Iowa Admin. Code r. 701-205.5
Sales of tickets or admissions to places of amusement, fairs, and athletic events are sourced in the same manner as services, using the destination sourcing requirements described in Iowa Code section 423.15 and as set forth in rule 701-205.2 (423). Generally, the sale of a service is sourced to the location where the purchaser makes first use of the service. In the case of an event that the purchaser attends at a physical location, first use would occur at the location of the event.
EXAMPLE: X makes retail sales of tickets to music concerts in Iowa. X is a retailer maintaining a place of business in this state under Iowa Code section 423.1(48) and therefore is required to collect Iowa sales tax and local option sales tax on retail sales of these tickets. More information can be found in Iowa Code section 423.2(3). Y is a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa. Y purchases two tickets to attend a concert in Ames, Iowa. The sale is sourced to Ames, the location of the event. The result is the same regardless of how or where Y's tickets are delivered. X must charge Iowa sales tax and any local option sales tax that applies to sales sourced to Ames, Iowa.
EXAMPLE: X is hosting a virtual video game tournament. X is a retailer maintaining a place of business in this state under Iowa Code section 423.1(48). Y purchases admission to participate in the virtual video game tournament from a residence in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Y's access to the tournament begins immediately upon purchase, and Y's location is known to X. Therefore, X must source the admission to Council Bluffs, Iowa. X must charge Iowa sales tax and any local option sales tax that applies to sales sourced to Council Bluffs, Iowa.
EXAMPLE 1: X is a movie theater located in West Des Moines, Iowa. X sells movie passes that can be used at its location and other locations across Iowa. Y purchases a movie pass at X's location in West Des Moines. Y's purchase is sourced to West Des Moines. X must collect Iowa sales tax and any local option sales tax that applies to sales sourced to West Des Moines, Iowa.
EXAMPLE 2: X is a health club with locations across Iowa. X has a website where memberships can be purchased. Memberships can be used at any of X's locations. Y purchases a membership through X's website. Y is required to provide an address when the membership purchase information is filled out. Y provides an address in Clive, Iowa. Therefore, the sale is sourced to Clive. More information can be found in Iowa Code section 423.15(1)"c." X must therefore collect Iowa sales tax and any local option sales tax imposed in the city of Clive.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 701-205.5