The Arvada Municipal Code allows exemption from the sales, use, lodging, and admission tax on sales to charitable or religious organizations. This applies only when the purchase is used for their regular functions and activities.
Government
Government includes:
- U.S. Government (Federal)
- State of Colorado, and their departments, institutions, and political subdivisions
- Political subdivisions including:
- Colorado counties
- School districts
- Municipalities
- Certain special districts
Charitable Organizations
A Charitable Organization is any entity which is:
- Certified as a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
AND - An organization which operates exclusively and lawfully to benefit the general public
Exempt Purchases
Sales by government and charitable organizations are tax-exempt if they are:
- Used in the regular charitable or governmental functions and activities
- Billed directly to the organization, and paid from the organization’s funds
- Not be reimbursed for the purchase in any way, including, but not limited to
- sales of tickets
- collection of a registration fee
- receipt of an involuntary contribution
The seller must prove that a transaction was properly exempted and will be required to document such claims in an audit situation. In questionable situations, the vendor must collect the tax and the purchaser may apply directly to the City for a refund of the disputed tax.
Examples
- A teacher at a local public school is purchasing goods for their classroom. The teacher is paying with a personal check, but claims that the purchase will be reimbursed by their school. Because the purchase is not paid for directly by the funds of the government, the sale is not tax exempt.
- A charitable organization is holding a banquet at the Arvada Center. The organization is selling tickets to the event to recover the costs. Because the organization will be reimbursed for the cost of the banquet, the center should charge the appropriate taxes.
- An employee of the City of Arvada buys office supplies from a local vendor and gives a purchase order to the vendor. The vendor then bills the City for the supplies. Because it is billed directly to the organization, and paid from the organization’s funds, the purchase is exempt from sales tax. The vendor should attach a copy of the purchase order to the invoice as proof of proper exemption.
*This information is a summary in layman's terms of the relevant Arvada tax law for this subject, industry, or business segment. It is not intended for legal purposes to be substituted for the full text of the Arvada tax code. However, the tax guide shall be used in conjunction with the Arvada tax code (chapter 98) in determining tax liability.