Archive for July, 2008
Google, WITS, and PCI Compliance
July 6th, 2008
There’s a very interesting article from the New York Times yesterday that analyzes the not so subtle addition of a new link on google.com. You can now see a tiny link on the word “Privacy” at the bottom of the Google homepage.
With that one word, the Web search giant heads off the growing controversy over whether its previous practice ran afoul of a California law, the California Online Privacy Protection Act of 2003, which requires the operator of a commercial Web site that collects personal information to link to its privacy policy from its home page.
Data security and privacy are issues that are too often overlooked in the wine industry. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen clear-text credit card numbers (with expiration dates), passwords (with usernames), and dates of birth in emails, spreadsheets, and faxes. Orders are very commonly taken over the web, but then transferred non-securely to a point of sale system or order management system for credit card processing. Privacy policies are more common now, but they are sometimes missing or insufficient in this industry. Age verification for shipping orders is a relatively new requirement on the books in three different states (Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia), and wineries and wine retailers are trying to figure out how to comply with the laws while still maintaining the privacy of their customers.
On July 15th, at the 4th annual Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS), I will moderate a session that will cover the topics of data security, privacy, and PCI compliance. The goal of the panel will be to familiarize you with these subjects, discuss the risks, and provide tips and best practices on compliance.
As a sponsor of the 2008 WITS, ShipCompliant would like to offer you a 10% discount off the initial registration. Keep in mind, you can also receive $50 off each additional registration thereafter. Click here to register and receive your 10% off: Preferred WITS Sign-Up
View a copy of the event agenda here:
Illinois Offers a Bit of Green for Direct Wine Shippers
July 2nd, 2008
For those of you that have started shipping to Illinois under their new permit system, your first round of reporting will come due this month. Fortunately, Illinois makes it easy to report your shipments and pay taxes. Electronic filing and payment is available for the Liquor Direct Wine Shipper Return (RL-26-W), and the Sales and Use Tax Return (ST-1). As we discussed in an earlier post, electronic filing is better for the environment, and it saves you printing and mailing costs; that’s two shades of green!
Before you begin the process for Illinois electronic filing, you will need your Illinois Business Tax number (IBT), your PIN, your payment information, and you will of course need to know how much tax you owe. You should have received your PIN when you registered with the Illinois Department of Revenue. If you have not received your PIN, or do not know what it is, you can contact the Department of Revenue at 217-782-6045, and they will provide you with your PIN.
To start electronic filing for the ST-1, click here, and then click “start filing.” To begin electronic filing for the RL-26-W, click here, then click, “Start Using Webfile.” You can save progress and view submitted reports up to a year after submission.
Half-Year Hullabaloo: New Laws Take Effect in Three States Today
July 1st, 2008
Just a quick reminder of the legislative changes that take effect today, July 1st, 2008.
- Georgia’s new permit system takes effect. All wineries can now apply for a permit, regardless of distributor representation. Click here to see how to apply for a direct shipping permit.
- Ohio is increasing their capacity cap, making it possible for wineries that produce under 250,000 gallons annually to apply for a direct shipping permit.
- Washington is implementing a destination-based sales tax for all in-state entities.
