Direct-to-consumer wine shippers are no longer required to submit shipping reports to the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA). Legislation eliminating the semi-annual direct shipper’s reports became effective on October 20, 2011 making the reporting process more efficient and easier for wineries to comply with. Wineries should continue to maintain records showing the total amount of wine shipped to New York consumers for up to 3 years and must file sales and excise tax returns with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Excise tax returns are due each month unless the direct shipper requests and receives approval to file annually. Wineries must have a permit issued by the SLA in order to ship to NY consumers. The Direct Shipper’s Application and reporting information can be found on the Wine Institute website.
