How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit

One of the most common permits a business will need to register for is a sales tax permit.  Any business selling products and offering certain services will need to register with their state in order to legally sell and collect sales taxes.  Depending on the state, this permit may be called a sales tax license, seller’s permit, retail certificate or sales tax number but refers to the same thing. 

What is a Sales Tax Permit?

A sales tax permit, which is also referred to as a sales tax license, is a certificate that allows a business to collect and remit sales taxes when they sell a taxable product or service in a state.

Each state has different taxes depending on the location of the business and the product or service being sold.  Additionally, businesses selling across state lines may have to register with each state as well. 

How to Get a Sales Tax Permit

Every state is slightly different, but the general process is to visit the Department of Revenue or similarly named state taxing agency, find the correct form and provide information about your business. The process is occasionally combined with the state business registration but is a quick process in most states.  

Click on your state below to learn more about how to get a sales tax permit.