14E1FBF93618A459872582C8006FBEF3 Hearing Summary

Mr. Fred Nicely, Senior Tax Counsel, Council on State Taxation (COST), and Mr. Craig Johnson, Executive Director, Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, Inc. presented on the Colorado sales and use tax system as compared to other states and discussed the implications of the Wayfair decision.  Mr. Nicely and Mr. Johnson described the work of their organizations.

Mr. Nicely discussed the decision in the Wayfair case. He described deciding factors in the case, such as an "economic and virtual presence" test as opposed to the former requirement that a business be physically present in a state. Mr. Johnson also commented on the court's findings in the case. Mr. Nicely and Mr. Johnson responded to questions from the committee.

The presentation continued.

Mr. Johnson discussed the key features of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA).  He also responded to committee questions.  Mr. Nicely also responded to questions.

Mr. Johnson continued to discuss the key features of the SSUTA. He and Mr. Nicely next discussed some ways that Colorado can simplify its sales and use tax system.

Mr. Nicely presented Colorado's grades from the 2018 COST scorecard to grade state tax systems. He also responded to committee questions.