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Sales tax is a nightmare if you sell across state lines. Each state has different rates. Some have local taxes on top. Certain products are exempt in some states but not others. And you need to file returns in every state where you have nexus. TaxCloud handles all of it. Real-time tax calculation at checkout. Automatic filing in every state. They pay the states for you. Connect it to Pluvel and your sales tax compliance becomes someone else’s problem.

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What TaxCloud does

FunctionWhat happens
Tax calculationReal-time rates for 13,000+ jurisdictions
Tax collectionCorrect rate applied at checkout
Tax filingAutomatic returns in all your nexus states
Tax remittanceThey pay the states for you
Audit protectionDocumentation for every transaction
TaxCloud is free for basic usage. They make money from the states, not from you.

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Do you need this?

You probably need sales tax automation if:
  • You sell physical products online
  • You have nexus in multiple states
  • You ship to customers in different states
  • You’d rather not file 15 separate state returns

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Economic nexus: the basics

Most states now require you to collect sales tax once you exceed certain thresholds:
Threshold typeExamples
$100,000 in salesCalifornia, Texas, New York
200 transactionsSome states use count instead of dollars
CombinedMany states use “either/or” — hit either threshold and you’re in
If you’re selling nationally, you probably have nexus in at least a few states.

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Connect TaxCloud

1

Create a TaxCloud account

Go to taxcloud.com and sign up. It’s free to create an account.
2

Add your business info

In TaxCloud, add your business address and register the states where you have nexus.
3

Get your API credentials

In TaxCloud Settings, find your API ID and API Key.
4

Connect to Pluvel

Go to Settings → Integrations → TaxCloud and enter your API credentials.
5

Configure tax settings

Set your nexus states and product tax categories.

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How it works with Pluvel

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Invoice tax calculation

When you create an invoice:
  1. You add line items and the customer’s shipping address
  2. Pluvel sends the details to TaxCloud
  3. TaxCloud returns the exact tax rate for that address
  4. Tax is added to the invoice automatically
You never have to look up rates or worry about getting it wrong.

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E-commerce integration

If you use Shopify with TaxCloud:
  1. TaxCloud calculates tax at Shopify checkout
  2. Sales sync to Pluvel with tax included
  3. TaxCloud handles filing — you don’t touch it

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Tracking tax collected

All sales tax flows to your Sales Tax Payable account. You can see:
  • Tax collected by state
  • Tax collected by local jurisdiction
  • When filing is due

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Setting up nexus

Nexus means you have a tax obligation in a state. You create nexus through:
Nexus typeExample
Physical presenceOffice, warehouse, or employee in the state
Economic nexusSales over the threshold
Click-through nexusAffiliate relationships
Marketplace nexusSelling on Amazon, Etsy (though marketplaces often collect for you)
In TaxCloud, register every state where you have nexus. They’ll file returns for those states.

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Product taxability

Different products have different tax treatment:
CategoryTreatment
Tangible goodsTaxable at standard rate
ClothingExempt or reduced in some states
Food/groceriesExempt or reduced in many states
Digital productsVaries by state
Software/SaaSVaries widely — some states tax, some don’t
ServicesUsually exempt
Set the correct TIC (Taxability Information Code) for each product. TaxCloud uses this to apply the right rate.

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How filing works

TaxCloud files returns and remits tax automatically:
  1. At the end of each filing period (monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the state)
  2. TaxCloud prepares returns for each nexus state
  3. They submit returns on your behalf
  4. They pay the states using their registered agent status
  5. You fund TaxCloud before the deadline
Make sure your TaxCloud account has sufficient funds before filing deadlines. Failed filings can result in penalties and interest.

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Viewing your tax data

In Pluvel, you can see:
  • Sales Tax Summary — Tax collected by state
  • Liability Report — What you owe by filing period
  • Transaction Detail — Tax on individual transactions
TaxCloud also has detailed reports in their dashboard.

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Common issues

Check that:
  • Your TaxCloud API credentials are correct
  • The customer address is complete (need full address for accurate lookup)
  • The product has a valid TIC code
  • Your TaxCloud account is active
Tax rates depend on:
  • Ship-to address (not your business address)
  • Product category
  • State-specific exemptions
Verify the TIC code matches your product type.
You must register nexus states in TaxCloud before they’ll file for you. Go to TaxCloud → States → Add State.
Exempt customers (resellers, nonprofits) need exemption certificates. Upload these to TaxCloud and associate with the customer.

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Alternatives

TaxCloud isn’t the only option:
AlternativeBest for
AvalaraEnterprise, high transaction volume
TaxJarMid-size businesses
Manual filingLow volume, few states

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What TaxCloud costs

TaxCloud is free for:
  • Tax calculation
  • Filing in participating states
Fees apply for:
  • Filing in non-participating states
  • Premium support
  • Some enterprise features

Set up sales tax in Pluvel

Configure sales tax collection for your business.