Set up a category flat tax

Written By Ascend knowledge base (Administrator)

Updated at August 16th, 2023

Category flat tax functionality is available to users with version 18.1.107 and is not enabled by default. If you're on an eligible version, use the instructions below to get started.

Multi-store retailers: If you share tax rates between locations, category flat taxes must be configured at your primary location and are shared in the nightly Data Exchange.

Please note that Category Flat Taxes cannot be edited by line item within a sale transaction. To exclude individual customers, edit their Customer Record by applying a Tax Exception. The instructions below are meant only as a guide - please consult your tax specialist for up-to-date state and federal law requirements.

Unhide the tax rate

  1. Navigate to Database Explorer > Tax Rates
  2. Enable the Show Hidden option near the top right corner
  3. Select CategoryFlatTax and click the Restore icon

Set your preferences

  1. Double-click on the unhidden CategoryFlatTax type to edit tax AmountDescription, mapped QuickBooks account, and Tax Items.
    Note: Oregon retailer? Set the Tax Type Amount to $0.00 and update the Category Tax field (next section) on all applicable bike categories to $15.00 for the bicycle excise tax January 1st, 2018.
    Screenshot of Edit Tax Type window with amount, description, quickbooks drop down, and tax items highlighted
  2. Click Save to record your changes or Cancel to close the window without saving changes.

Assign to categories

  1. Navigate to Database Explorer > Categories
  2. Double-click on the categories that you'd like to add the tax to
  3. Set the flat tax by updating the field below the tax grid with the desired tax description
    Screenshot of Edit Category window with Oregon Bike Tax box highlighted and $15 written in the box.
  4. Click Save to record your changes

NoteCategory flat taxes must be set individually, by category. Flat tax rates will not be applied to any other category (including child categories) automatically.

Troubleshooting

Getting a Validation Failed! error message when attempting to save an unmodified Tax Type like the one below? Don't worry! Simply click Cancel on the Edit Tax Type window to proceed. The default settings will be used and your Tax Type will be ready for use.

Screenshot of a pop up that says "Validation failed! Please verify your entries and try again"