Accounting & Payments

The Accounting and Finance team is responsible for the timely processing of all accounting related transactions such as vendor invoices, purchasing, requisitions, travel and business reimbursements, and purchase orders. The team also oversees P-Cards and travel reimbursements and related services.

Tax Reporting 

The Accounts Payable department is responsible for tax related documents such as sales tax, state withholding, and 1099 reporting. All information is reported to the IRS per regulated guidelines.

Sales and Use Tax

Sales tax is imposed on the retailer by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail. This tax applies to purchases made in the State of California. Use tax applies to sales made by an out-of-state vendor to a California consumer by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

If a vendor does not charge sales tax or charges incorrect sales tax on the invoice, the Research Foundation will adjust the amount on the invoice and pay the sales tax either to the vendor if located in California or to the appropriate state for out-of-state vendors. The additional sales tax will appear on the project’s monthly Account Status Report detail. 

Exemptions from Sales and Use Tax

The U.S. Government and U.S. Government agencies are exempt from sales and use tax. Purchases made by federal government projects where the title of such purchases is held by the U.S. Government are exempt from sales tax.

Current California Sales and Use Tax Rates

For the current California city and county sales and use tax rates, visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration webpage.

Questions or Need Additional Assistance?

If you have questions regarding sales tax or need additional assistance, please contact the SJSU Research Foundation Accounts Payable department at research-foundation-ap@sjsu.edu.