E582: B.C. Is Taxing Sellers On Nearly All Of Your Fees

This interview podcast focuses on the impact of the Online Marketplace Services Act in British Columbia, Canada, on e-commerce sellers. The podcast begins by introducing the Act's effect on sellers, specifically the application of Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to fees paid to online marketplaces like Amazon. The discussion then delves into the complexities of the Act, including Amazon's proactive PST collection, the challenges of obtaining refunds, and the legal arguments surrounding the definition of "software" in relation to online marketplace services. A key takeaway is that the British Columbia Ministry of Finance's broad interpretation of "software" leads to the taxation of services even when used outside of the province. The podcast concludes with advice for sellers on navigating this complex tax landscape, including contacting their MLAs and seeking legal counsel to appeal tax decisions.