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California Board of Equalization Members Weigh in on Pending Medical Marijuana Legislation

On March 30, 2016 the California Board of Equalization (BOE) held a public discussion regarding pending medical marijuana legislations SB 987 and AB 2243.  Representing the legislature was Senator Mike McGuire’s Chief of Staff, Jason Liles.  The central focus of the discussion was SB 987’s introduction of a 15% tax on sales of medical marijuana that would be collected by retailers.  The anticipated revenue to be generated by this tax is estimated to be $251 million dollars with the caveat that retailers would be in 100% compliance.  The bill is set to go into effect on January 1, 2018.

New Marketing Practices Increase Sales and Use Tax Audit Risk for MetroPCS Retailers

Early in 2015, MetroPCS introduced a new marketing campaign to attract additional customers to its products and services.  The marketing campaign allows customers to receive an instant “rebate” for a portion of the purchase price for a new phone.  After the phone is purchased, the authorized dealer is subsequently reimbursed by MetroPCS for the instant rebate that was provided to the customers at the time of sale.  This marketing practice is common with other cell phone dealers as well, such as AT&T and Verizon, and it generally comes with the requirement that the customer sign a long term contract with […]