The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (Department) has just issued Directive 17-2 revoking Directive 17-1 which adopted an economic nexus standard for sales tax purposes. Directive 17-2 states that the revocation is in anticipation of the Department proposing a regulation that would presumably adopt the standards of Directive 17-1. It appears that the Department took seriously, perhaps among other concerns, internet sellers’ arguments that Directive 17-1 was an improperly promulgated rule. Internet sellers that recently received letters from the Department regarding Directive 17-1 (see our previous blog post) may need to reconsider their approach.
Massachusetts Department of Revenue Repeals Directive 17-1
By Arthur R. Rosen and Richard C. Call on June 29, 2017

Arthur R. Rosen focuses his practice on tax planning and litigation relating to state and local tax matters for corporations, partnerships and individuals. Formerly the deputy counsel of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, as well as counsel to the governor's Temporary Sales Tax Commission and tax counsel to the New York State Senate Tax Committee, Arthur has also held executive tax management positions at Xerox Corporation and AT&T. He has worked in accounting and law firms in New York City. Read Arthur Rosen's full bio.

Richard C. Call focuses his practice on state and local tax litigation before administrative and judicial bodies, at all levels and in multiple states, with respect to income, franchise, gross receipts, and sales and use taxes. He also advises clients on the state and local tax consequences of business restructurings, as well as the impact of new state legislation on current business operations. Read Richard C. Call's full bio.
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