How to get a sales tax permit
Register with the revenue department in each state where you have sales tax nexus, usually through its website. You'll need your EIN, legal business details, your owners' information and an estimate of your sales. Many states don't charge for it, and you'll get a filing schedule once you're approved.
Updated November 2026 · By Pankil Kumar, Managing Partner
Quick facts
- Where. With each state's revenue department
- You need. EIN, entity details, owners and start date
- Then. The state assigns monthly, quarterly or annual filing
What do you need before you apply?
- Legal business name and any trade name
- EIN, or Social Security number for a sole proprietor with no EIN
- Entity type and formation date
- Business address and physical locations
- Owners' names, addresses and Social Security numbers
- What you sell, and an estimate of monthly sales
- The date you started selling in that state
Out-of-state sellers may also be asked for proof of registration with the Secretary of State, though it isn't always needed.
How do you apply?
- Find the state's revenue department. The Federation of Tax Administrators lists them.
- Create an online account, and choose the sales tax registration.
- Answer the questions carefully, especially the start date.
- Pay any fee. Many states charge nothing. A few charge a fee or ask for a security deposit.
- Save the permit and your account login.
If you're registering in many states, the Streamlined Sales Tax system lets you register once for its member states.
What does the start date mean?
Take care here. The date you give tells the state when you first owed tax. If it's years back, the state may expect returns for all those periods. If you've got past exposure, look at voluntary disclosure before you register. It can make a real difference.
What happens after you register?
The state sets your filing frequency, usually from your sales estimate. Busy sellers file monthly, and small ones quarterly or annually. You'll have to file by each deadline, even in a month with no sales. Missing zero returns is one of the most common ways to pick up a penalty.
Set up your system to charge tax only after your permit is active, and display the permit if your state requires it. If you're buying goods to resell, you can also now use a resale certificate so you don't pay tax on inventory.
Sources
General information, not tax advice for your situation.
Selling in more than one state?
We check where you owe and file the returns.
See our sales tax serviceHow much does a sales tax permit cost?
Many states charge nothing. Some charge a small fee or require a security deposit, so check your state.
Do I need a sales tax permit for every state?
Only in states where you have nexus and taxable sales. Some sellers need one, while others need many.
Does a sales tax permit expire?
In some states, yes. Many renew automatically, while others require you to renew, so note the date.
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