Before you collect sales tax, you must register for a sales tax permit with each state in which your business provides sales.
Each state’s taxing authority — usually called the [State] Department of Revenue/Taxation — manages sales tax registration. You can register for a sales tax permit yourself, or hire a tax professional to register for your state sales tax permits on your behalf.
When filing online, your business may receive a sales tax permit number instantly, although some states may take up to 10 business days. If you register via mail, it may take two to four weeks to receive your sales tax permit.
When to register for a sales tax permit
In the US, businesses must register for a sales tax permit when they have met nexus thresholds in a state. Because thresholds vary by state, sellers must understand the sales tax laws in the states where they make sales to ensure they remain compliant.. In general, having a physical presence in a state creates nexus.
When does a business need to register for a sales tax license? Use these criteria as a guide:
- When your business is based in a state
- When your business has physical presence in a state
- When your business has met economic nexus thresholds in a state
- When you sell on a marketplace and have nexus in a state that does not have a marketplace facilitator law
TaxJar offers additional insights about when to register for a sales tax permit for businesses that may have additional questions or need more clarity..
Let TaxJar manage your sales tax registrations
Before you can collect sales tax from customers, you must first register for a sales tax permit with the state. However, this process can be cumbersome and time consuming. See how TaxJar can manage this registration process for you.
Learn moreHow to register for a sales tax permit
Follow these steps to register for a sales tax permit:
- Gather vital info like your EIN and other business identifying information
- Visit the state’s Department of Revenue website to understand the specific guidelines in the state.
- Search for the “Sales and Use Tax” section on the site
- Follow the instructions to register your business
Every state and every website is slightly different. TaxJar offers a step-by-step guide specific to each state. Find the state in the list below and use the guide as your definitive resource for understanding each state’s sales tax processes and guidelines. .
TaxJar offers directions to help your business register for a sales tax permit in each state. If you’d like to streamline your compliance, TaxJar can handle the registration process for you. Visit our registration page to request for our team of experts to manage your sales tax registration.
If you’re tired of handling sales tax collection, reporting and filing on your own, give TaxJar a try. (Don’t see your state? Then you’re in luck and live in a state with no state sales tax!)
How TaxJar can streamline your registration process
TaxJar can handle the registration process for you. Register to request our team of experts manage your sales tax registration on your behalf.
