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Required to sell online in WA state???

by osensnolf
10 replies
I've been selling online for 6 years in the US. I sell to all states. Out of the blue, the WA Dept of Revenue started sending me a letter, emails, and calls asking me to complete a WBAQ (Washington Business Assessment Questionnaire). I've ignored it as I am on the east cost and not a WA resident.

Have you ever received this form or been asked to complete it?

What's odd is that they are sending it to a business that has done very little (if any) business in WA. My other companies have sold in WA many times but not this one that they are asking about.

The form ask for sales for the last 5 years in WA and in the US.

I've asked several other small businesses in OR and across the US and no one else is familiar with this.

What say you?
#online #required #sell #state
  • Profile picture of the author BradVert2013
    I've never seen it before (I'm not in WA state either). Could it be they're trying to collect taxes for any sales made in the state?

    I'd call a lawyer for this one. Maybe an accountant, depending on what the form is asking.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    I've never heard of it, what are you selling?
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  • Profile picture of the author osensnolf
    The particular site is for an online directory listing website. Without pulling reports, I do not even think we have a single paid customer in WA for this company. Not sure how I got on their radar and everyone else that I know that sells in WA and many other states has somehow not been contacted.

    I know the source is legit but if I didn't know any better, I would say that it has the feel of someone trying to snoop and get inside information about my company using an "official" state questionnaire.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    WA Dept of Revenue
    It may - or may not be - legit. I'd go to the source by calling that office and asking IF and WHY they are contacting you.

    Also, I'd look up the contact info myself rather than use any provided into from the letter unless you are 100% SURE the letter is indeed from that entity.

    http://dor.wa.gov/content/contactus/
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    • Profile picture of the author osensnolf
      Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

      It may - or may not be - legit. I'd go to the source by calling that office and asking IF and WHY they are contacting you.
      The source is legit as the email that I have been communicating with is xxx@DOR.WA.GOV. There could always be a slight chance that a rogue employee is using their title for personal research or on behalf of someone else.

      I've asked if this is required and they asked me to call. I do not plan to waste time on this as I am not required to pay taxes in WA. It would be easier to prevent people from WA from signing up as WA is not my market - the east coast is.

      Weird deal.
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      • Profile picture of the author agmccall
        Originally Posted by osensnolf View Post


        I've asked if this is required and they asked me to call.
        I would tell them that you will not be calling, that you want all correspondence for this matter documented.

        al
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        "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

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  • Profile picture of the author JC Web
    While I don't know if the letter you received in authentic or not, it sounds very similar to what California does. They send out letters like that to businesses that are not incorporated in the state and have not filed as a foreign corporation with the state of CA. They do this in order to catch people who are operating in the state and trying to avoid paying taxes by forming their businesses in other states. This happens a lot in California because of the high taxes and fees. Washington may be doing the same.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    I found a "Washington Business Activities Questionnaire" but the Washington Business Assessment Questionnaire links produce a 404.

    Seems mighty sketchy to me.
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    • Profile picture of the author osensnolf
      Originally Posted by Brent Stangel View Post

      I found a "Washington Business Activities Questionnaire" but the Washington Business Assessment Questionnaire links produce a 404.

      Seems mighty sketchy to me.
      The one you linked to is the one I have received to two different PO boxes and via email two times. They (the same person) is very persistent. He must get paid a commission.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    If you have/had no place in the state, no affiliates in the state, and made no sales in the state, simply let them know. They may want to see if they want to get you tangled in their system, or if they can charge their residents for buying your products/services.

    Steve
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