exactor sales tax solution user guide

29
E E X X A A C C T T O O R R S S U U I I T T E E , , S S A A L L E E S S & & U U S S E E R R G G U U I I D D E E (JANUARY 2009) C CONFIDENTIAL

Upload: clifton-flack

Post on 15-Nov-2014

111 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Exactor Sales Tax Solution User . Exactor provides an ASP-based service for managing and storing sales transactions and fully automating the related sales tax compliance process. Nearly every American

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EEXXAACCTTOORR SSUUIITTEE,, SSAALLEESS && UUSSEERR GGUUIIDDEE

((JJAANNUUAARRYY 22000099))

CCOONNFFIIDDEENNTTIIAALL

Page 2: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXACTOR SUITE –DESCRIPTION .................................................................................... 1 Features ................................................................................................................ 1 Service Modules...................................................................................................... 2

ExactorCalc ......................................................................................................... 2 ExactorTrack ....................................................................................................... 2 ExactorExempt .................................................................................................... 2 ExactorFile .......................................................................................................... 2

Product Advantages................................................................................................. 2 EXACTOR SUITE – QUICK-START ................................................................................... 3

Three Easy Steps To Getting Started.......................................................................... 3 Setting Up Your Account ....................................................................................... 3 Mapping Your Products ......................................................................................... 3 Connecting Your System To Exactor........................................................................ 4 Launching The Service Into Production .................................................................... 4 Once Installed – No Maintenance Required .............................................................. 4

Report & Control Page Features................................................................................. 4 ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT............................................................................................... 5

Description............................................................................................................. 5 Merchant Administrator............................................................................................ 5 Login..................................................................................................................... 5 Home Page ............................................................................................................ 5 Account Management .............................................................................................. 6

Change Password................................................................................................. 6 Edit User Profile ................................................................................................... 6 Account Information ............................................................................................. 7 Manage Users / Add New Users.............................................................................. 7

Nexus & Filing Information ....................................................................................... 8 Tax Calculator ........................................................................................................ 8

PRODUCT MAPPING...................................................................................................... 9 Description............................................................................................................. 9

The Exactor Hierarchical Approach.......................................................................... 9 Setting Up the Product Mapping ............................................................................. 9 Bulk Upload of Product Identifiers......................................................................... 10

MANAGING PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS ............................................................................ 11 Description........................................................................................................... 11 Features .............................................................................................................. 11

Integration........................................................................................................ 11 Data Input ........................................................................................................ 11 Exemption Certificate - Uploading......................................................................... 11

Exemption Management......................................................................................... 12 Exemption List................................................................................................... 12 Creating New & Editing Existing Exemptions .......................................................... 12

REPORTS .................................................................................................................. 14 Description........................................................................................................... 14 Transaction Summary Reports (Aggregate & State Specific) ........................................ 15

Report Data ...................................................................................................... 15 Report Customization ......................................................................................... 15

Tax Calculation Request ......................................................................................... 16 Tax Calculation Requests..................................................................................... 16 Report Customization ......................................................................................... 16 Detailed Tax Calculation Transaction ..................................................................... 17 Committing Calculation Request ........................................................................... 17

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page i

Page 3: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page ii

Committed Sales Transactions Report ...................................................................... 18 Committed Transactions...................................................................................... 18 Report Customization ......................................................................................... 18 Detailed Committed Sales Transaction .................................................................. 19

FILING YOUR TAX RETURN .......................................................................................... 20 Description........................................................................................................... 20 Filing Process ....................................................................................................... 20

Automated Filing Method..................................................................................... 20 Alternative Filing Methods ................................................................................... 21

State Tax Return, Summary Report ......................................................................... 21 State Filing Summary Report .................................................................................. 22

TAX CALCULATOR ...................................................................................................... 23 Description........................................................................................................... 23 Using the Tax Calculator ........................................................................................ 23

BULK TRANSACTION UPLOAD ...................................................................................... 25 Description........................................................................................................... 25 File Types ............................................................................................................ 25 Process................................................................................................................ 25 Exactor CSV File Format......................................................................................... 25

STREAMLINED SALES TAX (SST) REGISTRATION............................................................ 26 Description........................................................................................................... 26

Page 4: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE –DESCRIPTION Exactor is revolutionizing sales tax compliance by providing the next-generation, end-to-end solution for secure, reliable and accurate sales tax record keeping and tax processing. Exactor’s service introduces to sales tax compliance the same high standards and ease of use typically associated with payroll taxes. This allows the merchant to focus on SALES, while Exactor deals with the TAX.

FEATURES The Exactor Suite is a fully automated, comprehensive, end-to-end compliance system for sales and use taxes owing in all commercial environments. The ASP-based services provided by the Exactor Suite cover all elements of compliance: tax determination; full transaction life cycle tracking (including any changes made to a transaction, such as credits, product returns, or exemptions); providing a comprehensive, verifiable, transactional audit trail; managing exemption certificates; preparing and filing the tax returns; and transferring tax proceeds to the different tax agencies. By tracking a transaction throughout its entire life cycle, the Exactor Suite can also be used by merchants as a comprehensive tool for sales and use audit purposes, as well as for Sarbanes Oxley compliance. Exactor's reliable, fully automated, audit trail creates a seamless, single, source for these obligations. The Exactor Suite services are not limited to any single merchant size; all retailers-- large, mid-size or small-- can significantly reduce the burden and costs of sales and use tax compliance by using the Exactor Suite. Some of the more notable features of the Exactor Suite include the following: Seamless, wizard-driven integration, requiring no software downloads or installation and no

technical resources committed to integration. Retailers don't have to buy, learn, integrate or maintain new software packages. No need to use IT teams to work on custom installation.

Full integration into ERP and financial systems. Transactions are reconciled to the general ledger, and not left hanging. This reduces costs associated with processing, and reduces liability typically associated with human induced error. System tracks transactional data, by line item; including product (SKU); quantity; exemptions (if applicable); and exceptions (discounts, credits; product returns; charge-backs).

Tax determined by applying the highly accurate address and zip+4 methodologies, and all relevant local rules, tax rates and product taxability matrixes.

Complete tracking of transaction life cycle, starting with transaction initiation; authorization; fulfillment; capture; credits; returns; exemptions; and any other change made - when and by whom.

Transactional audit trail provides comprehensive audit solution, including Sarbanes-Oxley ("SOX") and other compliance audits.

Automation of labor-intensive manual processes.

Modular system architecture allows quick adaptation and modification to accommodate new and changing requirements - regulatory and internal. Fully redundant, highly secure, highly scalable system provides for a 7x24x365 up-time system, operating in a safe and secure commercial environment. System evaluated applying standards in compliance with NIST and ISO 17799.

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 1

Page 5: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 2

SERVICE MODULES

ExactorCalc Accurately determining the taxability of a sale is a very complex process, stemming from the many issues that affect the tax determination. These issues range from establishing the location of the transaction; the products and services being sold; and the parties involved in the transaction. All of this information is required to determine which of the more than 7,000 taxing authorities will govern the transaction, which rules will apply to the transaction, whether the given products are taxable and at what rate, and whether the consumer might possess an exemption that will render the entire transaction as tax exempt. This is no small task but the ExactorCalc module can do it all, with ease and efficiency and in real-time, too!

ExactorTrack The life of a transaction does not begin and end with the placement of an order. Once a consumer makes a purchase, the transaction has just begun. Discrepancies and errors can result in costly out-of-pocket charges to the merchant. Exactor's finely-tuned tracking system, ExactorTrack, will identify any and all changes made to a transaction, the timing of such change by whom such change was made and the reason for the change. All this information is then coupled with the original transaction, ensuring the merchant of preparing an accurate and reliable sales tax return - and, as importantly, avoiding expensive and unnecessary expenses.

ExactorExempt Managing exemptions is often the most difficult part of the sales tax process. While not a complicated task, exemption management can be extremely time-consuming. The last thing that any sales person wants to do is stop a transaction in mid stride to obtain an exemption certificate. The ExactorExempt module is designed to automate the process of creating, tracking & managing exemption certificates, without impeding the flow of the transaction. The module enables uploading of exemption information in real time, either before or after transaction initiation, and provides for cross-referencing of an exemption certificate to multiple transactions. The purchaser is no longer required to produce multiple certificates, but instead can upload one certificate and use it across multiple transactions and with all Exactor-enabled vendors. ExactorExempt can also be fully integrated into an online shopping cart, so that data can be uploaded in real time, as the transaction is being processed.

ExactorFile Filing sales tax returns is a formidable task. It is not the technical, mechanical or physical aspects of filing, but rather the psychological aspect - knowing which returns need to be filed, to which states, and by when. In addition, the filing requirements differ from one filing period to the next. There is nothing consistent about the process. Limited resources and fragmented responsibilities often leave no one individual truly accountable. Why struggle with this process? ExactorFile automatically imports sales data into the appropriate sales tax returns and files these returns electronically when due. The sales tax returns are stored and maintained on the Exactor servers for easy retrieval. Merchants can rest easy knowing that their sales tax obligations are being handled in a timely fashion by a single point of contact -- ExactorFile.

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES Single solution to address all compliance needs. Minimal cost of integration & implementation – merchants do not have to buy, learn,

integrate or maintain new and multiple software packages. Automation of manual processes. Potential tax exposure reduced. Compliance tool (SOX compliance). System evaluated applying standards in compliance with NIST and ISO 17799. Real time, fully automated reporting & filing system.

Page 6: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 3

EXACTOR SUITE – QUICK-START

THREE EASY STEPS TO GETTING STARTED Launching of the Exactor services is preceded by three easy steps. These can be quickly summarized as follows (more information about each phase is in the following chapters).

1. Set up your account 2. Map your products 3. Connect your systems to Exactor

Setting Up Your Account Exactor needs information that will tell Exactor about the customer. This includes standard company and individual contact information. Additional information is required that will enable Exactor to calculate taxes and generate the tax returns. More specifically, this includes: Where (states) you operate (1) State registration (2) Frequency of filing (3)

For more information about this phase, please see Chapter: Account Management

Mapping Your Products Second phase is letting Exactor know what you are selling. States have different tax rules for different products. For example – the same software can be taxed one way if it is downloadelectronically, and taxed differently if purchased and delivered on a CD.

ed

Exactor needs to know what products you are selling in order to identify the products, and translate the merchant skus to Exactor rules in real time. Exactor has an easy to use method to translate your product identifier (sku) to those of Exactor By simply highlighting your sku’s (1); and the matching Exactor numeric identifier (2), you create the automated translator

For more information, please go to the Chapter: Product Mapping

Page 7: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 4

Connecting Your System To Exactor Exactor is designed to match YOUR needs. On-Line transactions: Exactor has shopping-cart modules that will calculate taxes before

sending the transaction for credit card authorization. Sales Orders: Exactor has purchase order modules that will calculate taxes before

providing a sales quote. Invoices: Exactor has invoice modules will calculate taxes when generating an invoice. Customized environments: Exactor will provide information how to easily connect

customized system to Exactor.

Launching The Service Into Production While testing the Exactor modules, your account is in Pre-Production, and no tracking is performed for purpose of generating and filing tax returns. A status message on your home page indicates that you are in “Pre-Production” mode. Once you are satisfied that the Exactor modules are thoroughly tested and performing within your environment to your satisfaction, you will launch the service into production. At this point, the status indicator will change, to provide the date when you first entered into production status. From this point on, transactions will be tracked for purpose of generating and filing tax returns.

Once Installed – No Maintenance Required Once installed – ALL functionality is performed on the Exactor servers, and there is no follow-up maintenance

REPORT & CONTROL PAGE FEATURES Each of the reports and control pages in the Exactor admin site is designed for ease of use while maximizing user control. These features include: Easy to use and intuitive navigation tools and controls; Comprehensive sorting, by any data field; Hiding from view of data fields Comprehensive and exhaustive exporting of all data into Excel spreadsheet or csv files. This User Guide will provide more detailed information about each of these phases, how they can be used, as well as detailed information about managing your Exactor account.

Page 8: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 5

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

DESCRIPTION Merchants can manage their entire Exactor account via an easy to use, intuitive, on-line Merchant Administrator Site. The merchant can view transaction activity in real time, add users, restrict users, add products and locations and perform any administrative function in an intuitive and readily accessible safe environment.

MERCHANT ADMINISTRATOR Access to the Merchant Admin Site is password protected. Administrators can create multiple users, and different users can have different permissions to access different parts of the merchant admin site, and perform different functions. All such permissions are created by unique user name / password combinations.

LOGIN The login screen enables a user to enter the login details. Information required to log-in to your Exactor account includes: Account number – The Account

Number associated to the Merchant

User Name Password

HOME PAGE On successful login, the user will land on the account Home Page. The home page is broken down as follows: User (1) Account name (2) Function task bar (3), which

includes quick tabs to Account Management; Tax Calculator; Exemption; Reports; Filing; and Help tab.

Account activity summary information (4); and

Activity List (5) Note: More information about each of these functions is provided below.

Page 9: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 6

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT The Account Management tab (1) enables the user with the following quick-tab functionalities (2): Change Password Edit User Profile Manage Account Manage Users Nexus and Filing Information Product Mapping

Change Password The Change Password tab allows the user to change their personal login password. To change your password, the user must enter the following information: Old Password: The current

password. New Password: The new

password. Confirm Password. The password must be between 6 – 12 alpha-numeric characters. Once you hit the "SUBMIT" button, and assuming that the Confirm and the Enter Password fields match, the password is changed and the user is returned to the Summary home page. The new password change is effective immediately, and will be required for thenext log-in. A confirmation e-mail will be sent, notifying the user of the password chan

ge.

Edit User Profile The Edit User Profile allows the user to change their personal contact information, including: Firs / Last name Telephone number E-mail address Once information is updated, click the “Save” button.

Page 10: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 7

Account Information The Manage Account page provides company account information, specifically, address, Merchant ID; Federal ID (typically, the FEIN number – Employer Identification Number issued by the IRS); state of incorporation and business classification. By clicking the “Edit” button, the user will be allowed to edit this information. When clicking the Edit button, the Account information data fields become editable fields (except for the account number, which is non-editable). The user can edit the information required: Company Name – name of the

Customer; Address (street; suite; city;

state; zip); Federal ID – EIN number issued

by the IRS; State of incorporation. Business classification. When clicking the “Save” button, the new information will be saved, and the user will be navigated back to the Account Information page. When clicking “Cancel,” changes will NOT be saved, and the user will exit the edit page.

Manage Users / Add New Users The Manage Users page provides information about all of the users allowed access to the account. The page is divided into the following windows: List of all users, including User

name; full name & e-mail (1); User information – for each

highlighted user, you will see: o Contact information (2); o Active or not (3).

Edit / Add New User button (4) – when a user is highlighted, you may click on the “Edit” button to edit the user access information. o If no user is highlighted, the

Edit User button (4) is replaced with an “Add User” button, to add new users. Any change made, including adding new users, is effective immediately.

Page 11: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 8

NEXUS & FILING INFORMATION The Nexus & Filing Information page is loaded from the "Account Management --> Nexus & Filing Information" tab. The Nexus & Filing Information page defines those states in which the user authorizes Exactor to provide calculation and tax return filing services. Exactor allows the user to define those states in which it has a reporting obligation. Exactor does not determine where the user has nexus, and where they must file their returns. Exactor follows the instructions of the user, and will file returns only in states that the user defines in the Nexus tab.

EXACTOR WILL RETURN $0 TAXES ON STATES WHICH ARE NOT AUTHORIZED

IN THE NEXUS & FILING INFORMATION PAGE. EXACTOR WILL NOT FILE RETURNS IN STATES WHICH ARE NOT AUTHORIZED

IN THE NEXUS & FILING PAGE. The User should be careful about making changes to this page. Once loaded, the user must check the "Edit Page" button (1) in order to make changes to

the page; NAICS code (2), if unknown, the

NAICS code can be obtained from the following url: http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html;

SST registration data (3). If SST registration information is added, this will be automatically populated into all SST states (4)

For more information, see Chapter: Streamlined Sales Tax (SST);

Identify states in which you have nexus or otherwise a reporting obligation, and make sure that they are checked accordingly (4).

UNCHECKED STATE MEANS THAT EXACTOR WILL NOT PROVIDE TAX CALC AND

TAX FILING SERVICES FOR TRANSACTIONS THAT OCCUR WITHIN THAT STATE. State tax ID issued by the state (5). Exactor will use this tax ID for generating and filing

your return. Incorrect ID number will result in rejection of the return by the state, and could result in fines and penalties. You should note that your SST ID will be inserted automatically as the Tax ID in SST states. You may still receive tax ID's from the states (this is because the SST ID is issued by the SST centralized registration system, and some states proceed to automatically issue their own tax ID, even though the SST ID is all that is required for filing under the SST). The state issued tax IDs should be retained for archival and future retrieval, but should not be of concern. Do not replace the SST ID with the state issued tax ID. All SST filings performed by Exactor utilize the SST issued ID.

Insert the filing frequency required by the state (typically Monthly / Quarterly / Annual) (6). Exactor will generate and file returns as per the frequency indicated for the given state. Filing frequencies are often dependent upon tax obligations within a state, and may differ from state to state.

State issued user name and password (7). This is an optional field, if issued by the state. Make sure to save any changes made by clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of the page.

TAX CALCULATOR The Tax Calculator is a tool for the user to calculate taxes on an ad-hoc basis. The user may input transaction data, and the tax calculator will calculate and display the taxes.

For more information, please go to the Chapter: Tax Calculator.

Page 12: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 9

PRODUCT MAPPING

DESCRIPTION Every state has different tax rules for different products, what is also referred to as product taxability. In order to apply the rules correctly, the Exactor system needs to know what you are selling in each transaction. The more accurate the information you provide, the higher the chances that we will be able to identify specific product exemptions and rules. If you provide high-level, more generic, descriptions only, Exactor will apply general taxability rules. Exactor has a unique method that enables you to 'map' your products to the Exactor product codes, Exactor Unified Code ("EUC"). This action is performed only once, and then our system will automatically know which taxability rules to apply to each line item in your invoices. Exactor's EUC codes are used for automated mapping purposes only. You will not need to learn these numbers or apply them manually. You will continue to use your own SKU codes, and the Exactor system will take care of all of the rest. It is important to note that the EUC system is not an inventory system – you do not need to map each and every sku item you have. Rather, you can achieve the desired result by assigning a sku range or group of skus to any given EUC code. Responsibility as to the accuracy of the mapping, and the desired detail provided, lies with the merchant alone.

EXACTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR INACCURATE PRODUCT

MAPPING. WHEN IN DOUBT – CONSULT WITH A CPA TO ASSURE

ACCURATE CLASSIFICATION. If you find that a certain product cannot be mapped into any of the provided EUC codes, contact your Exactor admin so that an EUC code can be added accordingly. To the extent that the merchant does not provide product mapping at all, the Exactor System will assume that the underlying transaction is taxable, and that no exemptions apply.

The Exactor Hierarchical Approach The Exactor mapping methodology follows a hierarchical approach to its classification of products and services. The hierarchical approach means that, just like different like-products are grouped into a common class of goods, different like-groups can be grouped into a common class of a higher level group. For example, different IBM computers can be grouped together as IBM computers, and different Dell computers can be grouped together as Dell computers. Both of these groups of computers classified by manufacturers, can be rolled up into a more common group, known as

omputers."

e you will see the corresponding EUC code, and a place to insert your matching SKU

t of appropriate menu item in your admin site: Account

"c The Exactor mapping schema provides multiple levels of hierarchies. You will need to drill down the hierarchies, to the level wherranges.

Setting Up the Product Mapping The Merchant may access the Product Mapping page either during set-up, or at any pointime afterwards, by clicking on themanagement -> Product Mapping

Page 13: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 10

To map a merchant item to an Exactor EUC code: Enter product skus (1) (low sku

Single sku’s should be inputnumber in the left input field, high sku – in the right field.

ted

n

he Exactor EUC input fields

’s in the

n be

cking on the “Export”

ps by

e”

d dit” or “Delete” buttons, as the

the

ierarchical method, so when clicking on a top level category, it will expand to display the wer levels.

n the “Export” button (7), you ill be prompted to save or open the file in Excel re CSV format.

eet of SKU ranges; matching EUC code and the EUC

s U list.

Please contact your Exactor admin to receive the required format of the spreadsheet

in the left input field only). Enter product description (2) Identify the Exactor EUC code i

the right hand frame (3) that best matches the product group. The EUC code will auto-populate into t

(4). Click on the "Add" button (6),

and the new product will be added to the list of skubottom left panel (5).

All SKU mapping lists caexported into an Excel spreadsheet or csv format file by clibutton (7).

Changes can be made to mapped SKU grouhighlighting the SKU range in panel (5). Once a mapped SKU is highlighted, the “Edit” & “Deletbuttons (6) will be highlighted, replacing the “Add” button. Once the data is populated into fields 1; 2 & 3, make the necessary changes, anclick either the “Ecase may be. The entry will be saved withnew values. The Exactor EUC codes are arranged in a hlo When clicking owo The exported list will include a spreadshroduct descriptors. p

Bulk Upload of Product Identifiers For merchants with many SKUs, Exactor allowa bulk upload of a spreadsheet of the SK

Page 14: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 11

MANAGING PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS

DESCRIPTION EXACTOR’s ASP service is designed to provide management services, data storage and complete automation of the sales & use tax compliance process. This includes a comprehensive module designed to automate the process of creating, tracking & managing exemption information and exemption certificates. Automated tracking & reporting of all certificates created in Exactor’s system can be provided to parties of interest, including:

Retailer; Buyer; State / taxing agency.

Once exemption information is uploaded, any time that a customer returns, their exemption information will be pre-populated into the transaction information, and applied to the tax calculation.

FEATURES

Integration Exactor’s exemption module is seamlessly integrated at any point of the transaction cycle, as may be needed, including the point of sale, at the transaction, such as the online shopping cart, through the QuickBooks invoice, or as part of the admin site. The stand-alone on-line interfaces enable buyers to upload their own information, and retrieve a unique identifier, to be used in future transactions referencing the uploaded certificate. This will enable buyers to manage a single exemption across multiple transactions. The Exactor exemption process is designed to empower merchants and buyers to upload certificates in real time, rather than deal with these issues post transaction. But it also allows uploading the minimal information necessary to complete the transaction, and supplement additional information at a later stage, so that the transaction flow is not slowed down unnecessarily. The Exactor Exemption module can be set to provide automated notifications when information is missing, so that the merchant and the buyer have sufficient time to supplement missing information before an audit occurs.

Data Input Certificate data can be inputted by either the buyer or the merchant. Exemption data is uploaded in real time into the Exactor database for easy retrieval, tracking and reporting. The real time capabilities allow the buyer / seller to continue with the flow of the transaction, without having to stop pending transactions in mid-stream to transfer hard documents to the retailer. The ability to track certificate information and the automated system that will alert the merchant and the buyer of missing information (e.g. certificate document was not loaded) will assure the users that they will not have to scurry around at the time of an audit to find out what information is missing, and what needs to be obtained. Exemption data is cross-referenced with transaction data at the point of transaction, assuring that a transaction is not exempted with incorrect exemption information.

System applies exemption on an automatic basis using unique identifier. System cross-references exemption dates, verifying that the exemption is valid

at the date of the transaction. System cross-references exemption data with transaction data. System cross-references exemption states, verifying that the exemption is

applied in the correct jurisdictions, using transaction sourcing rules. System can apply exemption on a line item basis, assuring that exemptions are

applied to the correct product categories.

Exemption Certificate - Uploading An image of an exemption certificate may also be uploaded to the Exactor system, enabling

Page 15: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 12

cross references between the image, the exemption record, and the transactions to which it was applied. The certificate will be identified by Exactor, applying the exemption record unique identifier.

EXEMPTION MANAGEMENT

Exemption List The Exemption List page allows the user to view and control the exemptions applied to the Merchant Account. The list includes basic

information for each exemption, including: Exemption ID– a unique Exactor Certificate Number ("ECN") issued by Exactor; Status of the exemption (approved, pendinBuyer Name; EIN number; State certificate is valid; and Effective Da

g);

tes.

(3).

.

The User can create a new exemption by clicking the “Create Exemption” button (1).

The User can edit an exemption by clicking on the Exemption ID of any specific exemption (2),

The complete list can be exported by clicking the “Export” button

The Exemption list can be exported into either an Excel spreadsheet, or csv file format, and will include all of the above data points

Creating New & Editing Existing Exemptions The following information fields are part of the exemption file: Buyer Details (1) – Buyer name;

Address; Phone; Buyer ID (Federal EIN; or any other form of formal identification);

Exemption Details (2) – The reason and type of the exemption (drop-down menu items); effective dates and status of the exemption (active or not);

Exempt States (3) – a list of the states where the exemption is valid. Each effective state should be identified with a check-mark.

Exemption Image (4) –an image of the exemption certificate can be uploaded to the Exactor

Page 16: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 13

system. Exactor accepts any standard image file format, including pdf; jpeg; gif; etc. The image is linked to the certificate information, and can be retrieved for auditing and reporting purposes. By clicking on the Browse button, the user can point to the image file on their computer, and when clicking the "SUBMIT" button, the image file is uploaded to the Exactor servers. A link "VIEW CERTIFICATE" is provided on the page, which allows the user to view a copy of the image at any point of time.

Once the "SUBMIT" button (5) is clicked, the exemption information is saved into the Exactor System, and a new ECN number is generated for the new certificate, and added to the Exemption List. Edit Exemption. When opening the page of an existing exemption, the exemption page

will be populated by the exemption data. By default, this page cannot be edited by the user. The user must check the "Edit Exemption" check-box in order to change any of the exemption data fields.

Page 17: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 14

REPORTS

DESCRIPTION The Exactor reporting system provides real time reporting capabilities on all elements of transactions conducted using the Exactor system. The reporting module is available 24x7, and provides an accurate, timely report on the status of the merchants’ tax responsibility, and all of its elements. Three basic report categories provide the gateway into additional reports: The three categories are: Transaction Summary – aggregated by taxing authorities. Tax Calculation Requests Committed Sales Transactions The Exactor reporting system includes the following reports:

1. Transaction Summary, aggregated by states; 2. Transaction Summary, aggregated by local jurisdictions of each state; 3. Transaction Count – comprehensive report of transactions comprised of any

given line item; 4. Committed Transactions, report of all committed sales transactions, aggregated

by invoice; 5. Committed Sales Transaction – details of specific committed sales transaction; 6. Tax Calculation Requests, report of all tax calculation requests, aggregated by

invoice; 7. Tax Calculation Transaction – details of specific tax calculation requests; 8. Sales Tax Filing Report – sales tax returns, aggregated by states (See Chapter

on Filing Taxes); 9. State Filing Summary – sales tax returns, aggregated by local jurisdiction of

each state (See Chapter on Filing Taxes). All of the Exactor reports have the following features: Real time reporting – all transactions and system changes are reflected in the reports in

real time; Easy to use and intuitive navigation tools and controls; Comprehensive sorting, by any data field – by simply pointing and clicking at the header of

any column (e.g. customer name; transaction date; transaction amount; tax amount; transaction ID), the user can sort the report by the data in that column in ascending or descending order;

Hiding from view of data fields – the user can hide any column by clicking at the header of any column, and deactivating any of the given columns;

Comprehensive and exhaustive exporting of all data into Excel spreadsheet or csv files. By clicking on the “Export Data” button on the top right hand corner of any report, the user can export the data into an Excel spreadsheet or CSV formatted file for easy reconciliation, archiving or other purpose.

Page 18: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 15

TRANSACTION SUMMARY REPORTS (AGGREGATE & STATE SPECIFIC) Summary information is provided in this Transaction Summary Report, which provides information aggregated by state. Two reports are available in this category:

1. Transaction Summary, aggregated by State; 2. Transaction Summary, aggregated by Local Jurisdiction.

Report Data

Upon entering the date range (1), and clicking the "Refresh" button (2), the following information will be generated for each state: Total Sales. Non-Nexus sales – total sales in

non-nexus reporting states. Entity Exemptions – stales to

customers with personal exemptions;

Product Exemptions – total sales of products which are tax exempt;

Non-taxable sales – total sales for non-taxable items;

Taxable Sales – total sales upon which taxes are imposed;

Total tax – total taxes calculated;

Total Amount – aggregate of transaction and tax amounts.

Tx Count: Number of Transactions for the line item.

Report Customization State Specific Data: By click

on any of the states (4), a nereport is generated, with thesame data break-down, but itemized for all of the

ing w

local

er

he arrow at

e

a: Data can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet or csv format file, by clicking on the "Export Data" button (3). This is especially helpful for quick and easy data reconciliation.

jurisdictions and special taxes for the requested state.

Data Sorting: The data of eachreport can be sorted in Ascending or Descending ordby any of the columns, by simply clicking on the head of each column (5), and indicated the sort of preference.

Data Customization: Data column may be added and deleted by clicking on tthe head of any column (5), and then checking data columns to be added / deleted. Columns can also be resized by simply dragging your mouse on the columns.

Transaction Data: By clicking on any of the Tx Count buttons (6), a new report will bgenerated showing a comprehensive report of all transactions used for the given line item.

Exporting Dat

Page 19: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 16

TAX CALCULATION REQUEST Information generated in this report is that of all requests for tax calculations, which have not been committed (revenue has not been recognized on these transactions). These transactions are NOT used to generate tax returns. Two reports are available in this category:

1. Tax Calculation Requests – report of all tax calculation requests, aggregated by invoice; 2. Tax Calculation Transaction – detail itemization of specific tax calculation requests.

Tax Calculation Requests

Upon entering the date range (1), and clicking the "Refresh" button (2), the following information will be generated, aggregate for each tax calculation invoice: Sale Date – the date for which

the calculation was performed; PO Number (optional data); Customer Name; From State – state which sold

from; To State – place of delivery; Gross Amount – the total

transaction amount; Total Taxes – total taxes

calculated on the entire transaction;

Total Amount – Gross and Tax amounts combined;

Transaction ID – unique Exactor identifier that is assigned to each transaction for reporting and auditing purposes.

Tax calculation requests are not used for tax reporting, but are provided for the benefit of the merchant as a management and control tool. For tax

reporting – you should refer to the Committed Sales Transaction Report.

Report Customization Data Sorting: The data of each report can be sorted in Ascending or Descending order by

any of the columns, by simply clicking on the head of each column (6), and indicating the sort of preference.

Data Customization: Data columns may be added and deleted by clicking on the arrow at the head of any column (6), and then checking data columns to be added / deleted. Columns can also be resized by simply dragging your mouse on the columns.

Exporting Data: Data can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet or csv format file, by simply clicking on the "Export Data" button (5). This is especially helpful for quick and easy data reconciliation.

Deleting a Transaction. Any transaction can be deleted in its entirety by checking the transaction check-box (7) and clicking the “Delete” button (3). After confirming the delete request, the transaction will be deleted from the report.

Committing a Transaction. Any Calc transaction can be committed from the Tax Calculation Report, by checking the transaction check-box (7), and clicking the “Commit” button (4). You can specify a commit date different than today’s date by entering the desired date in the Commit button date field. After confirming the commit request, the transaction will be committed. It will be transferred from the Tax Calculation Request report, to the Committed Transaction Report, and will be used for tax reporting purposes.

Page 20: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 17

Transaction Specific Data: By clicking on any of the Transaction ID's (8), a new report is generated, showing the detailed information of the transaction.

Detailed Tax Calculation Transaction This report includes an itemized description of each line item in the transaction, including the following data elements: Transaction ID assigned by

Exactor; Invoice number, generated by

the merchant; Sale date - the date for which

the calculation was performed; Ship To and Ship From

information; Exemption ID – the Exactor ECN

number, to the extent that the customer has a personal exemption;

SKU / Exactor EUC numbers and product description of each line item; Gross Amount – purchase price of each line item; Taxes calculated for each line item; Nexus – whether the transaction is subject to a reporting state, as provided in the

Merchant Nexus and Filing Information tab; Exemption – whether the customer personal exemption was applied to the line item; Tax details – the taxes calculated for the line item, providing detailed information, drilling

down to all reporting jurisdictions (state, and all relevant local jurisdictions). This field shows taxes as they are calculated for the line item, and as they would be applied if the line item is subject to reporting requirements.

Note: If the line item shows taxes calculated, however the transaction is returning $0 taxes, the reason is in all likelihood because the customer has a personal exemption that was applied to the transaction, or the transaction occurred in a state where the merchant stated to Exactor that it has no nexus or reporting obligation.

The final line item shows the totals of the transaction – total transaction amount; total taxes calculated and an aggregate of the Tax Details field.

Committing Calculation Request The "Commit"() button on the Tax Calculation Transaction report (above), allows the user to commit the transaction, converting it from a calc only to a committed transaction. Users should commit transactions once revenue is recognized in order to apply the transaction to the then current tax reporting period. Once committed, the transaction will be deleted from the Tax Calculation Report, and transferred to the Committed Sales Transaction Report (see below). Additional information the user may use when committing the transaction are: Commit Date: the date for revenue recognition. The Exactor system will allow the user to

back-date a commitment date until the first date of the most recent unreported tax period. This avoids having to otherwise file amended returns. For example, a user wishing to commit a transaction on December 4 may apply a date as far back as November 1, assuming that no return has yet been generated for the November time period. The system will not allow applying a date preceding November 1, assuming that tax returns have already been filed for those earlier dates.

Invoice Number: Exactor requires the user to apply an Invoice number for all committed transactions. This is the merchants internal invoice number, and is used for cross reference and audit purposes.

Page 21: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 18

COMMITTED SALES TRANSACTIONS REPORT Information generated in the Committed Sales Transaction Report covers all transactions that have been committed in the defined date-range, i.e. that revenue has been recognized, and which will be used for generating tax returns for the given time period. Two reports are available in this category:

1. Committed Transactions, report of all committed sales transactions, aggregated by invoice;

2. Committed Sales Transaction – details of specific committed sales transactions.

Only transactions appearing in the Committed Sales Transaction Report are used for tax reporting.

Committed Transactions

Upon entering the date range (1), and clicking the "Refresh" button (2), the following information will be generated, aggregate for each transaction invoice: Sale Date – the date for which

the calculation was performed; Commit Date – the date for

which the transaction was committed (date revenue was recognized);

Customer Name; From State – state which sold

from; To State – place of delivery; Gross Amount – the total

transaction amount; Total Taxes – total taxes

calculated on the entire transaction;

Total Amount – Gross and Tax amounts combined;

Transaction ID – unique Exactor identifier that is assigned to each transaction for reporting .

simply clicking on the head of each column (5), and indicated the

w at leted.

transactions,

port Data" button (4). This is especially helpful for quick and

n ID's (7), a new report is generated, showing the detailed information of the transaction.

and auditing purposes

Report Customization Data Sorting: The data of each report can be sorted in Ascending or Descending order by

any of the columns, bysort of preference.

Data Customization: Data column may be added and deleted by clicking on the arrothe head of any column (5), and then checking data columns to be added / deColumns can also be resized by simply dragging your mouse on the columns.

Refund. Any transaction can be refunded from the Committed Sales Transaction by clicking on the transaction check-box (6), and clicking on the “Refund” button (3). Upon confirmation of the refund request, the transaction will be refunded, resulting in a net $0 reporting obligation. Note: For audit trail purposes, Exactor does not delete but rather uses the “Refund” function to obtain the same tax reporting result.

Exporting Data: Data can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet or csv format file, by simply clicking on the "Exeasy data reconciliation.

Transaction Specific Data: By clicking on any of the Transactio

Page 22: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EEXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 19

SXACTOR UITE, S & U GALES SER UIDE

Detailed Committed Sales Transaction This report includes an itemizedfollowing data elements:

description of each line item in the transaction, including the

h d;

s

n of each line item;

t

ption column. This indicates that a personal exemption was applied to

ill be tled “Refunded Transaction.”

Transaction ID assigned by Exactor; Invoice number , generated by the merchant;

Sale date - the date for whicthe calculation was performe

Commit Date – the date forwhich the transaction wascommitted (revenue warecognized);

Ship To and Ship From information;

Exemption ID – the Exactor ECN number, to the extent that the customer has a personal exemption;

SKU / Exactor EUC numbers and product descriptio Gross Amount – purchase price of each line item; Taxes calculated for each line item; Nexus – whether the transaction is subject to a reporting state, as provided in the

Merchant Nexus and Filing Information tab; Exemption – whether the customer personal exemption was applied to the line item; Tax details – the taxes calculated for the line item, providing detailed information, drilling

down to all reporting jurisdictions (state, and all relevant local jurisdictions). This field shows taxes as they are calculated for the line item, and as they would be applied if the line item is subject to reporting requirements. There may be tax data in this column, yet Total Taxes for the transaction would be $0. This could be because the transaction is nosubject to a reporting jurisdiction, or that the customer had a personal exemption that zeroed the taxes owing.

Alt "Ship To" and "Ship From" – if for any given line item either of these is different than what is listed in the transaction header. This allows the merchant to apply different ShipTo and Ship From information to different line items within a given invoice, which could result in different taxes for the different line items.

The final line item shows the totals of the transaction – total transaction amount; total taxes calculated and an aggregate of the Tax Details field.

Exemption Information: If the customer has a personal exemption, their Exactor issued Exemption ID will be displayed in the Exemption ID field. By clicking on the Exemption ID, a new report will be generated, which will display the customer personal exemption information. (See Chapter: Exemption Management). If the customer has a personal exemption, the transaction invoice will show all taxes calculated, but will display $0 in the "Total Tax" column,nd "Yes" in the Exema

the given line items. Refunded Transaction. Committed transactions that have been refunded will have all of the details and information of standard ommitted Transactions, but wC

ti

Page 23: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 20

FILING YOUR TAX RETURN

DESCRIPTION The Exactor Sales Tax Compliance service generates and files tax returns using data provided to the system. Information used by Exactor in generating the returns includes: Nexus Information: Exactor will generate tax returns for the states and jurisdictions which

are checked in the Nexus and Filing Information page. Filing Frequency: Exactor will generate tax returns in the frequency for each state as

checked in the Nexus and Filing Information page. Filing Information: Exactor will complete tax returns using the filing and corporate

information (include EIN, state tax ID, company name and address) as those are inputted in the Nexus and Filing Information page.

Transaction Data: Exactor will generate the tax returns using committed transaction information for commitment dates that fall within the date range of the tax return.

From the above, it is easily understood why it is so critical to maintain the information in the Exactor system both accurate and current. The failure to update the information in a timely manner may cause incorrect tax filings, resulting in fines and penalties, none of which Exactor will be responsible for. Exactor will be responsible only as long as data provided by the merchant is accurate and provided in a timely manner.

Note: To the extent that you have transactions that have not been uploaded into the Exactor system, contact your Exactor admin to

determine the best method to provide this information to assure its timely inclusion in your tax returns. Failure to do so will result in the filing of inaccurate tax returns, resulting in late fees and penalties.

FILING PROCESS

Automated Filing Method The filing process is managed entirely by Exactor (to the extent requested by the merchant). Exactor will proceed to generate the returns on a periodic basis as required, and file them on behalf of the merchant, to the extent that the merchant has signed up for the filing services. Exactor will also remit the taxes together with the tax returns. The filing process is as follows: Every month, at the close of the 5th day of a month, Exactor will close the books on the

previous filing period. Beyond that date, changes may not be made to transaction data with commitment dates from the prior filing period other than with the assistance of an Exactor administrator.

Exactor will proceed to generate tax returns and make them available for review and approval by the merchant.

Upon approval of the returns, Exactor will invoice the merchant and collect funds required to cover the tax liability.

Upon release of the funds to Exactor's account, and prior to the due date, Exactor will file all of the approved tax returns, and remit tax payments on behalf of the merchant.

EXACTOR WILL NOT FILE TAX RETURNS OR REMIT TAX FEES UNLESS RETURNS ARE

APPROVED AND FUNDS ARE FULLY RELEASED TO EXACTOR'S ACCOUNTS ON A TIMELY

MANNER. EXACTOR WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR NON-TIMELY FILING AND

REMITANCE IN CASE OF FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THIS CONDITION. Where possible, Exactor performs the filing electronically. If unavailable, Exactor will generate and file the paper forms. Where possible Exactor will use electronic payment methods to remit tax payments. If unavailable, Exactor will generate and send in checks to cover said payments. In no event will the customer be required to generate and file returns or cut and mail check on their own, unless they choose to do so.

Page 24: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 21

Alternative Filing Methods Exactor customers may elect alternative filing methods. This includes the following: Self Generate. The user elects to perform the entire process of filing returns on their

own. In this scenario, the merchant downloads transaction and tax data from the Exactor reporting system, and will generate and file the returns on their own. Exactor assumes no responsibility over the entire process of generating or filing the returns in this case.

Bulk Transaction Upload. In this case, the merchant customer is using an external system to calculate taxes on all, or some, of their transactions, but is interested in using the Exactor system to generate and file tax returns. Under this scenario, the use will upload the transaction (and tax) data on a periodic basis, and Exactor will include this data in the tax returns as they are generated. There may be a difference between taxes calculated by the user and those calculated and filed by Exactor. Exactor will not assume responsibility over the accuracy of the tax calculations that were not calculated using the Exactor system, but will be responsible for generating and filing of the returns.

STATE TAX RETURN, SUMMARY REPORT In the State Filing Report Page (under the “Filing” tab), enter the Filing Period (1), and click the "Refresh" button (2), the Exactor reporting system will display all tax returns that were generated for the given filing period. Each report includes the following information: State (5): List of states. By clicking on any of the states, a State Filing Summary Report

will be generated, showing the drill-down information for the state (see following chapter).

Filing period (6), reflecting the return generated as per information provided in the Nexus and Filing page;

State Sales (7): gross state sales for the filing period;

Taxable Sales (8): gross sales amount, net non-taxable sales. Non taxable sales include sales to customers with personal exemptions, as well as sale of tax exempt goods and services.

Total Tax (9): total taxes owing, calculated from the Taxable Sales. Status (10): indicates the status of the return. These will include one of the following:

o "Merchant Review," merchant needs to review the return, and either approve or reject; o "Approved," return was reviewed and approved by the merchant; o "Rejected," return was reviewed and rejected by the merchant.

Exactor will file returns ONLY if the status is APPROVED. Exactor will not file returns that have not been reviewed or have been rejected.

o Action (11). These are interactive buttons. Clicking on either will result in:

Status will change to "Approved."

Status will change to "Rejected." o History. Will indicate the last action (Approval / Rejected), when, and by whom.

Export Data. Data can be exported into an Excel spreadsheet or csv format file by clicking on the "Export Data" button (9). This is especially helpful for data reconciliation.

Page 25: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 22

STATE FILING SUMMARY REPORT The State Filing Summary Report includes all information used for generating and filing the state tax return. This includes the following: States (1): List of states. The

filing status of each state may be quickly determined from thcolor of the state: Green: Approved for filing; Red: Rejected. By clicking on any of the states, a State Filing Summary Report will be generated for that state.

e

into

ed code (3), which is primarily used for tax reporting purposes.

Local Jurisdiction name (2) & Code (3). The taxing jurisdictions are divided level of authorities: county; special district; local; city, as the case may be for each state. Each separate taxing jurisdiction will be listed in its category, and all categories will be aggregated into the top "State Summary" group. Eachauthority has a state issu

Total In-State Sales (4). Gross sales amount in the state for the filing period; Non-Taxable Sales (5). Non taxable sales include sales to customers with personal

exemptions, as well as sale of tax exempt goods and services. Taxable Sales (6): Gross sales amount, after deducting non-taxable sales. Total Tax (7). Total taxes calculated on the Taxable Sales. Status (8): indicates the status of the return. These will include one of the following:

o "Merchant Review," merchant needs to review the return, and either approve or reject; o "Approved," return was reviewed and approved by the merchant; o "Rejected," return was reviewed and rejected by the merchant.

Exactor will file returns ONLY if the status is APPROVED. Exactor will not file returns that have not been reviewed or have been rejected.

o Action (9). These are interactive buttons. Clicking on either will result in:

Status will change to "Approved."

Status will change to "Rejected."

Page 26: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EEXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 23

SXACTOR UITE, S & U GALES SER UIDE

TAX CALCULATOR

DESCRIPTION This interactive module allows users to run single tax calculations, such as low volume merchants that are interested in using a stand-alone web interface that do not require high volume capacity; or for users that need to add transactions to the Exactor system. The tax calculator is made available to all users on their Exactor site, allowing them to perform ad-hoc tax calculations, and choosing whether or not to commit those ad-hoc calculations to the Exactor system to be included in the merchant tax reports.

USING THE TAX CALCULATOR The Interactive tax calculator is reached from the Calculate Taxes --> Interactive Tax Calculator tab. Following information is required for running transactions through the interactive tax calculator. Invoice Details (1), including Purchase Order (“PO”) number; Invoice number and

Exemption ID. Invoice number is required only for committed transactions, and Exemption ID only to the extent that the customer has a valid personal exemption.

For more information, see Chapter on Managing Exemptions Sale Date (2). This field

reflects the date of the transaction. The date field will automatically be set to the current date. The user may change the date field by manually typing a new value into the text field, or by using the calendar popup assistant which is accessible by clicking on the calendar icon to the right of the date field. The date mube entered in MM/DD/YYYY

st

ts

ill

e entered in MM/DD/YYYY format.

format. Commit Date (required field

for committed transactions only) (3). This field reflecthe date for which revenue is recognized. The date field wautomatically be set to the current date. You may change the date field by manually typing a new value into the text field, or by using the calendar popup assistant which is accessible by clicking on the calendar icon to the right of the date field. The date must b

Tax Class (4). The user may choose between Sales tax or Use tax. Ship From (8) (required). The “SHIP FROM” field will display the Ship From information.

This field is editable, but has auto-fill capabilities, that will prompt you for the user’s listed default address.

Ship To (9) (required). The “SHIP TO” field will display the Ship To contact information. This field is editable, but has auto-fill capabilities, that will prompt you for SHIP TO addresses that you may have used in prior transactions.

Line Items (10) (at least one line item is required). Each invoice must contain at least one line item to be filled out. Users may insert additional line items by clicking on the “Add New Line” button. Each press of this button will result in an additional empty line item

Page 27: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 24

entry being added to the end of the list. The user may delete line items by clicking on the “Delete Item” button. Each line item includes SKU; Description; Gross Amount and Taxes calculated.

o SKU and Product description are auto-populated from the SKU panel (13). Applying SKUs that are mapped to Exactor EUC codes will enable Exactor to apply its taxability logic to determine and apply taxability rules. These are optional fields. If no SKU is entered, Exactor will assume that the line item is taxable.

o Gross Amount – sales amount. This is a mandatory field. o Taxes owing. This field will be populated by the Exactor system.

SKU Panel (13). The SKU panel contains the method for identifying the product category. The user can select between merchant SKUs that have previously been mapped to the Exactor EUC codes (11) or the Exactor EUC codes (12). By clicking through the different levels, the user will be able to drill down to the specific code that identifies the line item product. Once a product code in the SKU panel (13) is clicked, it will be automatically populated into the line item SKU field. Failure to include item details, such as SKU, will not invalidate the transaction. Rather the system will presume the product is taxable at the highest rate provided under the state law. For more information about SKU and product mapping, please see the Chapter: Product Mapping.

Calculate Request: Calculate (14) or Commit (15). The transaction is submitted to the Exactor system for tax calculation by clicking either the “Calculate” (14) or “Commit” (15) button. If Tax Calculation is chosen, the user Exactor system will perform an accurate tax calculation based upon transaction data inputted into the web page. But the transaction data, and tax information, are NOT, stored in the Exactor system, and cannot, and will not, be used for reporting or tax filing purposes. There is no record maintained of this function, and it is provided as an ad-hoc service as an added benefit for the merchant. If Commit function is chosen, taxes are calculated, and the transaction data, and taxes, are written into the Exactor system, and stored for tax reporting purposes.

Transaction Details. Once the transaction is processed, in addition to inserting the tax amount for each line item, in the line item panel (10), the tax calculator will display a unique Transaction ID (5); Status (6) and Total Tax owing (7). The Transaction ID is a unique identifier issued by the Exactor system for each transaction. By clicking on the Transaction ID, the detailed Transaction Report will display the details of the transaction For More information, See Chapter on Report: Detailed Transaction Report. Status (6) indicates whether the transaction is a calculation request or has been committed.

Page 28: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EEXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 25

SXACTOR UITE, S & U GALES SER UIDE

BULK TRANSACTION UPLOAD

DESCRIPTION The Bulk Transaction Module was developed to address the needs of those merchants that do not require real-time tax calculation, and that might require a periodic calculation of multiple transactions. For example, merchants that generate recurring invoices on a monthly basis. These merchants would benefit from the bulk transaction calculation module by uploading a file containing transactions to Exactor rather than transmitting data through real-time web services. Exactor will process the file, calculate the taxes owed for each transaction, and notify the merchant when the results are ready for download. Exactor will also retain the transactions in its databases in order to generate tax returns at the end of the filing period.

FILE TYPES The Exactor bulk transaction upload module accepts and returns the following file types: Comma Separated Value (CSV) XML The data within the files must be formatted according to the file formats supported by the Exactor service (as described below).

PROCESS 1. The upload page is located in the Calculate Taxes --> Bulk Transaction Upload tab. 2. The user will create a file using one of the Exactor supported formats that contains

information necessary to calculate taxes on the transactions. The file may contain multiple transactions.

3. The user will upload the file to Exactor via a secure file upload form in the Bulk Transaction Upload page. Identify the file in the search window (1) and click the “Upload” button (2).

4. The Upload Status panel (3) will display the date of the upload; the input and out file names and the status of the file – processing and complete.

5. Exactor will run the bulk transaction file through the Exactor logic engine, and generate taxes owing on each separate transaction.

6. Once processed, the user will then be able to download the results from the Bulk Transaction Upload page.

7. Exactor may remove files (input and output) from the bulk upload site on a periodic basis. All transactions committed through the bulk upload will remain on the Exactor servers for reporting and return generation purposes.

EXACTOR CSV FILE FORMAT The Exactor bulk upload service will accept files in Excel and CSV format. The data must be organized exactly as specified by Exactor. Please contact your Exactor rep to receive the current file format requirements.

Page 29: Exactor Sales Tax Solution User Guide

EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE EXACTOR SUITE, SALES & USER GUIDE

January 2009 EXACTOR CONFIDENTIAL Page 26

STREAMLINED SALES TAX (SST) REGISTRATION

DESCRIPTION Exactor is one of only three companies whose systems were certified by the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST), a consortium of 43 states whose mission is to streamline sales tax compliance across the board. Designation as a Certified Service Provider (CSP) by the SSTP requires exhaustive system testing for accuracy, security and efficacy using standards as set by NIST and ISO17799. Certification is a very significant seal of approval, attesting to the accuracy, security and overall integrity of the underlying system. As one of only three Certified Service Providers (CSP) certified to provide CSP services under the SST, Exactor offers a unique service that enables companies to register with all States that accept SST registration under a single roof. They do not need to file separate registration applications with each of the SSTP states. In order to benefit from this service, merchants need to submit an application under the Exactor SST Registration System. Information required for SST registration includes: Employer Identification Number (or Social Security Number). Name of business. Address. State of incorporation. Contact person – name, phone, e-mail. Confirmation that merchant will use Exactor's CSP services. State merchant is interesting in registering. Create SSTP log-in (user and password) If the SST option is selected when submitting the Exactor New Account Application, or otherwise, Exactor will use the information provided by the user to register the merchant in all the relevant states under the SSTP. Once registered, Exactor will file returns using the SST filing method, providing additional benefits to the merchant in the form of reduced liability exposure and reduced risk of audit. The SST registration should replace pre-existing state registration., and all filings in SST states will be done under the new SST ID number.