How to Collect Sales Tax at Events
Do I need to collect sales tax on books that I sell at conferences, speaking engagements, bookstore signings, and other events?
When selling any retail product, the state in which you live expects to receive sales tax on that transaction. This means that when you take copies of your book to sell at any of the following events:
- Conferences you attend
- Speaking Engagements
- Bookstore Signings
- Any other events
Sales tax is to be added to the cost of the book, collected from the customer and paid to your state.
Most states require that you only collect sales tax when the book sale is within your state. You are not required to collect sales tax if you sell books at a conference or speaking engagement in another state. You still must keep track of your sales and report them, but you will receive an exemption from the sales tax.
How Much Sales Tax Do You Charge?
Each state has its own rules and regulations. Contact the Department of Revenue in your state for all the information you need about sales tax and rates.
In the State of Washington, your sales tax rate is determined by the location of your sales. If you are selling books in Seattle use the sales tax rate for Seattle. If you are selling books in Tacoma, use the sales tax rate for Tacoma.
Things to Bring to Your Event
Here is a list of what to bring to events when selling your book:
- Cash Box: Bring a cash box filled with change and low domination bills such as $1.00 and $5.00.
- Sales Receipts: Bring printed sales receipts with your business name, address, phone number and email address so customers can easily contact you in the future.If you do not have preprinted sales receipts you can purchase receipts at any office supply store.
- Calculator: A small hand calculator is a must for adding up sales totals and computing sales tax.
- Pen: Keep a supply handy in the cash box.
- Business Cards: Having your business card readily available at all times is important.
- Bookmarks: A bookmark that advertises your book or your business keeps your name in front of the customer for the long run.
- Basket to collect business cards to do a drawing: Having a drawing is a great way to collect business cards and bring interest to your table, plus the book that you give away is a tax write-off.
- Credit Card Slips: If you accept credit cards, bringing credit card slips or a portable credit card processor is essential.
Running your own book table is the best way to build your book sales and to spread the word about your message. However, it’s important to keep good record for your sales and to offer an appealing display of your books.
What’s Your Experience?
We would love to know your experience with events and tools you’ve found useful along the way. Feel free to leave a comment with this, or any feedback about the article.
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