Wisconsin sales tax codes and rates
Wisconsin's state sales tax rate is 5%; county and city rates come on top and are not included. A Nefin company that sells into Wisconsin gets 3 sales codes, each named after the line of the ST-12 it fills, so the return's figures add up as you invoice. Purchases you owe use tax on go under WI-17a, and Nefin works out the use tax due.
Wisconsin codes from the ST-12
Each code is “WI-” plus the line it fills on the ST-12. Rates are the state rate only; add local rates in Settings, VAT rates, where you collect them.
| Code | What it covers | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| WI-7 | WI sales subject to state sales tax 5% (ST-12 Line 7) | 5% |
| WI-2 | WI sales with exemption certificates, incl. resale (ST-12 Line 2) | 0% |
| WI-3 | WI exempt property/services, incl. sales outside WI (ST-12 Line 3) | 0% |
| Code | What it covers | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| WI-17a | WI purchases subject to state use tax (ST-12 Line 17a) | 0% |
Wisconsin in the tax books
Nefin’s sales tax book has one row per invoice and one column per ST-12 line; these are the Wisconsin columns and the totals worked out from them.
Sales Tax Book
Wisconsin - ST-12
- [WI-7]Sales subject to state sales tax (Line 7)
- [WI-2]Sales with exemption certificates (Line 2)
- [WI-3]Sales of exempt property and services (Line 3)
Totals Nefin calculates
- [WI-1] Total sales (Line 1)Sum of the net amounts in [WI-7] + [WI-2] + [WI-3]
- [WI-8] State sales tax 5% (Line 8, county and city excluded)Net amount × 5%, from [WI-7]
Use Tax Book
Wisconsin - ST-12
- [WI-17a]Purchases subject to state use tax (Line 17a)
Totals Nefin calculates
- [WI-17b] State use tax 5% (Line 17b, county and city excluded)Net amount × 5%, from [WI-17a]
Frequently asked questions
What is the Wisconsin sales tax rate?
The state rate is 5%. Counties, cities and districts may add local rates, which vary by address and are not part of these codes.
Which Wisconsin sales tax codes does Nefin set up?
3 sales codes from the ST-12, for example WI-7 (WI sales subject to state sales tax 5% (ST-12 Line 7)), WI-2 (WI sales with exemption certificates, incl. resale (ST-12 Line 2)), WI-3 (WI exempt property/services, incl. sales outside WI (ST-12 Line 3)).
How does Nefin handle Wisconsin use tax?
Book a purchase on which the vendor charged no Wisconsin tax under WI-17a (WI purchases subject to state use tax (ST-12 Line 17a)). The bill stays at the price you paid, and the use tax book works out the tax you owe at 5%.
Are these Wisconsin codes official?
They are a starting point. Each code follows a line of the ST-12, but check them against your return before you file, and edit them in Settings, VAT rates.