2024 Guide to Sales Tax in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What is the Sales Tax in Milwaukee?

The total sales tax rate in Milwaukee consists of the Wisconsin state tax rate, county tax rate, and additional city tax rates where applicable.

Breakdown of Sales Tax in Milwaukee

• State Sales Tax: 5.00%
• County Sales Tax: 0.90%
• City Sales Tax: Variable (up to 2.00%)
• Special Sales Tax: 0.00%

What is Milwaukee County Sales Tax?

In Milwaukee, part of Milwaukee County, the county sales tax adds an additional 0.90% to the state sales tax.

Tax Rates in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Here are the sales tax rates for the top 10 most populated zip codes in Milwaukee:

Other Tax Rates for Milwaukee

Here are some other applicable tax rates for businesses in Milwaukee:

What Items are Taxable in Milwaukee?

In Wisconsin, certain items are taxable while others are exempt. Common taxable items include:

What Items are Exempt from Taxes in Milwaukee?

Some items are exempt from sales tax in Wisconsin, typically for essential goods or to encourage certain purchases:

Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax in Milwaukee?

In Milwaukee, businesses need to collect sales tax if they have either physical or economic nexus in Wisconsin.

Physical Nexus

You have a physical presence in Wisconsin if you:

• Own or lease property in Wisconsin
• Have employees in Wisconsin
• Maintain inventory in Wisconsin

Economic Nexus

You have economic nexus if your sales into Wisconsin exceed $100,000 or 200 transactions in the current or previous calendar year.

How to Get a Sales Tax Permit?

If you meet the nexus requirements, you must register for a sales tax permit in Wisconsin. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s website.
2. Complete the application for a sales tax permit.
3. Submit the application and await approval.

How Do You Charge the Right Amount for Sales Tax?

Ensuring you charge the correct sales tax involves:

• Manually checking and updating rates: Regularly check the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s website for updates.
• Using sales tax software: Implement software like TaxCloud to automate rate updates and compliance.

How Do You File and Remit Sales Tax?

Sales tax returns are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Here’s how:

1. Collect sales tax from customers.
2. File your sales tax return online.
3. Remit the collected taxes to the state.

Conclusion

Understanding and complying with sales tax regulations in Milwaukee is essential for any business operating in Wisconsin. Use this guide to navigate the complexities of sales tax and ensure your business remains compliant.