A Beginner’s Guide to Taxes on Amazon: Everything Sellers Need to Know

If you’re an Amazon seller, understanding taxes can feel overwhelming. From sales tax to income tax, navigating the world of tax compliance is critical to running a successful Amazon business. Whether you’re just starting your eCommerce journey or looking to ensure you stay compliant, this guide will break down everything you need to know about taxes on Amazon.

We’ll cover:

  1. Types of taxes Amazon sellers need to handle
  2. How sales tax works for Amazon sellers
  3. Income tax basics
  4. Amazon FBA and tax implications
  5. Tools and tips to simplify tax management

Let’s dive in!

Why Do Amazon Sellers Need to Worry About Taxes?

Running an Amazon business means you have tax obligations to both the federal government (income tax) and state/local authorities (sales tax). Ignoring these responsibilities can lead to:

  • Fines or penalties from tax authorities.
  • Disrupted cash flow due to unexpected tax bills.
  • Compliance issues that can harm your Amazon business.

By understanding how taxes work, you can stay compliant, save time, and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Types of Taxes Amazon Sellers Need to Know

There are two main types of taxes Amazon sellers must deal with:

1.1. Sales Tax

Sales tax is a consumption tax that Amazon sellers need to collect from customers and remit to the appropriate state or local tax authorities.

  • Who Pays It? The buyer pays sales tax, but as the seller, you’re responsible for collecting and submitting it.
  • Where It Applies: U.S. states that impose sales tax.

1.2. Income Tax

Income tax is the tax you pay on the profit earned from your Amazon business. Unlike sales tax, income tax applies to your earnings rather than to each transaction.

  • Federal Income Tax: Required in all U.S. states.
  • State Income Tax: Some states have their own income tax, which Amazon sellers must also pay.

2. Sales Tax for Amazon Sellers

Sales tax can be tricky for Amazon sellers because each state has different rules and thresholds. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works.

2.1. Understanding Nexus

The term nexus determines whether you’re responsible for collecting sales tax in a particular state. Nexus can be established in two ways:

  1. Physical Nexus: If you have a physical presence in a state, like a warehouse, office, or employees, you have nexus there.
  2. Economic Nexus: Even without a physical presence, many states require sellers to collect sales tax if they exceed a specific sales threshold (e.g., $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions).

2.2. What Is Marketplace Facilitator Tax?

To simplify sales tax compliance, Amazon acts as a Marketplace Facilitator in most states. This means:

  • Amazon automatically collects and remits sales tax on your behalf for sales made through the Amazon marketplace.
  • You don’t need to calculate or submit sales tax in these states.

However:

  • You still need to track where sales tax is being collected and ensure it’s reported accurately on your tax return.
  • If you sell through other channels (like Shopify or your own website), you’re still responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax in applicable states.

2.3. Steps to Handle Sales Tax as an Amazon Seller

  1. Determine Your Nexus States: Use Amazon’s Seller Central reports to identify where your products are stored and where you’re selling.
  2. Check State Thresholds: Research the economic nexus thresholds for each state you sell in.
  3. Register for a Sales Tax Permit: If needed, register with the tax authorities in states where you have nexus.
  4. Enable Tax Collection in Seller Central: Set up your tax settings in Amazon Seller Central so sales tax is collected automatically.
    • Go to Settings > Tax Settings to configure your collection settings.
  5. File Sales Tax Returns: While Amazon collects the tax for you in many states, you may still need to file returns in some states to confirm the collected tax.

3. Income Tax Basics for Amazon Sellers

Income tax is applied to your net income (profit). Here’s what you need to know:

3.1. Federal Income Tax

As an Amazon seller, you must report your business income to the IRS. You’ll pay federal income tax based on the profit your business generates:

Income Tax Formula:
Revenue – Expenses = Profit (Net Income)

Common Business Expenses Include:

  • Amazon seller fees
  • Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
  • Shipping and packaging costs
  • Advertising expenses (e.g., Amazon PPC)
  • Software tools and subscriptions
  • Home office expenses (if applicable)

3.2. State Income Tax

Many states also impose income tax on businesses. If you operate in multiple states or have nexus in different states, you may need to file income tax returns in those states.

3.3. Tax Forms to File

Depending on your business structure, you’ll file different forms with the IRS:

  • Sole Proprietor: File Schedule C with your personal Form 1040.
  • LLC (Single-Member): File Schedule C (same as sole proprietor).
  • LLC (Multi-Member) or Partnership: File Form 1065 and distribute Schedule K-1s to partners.
  • S-Corp: File Form 1120S and distribute Schedule K-1s.

4. Amazon FBA and Taxes

If you use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), taxes can get a little more complicated. Here’s how FBA impacts your tax responsibilities:

4.1. Sales Tax and FBA Warehouses

Amazon stores your products in warehouses across the U.S. If your inventory is stored in a state, you may have physical nexus there.

How to Manage This:

  • Use Amazon’s Inventory Reports to see where your products are stored.
  • Register for sales tax permits in states where you have physical nexus.

4.2. Inventory and Tax Deductions

Amazon FBA sellers often have higher costs for storage, shipping, and fulfillment. Make sure you deduct these costs as business expenses when filing income tax:

  • Amazon FBA fees
  • Monthly storage fees
  • Fulfillment and shipping costs

5. Tools and Tips for Managing Taxes on Amazon

Handling taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are tools and strategies to simplify the process:

5.1. Use Tax Software

Automated tools can help you calculate, collect, and file taxes accurately:

  • TaxJar: Automates sales tax calculations and filings.
  • Avalara: Helps with sales tax reporting and compliance.
  • QuickBooks: Tracks income, expenses, and tax obligations for your Amazon business.

5.2. Keep Accurate Records

Maintain detailed records of your income, expenses, and sales tax collection. Use accounting software to keep your finances organized throughout the year.

5.3. Hire a Tax Professional

If you’re unsure about your tax responsibilities, consider hiring a CPA or eCommerce tax specialist. They can:

  • Ensure you’re compliant with federal and state laws.
  • Help you maximize tax deductions.
  • Assist with sales tax filings.

5.4. Stay Updated on Tax Changes

Tax laws and regulations are constantly evolving. Stay informed about changes to sales tax thresholds, Amazon policies, and federal tax rules.

Conclusion

Understanding taxes as an Amazon seller is essential for staying compliant and running a profitable business. Start by learning the basics:

  • Sales Tax: Identify where you have nexus, set up tax collection in Amazon Seller Central, and stay compliant with state requirements.
  • Income Tax: Track your income, deduct business expenses, and file the appropriate tax forms.

Use tools like TaxJar or QuickBooks to simplify the process, and don’t hesitate to consult a tax professional for personalized advice. By staying proactive and organized, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your Amazon business on track.

Have questions about Amazon taxes or need more tips? Drop them in the comments below! Let’s tackle this together! 💼📊