Links:
What is the tax rate for...?
Find out at the MN Department of Revenue by using their Sales Tax Calculator
Sales Tax
Most purchases made by the University are exempt from sales tax. However, taxable property and taxable services sold by the University are subject to sales tax (unless the purchaser is exempt from sales tax). This means that University departments must charge sales tax when making sales of taxable items.
Many people have the misconception that because the University is exempt from paying sales tax, they do not have to be concerned about sales tax. However, since we must charge sales tax on sales, like any other business, we need to be aware of what items are taxable and the appropriate tax rate that applies to the sales.
SELLING:
MN Department of Revenue Sales Tax Calculator
Environmental Sales Tax increase for July 1, 2009 - guidance from the Tax Management Office
Transit Improvement 0.25% Sales & Use Tax - MN Department of Revenue Notice
Sales Tax Filing Information from the University Tax Management Office
Selling Events - i.e. Farmer's Market, Craft Fair, etc.
Minnesota laws impose a sales tax rate based on the destination of the sale. If a buyer picks up an item at the seller’s location, the rate at the seller’s location applies. If the goods are shipped to another location in Minnesota, the rate at the “shipped to” address applies. If the items are shipped out of Minnesota, Minnesota sales tax does not apply.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue provides information on local tax rates in Fact Sheet 164 (link above), entitled Local Sales and Use Taxes. Contact the Office of Tax Management if you need assistance in determining the appropriate tax rate to charge.
PURCHASING:
Making University Purchases
The University of Minnesota can purchase many items exempt from state and local sales taxes.
In the state of Minnesota, this exemption does not apply to lodging, prepared food, candy, soft drinks, motor vehicles, waste disposal services, or construction materials purchased by a contractor. It is the buyer's responsibility to understand which items the University can purchase exempt from MN sales tax.
The procedure for making University tax exempt purchases in Minnesota is simple:
1. Use your University Purchasing Card
Minnesota state statute requires that the University of Minnesota DIRECTLY PAY for any items purchased with the University's tax exemption. This means that the only acceptable forms of payment are the University issued purchasing card, University purchase order, and University issued check. The exemption CANNOT be used when an employee pays for items with their own funds (cash, check, or credit card) EVEN IF they will be reimbursed by the University later. Nor can the exemption be used with gift cards or gift certificates - even if issued to the department, gift cards/certificates are considered a cash equivilent by the IRS. Penalty for improper use of the University's tax exemption may be a fine to the user in the amount of $100 per transaction. An official U of M check is also considered direct payment. If the retailer will invoice the University or accept a purchase order, those payments will also be made via University check and are acceptable ways to purchase.
Cash is never an acceptable tender when using the MN sales tax exemption, even if the cash was provided by the U of M department or through a cash advance.
2. Bring an ST-3 Form
The ST-3 form is the Minnesota Department of Revenue Certificate of Exemption. You can download and print a copy of this certification that is signed by the University Tax Director here. Fill in the seller name and address as appropriate. DO NOT change the address or name, though you may wish to draw the vendor's attention to the note regarding billing/correspondence address at the bottom of the page.
3. Check for exemption numbers, accounts, or special procedures for some popular retailers.
Some retailers have their own additional processes for veryifing tax exempt sales. You can click here for a list of some known retailers that have assigned the University customer codes or other important numbers, or who require specific procedures to be followed.
4. Inform the cashier of your tax exempt status.
This step is often missed. Remember to inform the cashier of your tax status before beginning your sale.
Sales Tax Status with Other States
Tax Exempt Status and the Purchasing Card
Exemption numbers/accounts for some retailers
Purchasing Alcoholic Beverages - no longer exempt