How Is Nexus Created in California?

Key Takeaways

  • How is Nexus created in California?
  • So there’s a concept called click-through nexus or affiliate nexus.
  • So those are ways that you trigger nexus with the state of California, and that’s how you would obligate yourself to pay tax.

How is Nexus created in California? Well, Nexus is created in California in a variety of different ways. So the first way is through physical contacts. Physical contacts could be through employees that are in California, independent contractors that are operating on a company’s behalf within California. It could be through third parties.

So vendors or anybody who’s classified as an agent operating within the state of California is sufficient enough to create nexus within California. Then we have a group of criteria called, call them economic contacts. So if you’re doing a certain amount of business in California, if your sales revenue meets an appropriate threshold or you have other economic contacts with California, then you could be triggering nexus within California and obligating yourself to pay tax. And then the third category that I would generally use is what I call internet contacts.

So there’s a concept called click-through nexus or affiliate nexus. And so for businesses that principally operate online, you have to get into trouble that you’re not overly marketing to customers that are located in California by using any one of common internet marketing tools.

So those are ways that you trigger nexus with the state of California, and that’s how you would obligate yourself to pay tax.

Have a Tax Question or Notice?

If you’re dealing with an IRS audit, collection action, California state tax matter, or any other tax issue, we can review your situation in a free 15-minute call.

Schedule a Free Call →    Or call: (619) 378-3138

Table of Contents

Related posts

The Differences Between the Federal System and the State of California

Learn the differences between federal and California tax authorities so you will have a better understanding of the bureaucracy, how each functions and what you are up against.
group photo

San Diego International Tax Attorney

Brotman Law represents U.S. persons with foreign accounts, foreign assets, and unreported foreign income who are facing IRS scrutiny or need to come into compliance. We also handle international tax defense for non-U.S. persons with U.S. tax obligations. Here is what that work looks like in practice.
group photo

Tax Evasion Jail Time, Penalties

The short answer is yes — federal prison is a real outcome for tax crimes. The longer answer is that criminal prosecution requires willfulness and an affirmative act. Most people who owe back taxes, or who haven’t filed, are in civil territory, not criminal.
Scroll to Top