From Brick To Click – Financial Support

With the right financial strategies, accounting and planning, increased profits are a click away

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You say you want an e-commerce revolution?

Hoping to capitalize on the explosive growth of e-commerce sales, many cannabis companies are paving the way for next-generation sales and service – from online retail operations and product catalogs to drive-through pick-up options.

Although the e-commerce revolution promises rapid growth, fully exploiting the inbound sales and marketing opportunities requires a thorough understanding, as well as accurate forecasting, of the fast-evolving digital environment.

Disruption is a double-edged sword

In a rapidly changing economy, technology can disrupt the way you do business – for better and for worse. Northstar can help you navigate this volatile and uncertain landscape with proven strategies.

We’ll ensure that you’re ready to address challenges that include:

  • Obtaining the right licenses to sell
  • Payment methods (e.g., credit cards are not currently allowed)
  • Understanding fully baked margins with additional cost related to fulfillment / delivery
  • Barriers to entry
  • Understanding what’s deductible from a tax / 280E perspective

Sales Tax & VAT/GST Compliance

Navigating sales tax and VAT/GST obligations is critical for e-commerce businesses selling across borders. Each U.S. state has unique nexus rules, while international transactions may require VAT registration. Automated solutions like Avalara or TaxJar can simplify compliance, but manual review is essential before remitting payments.

  • Obtaining the right licenses to sell
  • Payment methods (e.g., credit cards are not currently allowed)
  • Understanding fully baked margins with additional cost related to fulfillment / delivery
  • Barriers to entry
  • Understanding what’s deductible from a tax / 280E perspective

Our accountants will prepare your business evolution

  • We understand the current ecommerce landscape as it relates to cannabis, including what you can and cannot sell online.
  • We will identify potential products and product categories to maximize your ecommerce sales, including hemp, CBD-based items, and other cannabis-related products.
  • We’ll create a simplified, compliant workflow for payment, shipping, and recording.
  • We’ll seek all deductions and credits for which you’re eligible while staying in-step with 280E and other tax codes and regulations.
  • We follow proper accounting and tax guidelines when dealing with online retailers and sales platforms.

If you’re thinking of moving into ecommerce — or have already launched a digital business — contact us today.

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Frequently Asked Questions​

Sales tax and VAT/GST compliance depends on where your customers are located.

  • – In the U.S., each state has its own nexus rules, thresholds, and filing requirements.
  • – For international sales, you may need to register for VAT/GST in foreign jurisdictions.
  • – Platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy do not always calculate or remit these taxes accurately on your behalf.
We help ecommerce sellers determine where they owe tax, stay compliant, and avoid unexpected penalties.
Platforms deduct fees, refunds, chargebacks, and reserves before sending your payout.
Accurate reconciliation ensures:

 

  • – sales match your accounting system
  • – COGS and fee expenses are correct
  • – discrepancies or fraud are detected quickly
Our team maps your payment processor data into clean, accurate financial statements that match your bank deposits.
Cost-of-Good-Sold (COGS) includes the direct costs of products sold, including materials, manufacturing, packaging, and shipping to customers. Accurate COGS calculation provides insight into gross margins and profitability.

Digital products may be tax-exempt in some jurisdictions but taxable in others. Rules vary by state and country; compliance reduces the risk of future liabilities.

For subscription-based businesses, revenue should be recognized over the service period, not upfront, in line with accrual accounting standards.
 
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