When do you need a permit?
In each state where you have nexus and sell taxable goods or services that are not collected for you by a marketplace. In most states it is unlawful to collect sales tax without one. See physical vs economic nexus.
What do states ask for?
- The business's legal name and any trade name, and its entity type.
- The EIN, or the owner's Social Security number for a sole proprietor without one.
- Business and mailing addresses, and where records are kept.
- Names, addresses and identification of owners, partners or officers.
- What you sell, how you sell it, and your start date in the state.
- Estimated monthly taxable sales, which helps the state set your filing frequency.
How do you apply?
Confirm you need the permit
Check nexus and whether a marketplace already collects on all your sales there.
Gather the information
Formation documents, EIN and owners' details.
Apply online
Through the state revenue department's registration portal.
Pay any fee or deposit
Where the state charges one.
Receive your permit and filing frequency
Display the permit if the state requires it for physical locations.
Can you register in several states at once?
States that are members of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement share a central registration system that registers a remote seller in several member states in one application. Non-member states, including large ones such as California, Texas, Florida and New York, are registered separately.
For member states, see Streamlined Sales Tax registration.
What comes with the permit?
- Charging the correct rate on taxable sales in the state.
- Filing returns on the schedule the state assigns, even for periods with no sales where required. See how to file a sales tax return.
- Keeping records of sales, tax collected and exemption certificates. See resale certificates.
- Closing the permit properly if you stop selling in the state.
See sales tax filing frequency, and if you later stop selling in a state, how to cancel a permit.
Need permits in several states?
We register you in every state where you have nexus, set up filing calendars, and file the returns that follow.
Questions people ask
How do I get a sales tax permit?
Apply online to the revenue department of each state where you have nexus, with your business, owner and sales details.
How much does a sales tax permit cost?
Many states issue permits free. Some charge a fee or ask for a security deposit.
Can I collect sales tax before getting a permit?
No. Most states prohibit collecting sales tax without a permit.
Can I register for sales tax in several states at once?
Streamlined Sales Tax member states share a central registration. Other states, including California, Texas, Florida and New York, are registered separately.
Sources
Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.
- Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board: registration
- Texas Comptroller: Remote Sellers
- California CDTFA: Publication 109, online marketplaces and fulfillment centers
Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after September 30, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.
Related guides
More in Sales tax basics
This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.