales OR 200 transactions in the prior or current calendar year). This triggers a sales tax registration and collection obligation in that state.
Do I need to file if Amazon collects the tax?+
Yes. Even when Amazon collects tax, sellers must still register in states where they have nexus (physical or economic) and file sales tax returns. The returns will show the tax collected by the marketplace.
How do I determine which states I have nexus in as an online seller?+
You have physical nexus in states where you have: an office, employees, inventory (including FBA warehouses), or attend trade shows. Economic nexus is triggered when you exceed a state's sales threshold (typically $100,000 or 200 transactions). To determine your nexus states: check your FBA inventory reports for warehouse locations; review your sales by state against each state's threshold; consider any other physical presence. Nexus determination is fact-specific — consult a tax professional for complex situations.
What is marketplace facilitator nexus and how does it affect my obligations?+
Marketplace facilitator laws shift the sales tax collection obligation to the marketplace (Amazon, eBay, etc.) for sales made through their platform. In all 45 states + DC with sales tax, marketplaces are the deemed collector. However, this does not eliminate your nexus — it only shifts the collection obligation for marketplace sales. You must still: register in states where you have nexus; file returns reporting marketplace-facilitated sales (usually as zero-rated); collect and remit tax on your own DTC sales. Some states require you to file even if all your sales are through marketplaces.
Continue checking
US Sales Tax Nexus: State Thresholds
After South Dakota v. Wayfair (2018), 45 states + DC have economic nexus laws. Thresholds range from $100K-$500K in sales or 1-200 transactions.
US Sales Tax Filing Guide
How to file US sales tax returns, deadlines, and compliance requirements by state.
Selling on Amazon US from China
Step-by-step guide for Chinese sellers to comply with US tax obligations when selling on Amazon, including sales tax nexus, customs duties.