One of the most common permits a business needs to register for is a seller’s permit. Any business selling products and offering certain services must register with their state to legally sell and collect sales taxes. 

What is a Seller’s Permit?

A sales tax permit, also known as a sales tax license, is approval from a state for a business to collect and remit sales taxes when it sells a taxable product or service in that 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. 

How to Get a Seller’s 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.  

Related: How much does a seller’s permit cost?

How to Get a Wholesale License

The process is different in each state, but in addition to a sales tax permit, businesses often have to register for a wholesale license, also referred to as a resale certificate or seller’s permit.

Learn about the process in each state for registering for a wholesale license.