Skip to main content
Skip table of contents

About tracking sales tax

Quicken automatically creates a default sales tax account when you set up an invoices/receivables account. This account provides basic tracking for sales tax on your transactions. When sales occur in multiple jurisdictions—such as different counties or states with varying tax rates—additional sales tax accounts may be required to accurately capture your tax obligations.

Sales tax considerations also influence the configuration of your business categories and accounts. Proper categorization supports the generation of reports that meet the requirements set by your tax authority. This overview explains the role and impact of sales tax tracking within Quicken without addressing the detailed steps, which are covered in dedicated subtopics.

General Sales Tax Information

Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed on the sale of goods and services. Businesses collect this tax at the point of sale on behalf of government authorities and remit the funds on a regular schedule. The tax is generally calculated as a percentage of the sale price, though specific percentages vary by jurisdiction.

Key points to understand

  • Collection and Remittance: Businesses are responsible for collecting sales tax from customers and remitting it to the appropriate tax agency.

  • Nexus: A business may have a tax obligation in a jurisdiction if it meets certain criteria, such as maintaining a physical presence or surpassing a sales threshold.

  • Exemptions and Special Rules: Certain transactions or products may be exempt or subject to unique rules, requiring careful recordkeeping.

  • Compliance: Accurate tracking, thorough documentation, and regular reporting are essential for maintaining compliance with evolving tax laws.

It is your responsibility to identify and understand the sales tax rules in your area.

What can I do?


This feature requires Quicken Business & Personal. Learn how you can upgrade Quicken in minutes.

JavaScript errors detected

Please note, these errors can depend on your browser setup.

If this problem persists, please contact our support.