How to Get a Sales Tax Permit: State-by-State Guide (2026)
Step-by-step instructions for registering in any US state, with costs, timelines, and multi-state tips.
A sales tax permit (also called a seller's permit, resale license, or sales tax license) is the legal authorization to collect sales tax from customers. You must have one before you start collecting tax. Here's exactly how to get one.
Do You Need a Sales Tax Permit?
You need a permit if any of these apply:
- You sell taxable goods or services in a state with sales tax
- You have physical nexus (office, warehouse, employees, inventory) in the state
- You have economic nexus (exceed the state's sales or transaction threshold)
- You buy wholesale goods for resale (you need a resale certificate, which requires a permit)
You do not need a permit if you only sell in the 5 states with no sales tax (AK, DE, MT, NH, OR) or if you exclusively sell exempt items.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Gather Required Information
You'll need: EIN or SSN, business legal name, DBA name, business address, owner/officer information, NAICS business code, estimated monthly sales, and bank account details (some states).
Visit the State's Revenue Website
Go directly to the state's Department of Revenue (DOR) or Comptroller's website. Most states offer online registration. Never pay a third party for what is usually a free registration.
Complete the Application
Fill in your business details, select "Sales and Use Tax" as the tax type, and provide your estimated sales volume. This determines your filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually).
Receive Your Permit
Most states issue permits within 1-3 business days for online applications. Some states may take up to 2 weeks. You'll receive a permit number and filing schedule.
Start Collecting & Filing
Configure your POS or e-commerce platform to collect the correct rates. Use our zip code calculator for accurate rates. File returns on your assigned schedule.
Costs by State
Good news — most permits are free:
| State | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| California | Free (may require $50 deposit) | 1-2 weeks |
| Texas | Free | 1-3 days |
| New York | Free | Immediate online |
| Florida | $5/location | 1-3 days |
| Illinois | Free | 2-4 weeks |
| Washington | Free | 1-2 days |
| Colorado | $16 (state) + local fees | 1-3 days |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Multi-State Registration
If you sell into multiple states, consider the Streamlined Sales Tax Registration System (SSTRS) at sstregister.org. This free tool lets you register for sales tax permits in up to 24 participating states with a single application.
Participating states include: AR, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, NE, NV, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, RI, SD, TN, UT, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Once registered, get the exact rate for any location
Look Up Tax Rate by Zip Code →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a sales tax permit cost?
In most states it's free. A few charge modest fees: CA ($50 deposit for some), FL ($5/location), CO ($16). Apply directly through the state DOR website.
Do I need a sales tax permit to sell online?
Yes, if you have nexus in a state. You must register before collecting. Collecting without a permit is illegal.
Can I get a sales tax permit for free?
Yes. Most states offer free permits. Apply directly at the state's revenue department website. Avoid paid third-party services.