Not tax advice. Computation tools only. Have a professional check your work before filing.
openaccountants/skills/wy-sales-tax.md

Use this skill with your AI agent

View on GitHub

Paste this skill into your AI agent's context, or save the file to your project. Works with any AI agent that reads markdown.

wy-sales-tax.md374 lines16.1 KB
v1Wyoming
Not yet verified by an accountantContact accountant
1---
2name: wy-sales-tax
3description: Use this skill whenever asked about Wyoming sales tax, Wyoming use tax, Wyoming DOR sales tax filing, or Wyoming sales tax compliance. Trigger on phrases like "Wyoming sales tax", "WY sales tax", "W.S. §39-15", "Wyoming DOR", "Wyoming no income tax", "Wyoming SST", or any request involving Wyoming state and local sales and use tax compliance. ALWAYS load us-sales-tax first for federal context.
4jurisdiction: US-WY
5validation_status: ai-drafted-q3
6---
7 
8# Wyoming Sales and Use Tax Skill
9 
10---
11 
12## Skill Metadata
13| Field | Value |
14|-------|-------|
15| Jurisdiction | Wyoming, United States |
16| Jurisdiction Code | US-WY |
17| Tax Type | Sales and Use Tax (state + local) |
18| State Rate | 4.00% |
19| Local Rate | Up to 2.00% (county option) |
20| Maximum Combined Rate | 6.00% |
21| Primary Statute | Wyoming Statutes (W.S.) §39-15-101 et seq. |
22| Governing Agency | Wyoming Department of Revenue (DOR) |
23| Portal | https://revenue.wyo.gov |
24| SST Member | Yes -- Full Member |
25| No State Income Tax | Yes |
26| Contributor | Open Accounting Skills Registry |
27| Validated By | Pending -- requires US CPA or EA sign-off |
28| Validation Date | Pending |
29| Skill Version | 1.0 |
30| Confidence Coverage | T1: state rate, basic taxability, filing mechanics. T2: local rate determination, mineral/energy industry, service taxability. T3: audit defense, complex energy transactions, penalty abatement. |
31| Format | Restructured to Q1 execution format, April 2026 |
32 
33---
34 
35## Confidence Tier Definitions
36- **[T1] Tier 1 -- Deterministic.** Apply exactly as written. No reviewer judgement required.
37- **[T2] Tier 2 -- Reviewer Judgement Required.** Claude flags the issue and presents options. A licensed CPA, EA, or tax attorney must confirm before filing.
38- **[T3] Tier 3 -- Out of Scope / Escalate.** Do not guess. Escalate to a licensed tax professional.
39 
40---
41 
42## Step 0: Client Onboarding Questions
43 
44Before proceeding with any Wyoming sales tax analysis, collect the following from the client: [T1]
45 
46| # | Question | Why It Matters |
47|---|----------|---------------|
48| 1 | Do you have a Wyoming sales tax registration / tax ID? | Determines whether registration is needed before filing. |
49| 2 | What is your current filing frequency (monthly / quarterly / annually)? | Controls which return periods to prepare. |
50| 3 | What is your nexus type -- physical presence, economic nexus, or both? | Determines registration obligations and applicable rules. |
51| 4 | Are you a marketplace seller (selling through Amazon, Etsy, etc.)? | Marketplace facilitator may already be collecting on your behalf. |
52| 5 | What types of products or services do you sell in Wyoming? | Drives taxability classification under Wyoming law. |
53| 6 | Do you sell to exempt entities (government, nonprofits, resellers)? | Determines whether exemption certificates must be collected and retained. |
54| 7 | Do you have locations, employees, or inventory in Wyoming? | Physical presence creates nexus independent of economic thresholds. |
55| 8 | Do you sell into multiple Wyoming local jurisdictions? | Local tax rates vary; determines compliance complexity. |
56 
57**If the client cannot answer questions 1-4, STOP and gather this information before proceeding.** [T1]
58 
59---
60 
61## Step 1: Tax Rate Structure
62### 1.1 State Sales Tax Rate
63 
64Wyoming imposes a state sales tax of **4.00%** on the retail sale of tangible personal property and certain services. [T1]
65 
66**Statute:** W.S. §39-15-104.
67 
68### 1.2 No State Income Tax [T1]
69 
70Wyoming has **no state individual or corporate income tax**. Sales tax, mineral severance taxes, and property taxes are the primary revenue sources. [T1]
71 
72### 1.3 Local Sales Taxes [T1]
73 
74- Counties may impose additional sales tax up to **2.00%** (general purpose + specific purpose). [T1]
75- Most counties impose some form of local option tax. [T1]
76- Combined rates range from **4.00% to 6.00%**. [T1]
77- Local taxes are administered by the Wyoming DOR. [T1]
78 
79### 1.4 Sourcing [T1]
80 
81Wyoming uses **destination-based** sourcing. [T1]
82 
83As an SST member, Wyoming follows SSUTA sourcing rules. [T1]
84 
85---
86 
87## Step 2: Transaction Classification Rules
88### 2.1 Grocery Food -- EXEMPT [T1]
89 
90- Unprepared grocery food: **exempt**. W.S. §39-15-105(a)(viii). [T1]
91- Prepared food: taxable at full combined rate. [T1]
92- Candy: taxable. [T1]
93- Soft drinks: taxable. [T1]
94- Wyoming follows SST food definitions. [T1]
95 
96### 2.2 Clothing [T1]
97 
98- Clothing is **fully taxable**. No exemption. [T1]
99 
100### 2.3 Prescription Drugs and Medical [T1]
101 
102- Prescription drugs: **exempt**. W.S. §39-15-105(a)(iv). [T1]
103- OTC drugs: **taxable**. [T1]
104- DME: exempt with prescription. [T1]
105- Prosthetics: exempt. [T1]
106 
107### 2.4 Services [T2]
108 
109Wyoming taxes a limited number of services:
110 
111- **Taxable services include:** Intrastate telecommunications, public utilities, lodging, admissions/amusements. [T2]
112- **Exempt services include:** Professional services, personal care, repair labor, cleaning, landscaping, IT services. [T2]
113- Wyoming has a narrow service tax base focused on TPP and a few enumerated services. [T2]
114 
115### 2.5 SaaS and Digital Goods [T2]
116 
117- **SaaS:** Generally **not taxable** in Wyoming. Not considered TPP or an enumerated service. [T2]
118- **Canned software (physical):** Taxable. [T1]
119- **Canned software (electronic delivery):** Generally not taxable under current law. [T2]
120- **Digital downloads:** Generally not taxable. Wyoming has not broadly adopted digital goods taxation. [T2]
121- **Custom software:** Exempt. [T2]
122 
123### 2.6 Manufacturing [T2]
124 
125- Wyoming does NOT have a broad manufacturing equipment exemption. [T2]
126- Some equipment may qualify under specific incentive programs. [T2]
127- Raw materials for resale: exempt under resale exemption. [T1]
128 
129### 2.7 Mineral and Energy Industry [T2]
130 
131- Wyoming's economy is heavily reliant on mineral extraction (coal, oil, gas, trona, uranium). [T1]
132- Mining and drilling equipment: generally taxable at the full combined rate. [T2]
133- Mineral severance taxes (coal, oil, gas, trona) are separate from sales tax. [T1]
134- Wind energy equipment: may qualify for specific exemptions under economic development incentives. [T2]
135- **Flag for reviewer:** Mineral/energy tax compliance involves multiple tax types. Escalate complex scenarios. [T3]
136 
137### 2.8 Agricultural [T1]
138 
139- Farm and ranch machinery and equipment: **exempt**. W.S. §39-15-105(a)(vi). [T1]
140- Feed, seed, fertilizer: exempt. [T1]
141- Livestock: exempt for breeding/production. [T1]
142 
143---
144 
145## Step 3: Return Form Structure
146### 4.1 Filing Details [T1]
147 
148| Field | Detail |
149|-------|--------|
150| Return Form | Sales/Use Tax Return (filed via WyoTax) |
151| Filing Frequencies | Monthly (>$300/month avg tax); Quarterly ($100-$300); Annually (<$100) |
152| Due Date | Last day of the month following the reporting period |
153| Portal | https://excise.wyo.gov (WyoTax) |
154| E-filing | Required for most filers |
155 
156**Note:** Wyoming's due date is the **last day** of the following month. [T1]
157 
158### 4.2 Vendor Discount [T1]
159 
160Wyoming offers a vendor discount of **1.95%** of tax collected for timely filing (up to $500/month). [T1]
161 
162### 4.3 Penalties and Interest [T1]
163 
164- Late filing penalty: 10% of tax due (minimum $25). [T1]
165- Interest: 1% per month (12% per annum). [T1]
166 
167---
168 
169## Step 4: Deductibility / Exemptions
170Exemptions identified in Step 2 above are the primary deductibility rules for Wyoming. Key categories: [T1]
171 
172- **Resale exemption:** Valid resale certificate required. Retain for the statutory period. [T1]
173- **Exempt organizations:** Government entities and qualifying nonprofits -- require exemption certificate on file. [T1]
174- **Agricultural exemptions:** Where applicable per Step 2. [T1]
175- **Manufacturing exemptions:** Where applicable per Step 2. [T2]
176 
177All exemption certificates must be collected at or before the time of sale and retained per the state's statute of limitations. [T1]
178 
179 
180---
181 
182## Step 5: Key Thresholds
183### 3.1 Economic Nexus Threshold [T1]
184 
185| Field | Detail |
186|-------|--------|
187| Revenue Threshold | $100,000 in Wyoming sales |
188| Transaction Threshold | 200 transactions |
189| Test | OR (either threshold triggers nexus) |
190| Measurement Period | Current or prior calendar year |
191| Effective Date | February 1, 2019 |
192 
193**Statute:** W.S. §39-15-501(a)(viii).
194 
195### 3.2 Marketplace Facilitator [T1]
196 
197Wyoming requires marketplace facilitators to collect and remit. W.S. §39-15-501(a)(ix). [T1]
198 
199### 3.3 SST Registration [T1]
200 
201Full SST member. SSTRS and CSPs available. [T1]
202 
203---
204 
205## Step 6: Filing Deadlines and Penalties
206 
207Refer to Step 3 for filing frequencies and due dates. [T1]
208 
209---
210 
211## PROHIBITIONS
212- NEVER tax grocery food in Wyoming. Unprepared food is exempt. [T1]
213- NEVER assume a uniform 4% rate across Wyoming. County taxes add up to 2%. [T1]
214- NEVER assume SaaS is taxable in Wyoming. Current law does not tax SaaS. [T2]
215- NEVER ignore the mineral/energy industry context. Wyoming's economy and tax structure revolve around natural resources. [T2]
216- NEVER file Wyoming returns by the 20th. The due date is the **last day** of the following month. [T1]
217- NEVER compute any number -- all arithmetic is handled by the deterministic engine, not Claude. [T1]
218 
219---
220 
221## Edge Case Registry
222 
223### EC1 -- No Income Tax + Low Sales Tax [T1]
224 
225**Situation:** A business considers incorporating or relocating to Wyoming for tax advantages.
226 
227**Resolution:**
228- Wyoming has no individual or corporate income tax. [T1]
229- Sales tax rates are moderate (4% state + up to 2% local = max 6%). [T1]
230- However, mineral severance taxes, property taxes, and the Commerce Tax equivalent should be considered. [T2]
231- Wyoming is a popular state for LLCs and holding companies due to privacy laws and no income tax. [T1]
232- **Flag for reviewer:** Total tax burden analysis requires evaluating all tax types, not just sales tax. [T2]
233 
234### EC2 -- Energy Industry Equipment [T2]
235 
236**Situation:** An oil company purchases $2 million in drilling equipment for use in Wyoming.
237 
238**Resolution:**
239- Drilling equipment is generally subject to sales tax at the full combined rate. [T2]
240- No broad manufacturing/mining equipment exemption exists. [T2]
241- The oil company also faces mineral severance taxes on production. [T1]
242- Specific incentive programs may provide relief for certain types of equipment. [T2]
243- **Flag for reviewer:** Verify whether any specific exemptions or incentive programs apply to the equipment type. [T2]
244 
245### EC3 -- SaaS Not Taxable [T2]
246 
247**Situation:** A technology company asks whether its SaaS product sold to Wyoming customers is taxable.
248 
249**Resolution:**
250- SaaS is generally NOT taxable in Wyoming under current law. [T2]
251- Wyoming's sales tax base focuses on TPP and limited enumerated services. [T2]
252- The company should still monitor for legislative changes. [T2]
253- **Flag for reviewer:** Wyoming's position on SaaS and digital goods is evolving. Verify current DOR guidance. [T2]
254 
255### EC4 -- Agricultural Equipment Exemption [T1]
256 
257**Situation:** A rancher purchases a new tractor for $60,000 for use on a cattle ranch.
258 
259**Resolution:**
260- Farm and ranch machinery is exempt from sales tax. W.S. §39-15-105(a)(vi). [T1]
261- The rancher must qualify as a bona fide agricultural producer. [T1]
262- The equipment must be used in agricultural production. [T1]
263- A mixed-use vehicle used partly for personal purposes may not fully qualify. [T2]
264- **Flag for reviewer:** Verify agricultural producer status and primary use of the equipment. [T2]
265 
266---
267 
268### EC5 -- Wind Farm Equipment [T2]
269 
270**Situation:** A wind energy company purchases $5 million in wind turbines and related equipment for a Wyoming wind farm.
271 
272**Resolution:**
273- Wyoming may offer tax incentives for wind energy development. [T2]
274- Without a specific exemption, equipment is subject to sales tax at the combined rate. [T2]
275- Check current economic development incentive programs for renewable energy. [T2]
276- **Flag for reviewer:** Wind energy incentives change with legislative sessions. Verify current programs with Wyoming DOR or WYDEQ. [T2]
277 
278### EC6 -- Tourism and Lodging in Jackson Hole [T2]
279 
280**Situation:** A hotel in Jackson, WY charges $400/night. What taxes apply?
281 
282**Resolution:**
283- State sales tax: 4%. [T1]
284- Teton County optional tax: up to 2%. [T1]
285- Wyoming does not impose a separate state lodging tax. [T1]
286- Local lodging taxes may apply (varies by county/city). [T2]
287- Combined tax on lodging depends on the specific jurisdiction. [T2]
288- **Flag for reviewer:** Jackson/Teton County is a high-tourism area. Verify all applicable local taxes. [T2]
289 
290### EC7 -- Use Tax on Cross-Border Personal Purchases [T1]
291 
292**Situation:** A Wyoming resident purchases furniture in Montana (no sales tax) and brings it to Wyoming.
293 
294**Resolution:**
295- Wyoming use tax is due on the purchase at the applicable combined rate. [T1]
296- No credit for Montana tax (Montana has no sales tax, so $0 was paid). [T1]
297- The resident should report and remit use tax. [T1]
298- **Flag for reviewer:** Montana has no sales tax, so no credit applies. Full Wyoming use tax is due. [T1]
299 
300---
301 
302## Test Suite
303 
304### Test 1 -- Basic Taxable Sale
305 
306**Input:** Seller in Cheyenne sells $800 of equipment. Combined rate = 6% (4% state + 2% local).
307**Expected output:** Tax = $800 x 6% = $48.00. Total = $848.00.
308 
309### Test 2 -- Grocery Food Exempt
310 
311**Input:** Customer buys $200 groceries in Casper.
312**Expected output:** Groceries are EXEMPT. Tax = $0. Total = $200.00.
313 
314### Test 3 -- Farm Equipment Exempt
315 
316**Input:** Rancher buys a $40,000 tractor for ranch use.
317**Expected output:** Farm machinery is exempt. Tax = $0. Total = $40,000.00.
318 
319### Test 4 -- Economic Nexus
320 
321**Input:** Remote seller sold $105,000 to Wyoming in the prior year.
322**Expected output:** $105,000 exceeds $100,000 threshold. Nexus IS triggered. Must register and collect.
323 
324### Test 5 -- Clothing Taxable
325 
326**Input:** Customer buys $300 jacket in Jackson. Combined rate = 6%.
327**Expected output:** Clothing IS taxable. Tax = $300 x 6% = $18.00. Total = $318.00.
328 
329---
330 
331### Test 6 -- Lodging in Jackson
332 
333**Input:** Guest stays 3 nights at a Jackson hotel at $350/night. Combined rate = 6%.
334**Expected output:** Room = $1,050. Tax = $1,050 x 6% = $63.00. Total = $1,113.00.
335 
336### Test 7 -- Use Tax from Montana Purchase
337 
338**Input:** Wyoming resident buys $2,000 furniture in Montana (no tax paid). WY combined rate = 6%.
339**Expected output:** Use tax = $2,000 x 6% = $120.00. No credit (MT has no sales tax).
340 
341### Test 8 -- Vendor Discount Calculation
342 
343**Input:** Wyoming seller collects $10,000 in tax for the month and files on time.
344**Expected output:** Vendor discount = $10,000 x 1.95% = $195.00. Seller remits $10,000 - $195 = $9,805.00.
345 
346---
347 
348## Reviewer Escalation Protocol
349 
350| Trigger | Action |
351|---------|--------|
352| Any [T3] tagged item encountered | STOP. Do not guess. Escalate to licensed CPA, EA, or tax attorney. |
353| Client has audit notice or assessment | Escalate immediately. Do not advise on audit response. |
354| Multi-state nexus question involving 3+ states | Flag for senior reviewer with multi-state experience. |
355| Penalty abatement or voluntary disclosure | Escalate to licensed professional with state-specific experience. |
356| Ambiguous taxability of a product/service | Present both interpretations to reviewer with supporting authority. |
357 
358---
359 
360## Contribution Notes
361 
362- This skill follows the Q1 execution format (Step 0 through Step 7).
363- All rules are tagged [T1], [T2], or [T3] per the Confidence Tier Definitions.
364- Rate tables are deterministic lookup tables -- no narrative explanation of rates.
365- To update this skill, submit a pull request with the specific section, supporting statutory authority, and effective date of the change.
366- All changes require validation by a US CPA or EA before merging.
367 
368---
369 
370## Disclaimer
371This skill and its outputs are provided for informational and computational purposes only and do not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Open Accountants and its contributors accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from the use of this skill. All outputs must be reviewed and signed off by a qualified professional (such as a CPA, EA, tax attorney, or equivalent licensed practitioner in your jurisdiction) before filing or acting upon.
372 
373The most up-to-date, verified version of this skill is maintained at [openaccountants.com](https://openaccountants.com). Log in to access the latest version, request a professional review from a licensed accountant, and track updates as tax law changes.
374 

Run this skill, then get an accountant to check it

After running the full skill pack in your AI agent, sign up and upload your worksheet. We'll connect you with a trusted accountant in our network who can review your numbers before you file.

Quality

Q3: AI-drafted

AI-generated with structure and citations. Not independently verified.

Needs deep research against tax authority websites to reach Q2.

Accountant Review

Not yet reviewed

About

Use this skill whenever asked about Wyoming sales tax, Wyoming use tax, Wyoming DOR sales tax filing, or Wyoming sales tax compliance. Trigger on phrases like "Wyoming sales tax", "WY sales tax", "W.S. §39-15", "Wyoming DOR", "Wyoming no income tax", "Wyoming SST", or any request involving Wyoming state and local sales and use tax compliance. ALWAYS load us-sales-tax first for federal context.

US-WYty-2025

Use this skill

This skill is open source and free to use in any AI agent. Copy it, download it, or clone the repo. If you find an error, flag it — a licensed accountant will review.

2 of 2 in the US-WY workflow: