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Why Kintsugi Doesn’t Use Streamlined Sales Tax (SST)

Updated 27 days ago

Why Kintsugi Doesn't Use Streamlined Sales Tax (SST)

Quick answer: SST is a program where a single Certified Service Provider (CSP) files on your behalf in the ~24 states that participate. Kintsugi isn't a CSP. We file directly with every state and jurisdiction you owe in, including the states SST doesn't cover.

If you're currently on an SST provider and want to switch to Kintsugi, that's absolutely possible. See Transitioning from SST to Kintsugi and How to Deregister from Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) State Registrations for the exact steps and timing.


What is SST?

Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) is a program that lets a single Certified Service Provider (CSP) register, file, and remit sales tax on your behalf across the states that participate in the program. Today, that's 24 states.

If all your sales tax obligations fall inside those 24 states, an SST provider can simplify things: one application, one provider, one process.


Why Kintsugi takes a different approach

Kintsugi isn't a CSP, and we don't route your filings through the SST program. Instead, we register and file directly with each state and country where you have an obligation. Here's what that means for you in practice:

With an SST provider (CSP)

With Kintsugi

Coverage

Only the 24 SST member states

Every U.S. state, plus VAT/GST jurisdictions internationally

Filing beyond sales tax

Not included — payroll, franchise, or VAT/GST need separate tools

Sales tax, VAT, and GST all handled in one place

If you switch providers

Your CSP is the filer of record — leaving them can mean losing direct access to your own filing history

You keep direct visibility and control of your filings at all times

Non-SST states

Still need to be managed separately

Handled the same way as everywhere else — no second process

The short version: SST can be a good fit if your entire footprint sits inside its 24 member states and sales tax is your only obligation. Kintsugi is built for businesses that operate more broadly, across all 50 states, internationally, or across multiple tax types, and want one platform and one point of contact for all of it.


Already using an SST provider?

Good news! You can still move to Kintsugi. Because Kintsugi files directly with each state rather than through the SST program, your SST registrations need to be closed first and replaced with standard state accounts. There's a specific window each month to do this cleanly (so nothing gets double-filed or missed).

👉 See the full walkthrough: How to Deregister from Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) State Registrations , and also Transitioning from SST to Kintsugi , this covers the deregistration deadline, what to request from your current provider, and what Kintsugi handles on our side.


FAQs

Q: Can I switch to Kintsugi if I'm currently registered through SST?
A: Yes. You'll need to deregister from SST first. see Transitioning from SST to Kintsugi for the exact timing so you don't create a gap or overlap in filings.

Q: Does Kintsugi charge more because it's not an SST provider?
A: No. SST's free filing applies only within its 24 member states. Kintsugi's pricing is the same flat model across every jurisdiction we cover, so you're not paying more to get broader coverage.

Q: What if I only sell in SST states right now?
A: An SST provider may work fine for a business that never expects to expand outside those 24 states. If you're growing, selling internationally, or want payroll/VAT/GST handled alongside sales tax, Kintsugi consolidates all of that in one platform.

Q: Will I lose access to my filing history if I leave my SST provider?
A: That depends on your current provider's policies. Some restrict access to historical filings once you're no longer their customer. With Kintsugi, your filing history stays visible and accessible to you directly, with no third party in between.


Need Help?

For further concerns, we're always here to help. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, just reach out to us using the chat in the bottom right corner of your screen.

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