The harder the seat, the higher the tax - Wacky Tax Wednesday

The harder the seat, the higher the tax - Wacky Tax Wednesday

 

When states first instituted sales and use tax, it was imposed primarily on products considered non-essential: meals purchased at restaurants were taxed, for example, while foods purchased for home consumption were exempt. Sales and use tax has become much more complex since then, but vestiges of its original simplicity remain. Many states still exempt or reduce the rate of tax on essentials such as food ingredients and prescription drugs, while others single out more luxurious items like fur coats for tax.

In spite of what some fans might believe, attending sporting events is not a necessity. Accordingly, more than half of the states in the nation tax admissions to these and other events.

Unless a specific exemption prevails, admissions to sporting events in Minnesota are currently taxable no matter where you sit in the stadium. However, a bill currently under consideration would exempt admissions to luxury suites and skyboxes. Seating for the general public (aka, the rabble) would remain taxable.

Under Sections 7 and 8 of H.F. No. 848 – Omnibus Tax Bill, the price of a suite, skybox, or private box seat license is not included in the taxable price of admissions if:

  1. The lessee may arrange to use the suite, sky box or private box on non-game or event days, and
  2. The sales price for the admission excluding the license is higher than the highest priced general admissions ticket closest to the suite, or box

If enacted both provisions would take effect the day following final enactment.

The bill would also exempt admission to Super Bowl-related events sponsored by the NFL or its affiliates (effective for sales and purchases made after June 30, 2016 and before March 1, 2018) (Section 9). This exemption presumably applies to hard seats as well as luxury boxes.

Governor Mark Dayton has less than 2 weeks to decide whether or not he will sign the bills. Fans must be on the edge of their (comfy) seats.

As I enjoy attending the occasional sporting event, this news got me wondering which states tax admissions and which do not. If you’re similarly curious, read on.

States that tax admissions

Approximately 30 states generally tax admissions to events, including:

It should be noted that states may exempt admissions to certain events, such as the Super Bowl or a national collegiate athletic association. Minnesota is set to host the Super Bowl in 2018, so it is not surprising lawmakers are looking to temporarily exempt admissions to “Super Bowl-related events.” Such exemptions are typically promised during negotiations with the NFL and its ilk, to lure high profile events to a state.

In addition, please note that localities in some states, like Pennsylvania, may tax admissions although the state does not.

Love sports, not tax?

Simplify sales and use tax compliance in all states with sales tax automation. Learn more.

Recent posts
When do I collect sales tax on out-of-state sales?
April 2024 sales tax changes
What is a marketplace? Will my online marketplace handle sales tax for me?
2023 Tax Changes blue report with orange background

Avalara Tax Changes 2024: Get your copy now

Stay ahead of 2024’s biggest tax changes with this comprehensive, compelling report covering seven industries.

Read the report

Stay up to date

Sign up for our free newsletter and stay up to date with the latest tax news.