🧮 How to Get a Sales Tax Permit or Reseller Certificate
Register to collect sales tax or buy inventory for resale tax-free.
💰
Often free; some states charge $5-$100
⏱️
Registration often same-day or within a few weeks
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📋 Documents you'll need
- Business legal name and entity type
- EIN and SSN of owners
- Business address and description of products sold
- Suppliers' certificate request forms (for resale)
🪜 Step-by-step
- Determine nexus: states where you store inventory or exceed economic thresholds require registration.
- Register for a seller's permit / sales tax license on the state's Department of Revenue website.
- Receive your permit; some states require it to be displayed at your business location.
- Collect the correct sales tax on taxable sales and file returns by the state schedule (even if no sales).
- For buying inventory tax-free, give suppliers a completed reseller certificate from your home state or their accepted form.
- Keep exemption certificates on file and renew permits as required.
| Estimated cost | Often free; some states charge $5-$100 |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Registration often same-day or within a few weeks |
Note This guide is general information and procedures, fees, and rules can change and vary by state or agency. The official authority is always the relevant government office and its official website. See our Disclaimer.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit in every state I sell to?
Only where you have nexus, such as inventory, employees, or exceeding sales thresholds in that state.
Is a reseller certificate the same as a seller's permit?
No. The permit lets you collect tax; the reseller certificate lets you buy inventory without paying sales tax on it.
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