What Are Seller’s Permits?
Get Legal Help Today
Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Mary Martin
Published Legal Expert
Mary Martin has been a legal writer and editor for over 20 years, responsible for ensuring that content is straightforward, correct, and helpful for the consumer. In addition, she worked on writing monthly newsletter columns for media, lawyers, and consumers. Ms. Martin also has experience with internal staff and HR operations. Mary was employed for almost 30 years by the nationwide legal publi...
Published Legal Expert
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
On This Page
Seller permits may also be referred to as a resale permit, resell permit, permit license, reseller permit, reseller number, resale ID, state tax ID number, or reseller license permit. A seller’s permit is entirely separate from a business license. Each state may have a different name for the seller’s permit, but most states require individuals or businesses to obtain one if their business activities involve selling merchandise, vehicles, or any other type of property. Most states even require individuals or businesses that rent out vehicles or tangible goods to obtain a seller’s permit in order for them to conduct business in the state. A growing number of states also require businesses to provide retail sales of taxable services to obtain a seller’s permit. What is considered a taxable service varies by each state.
Seller’s permits should be obtained well in advance of beginning a business in order to avoid fines or interruption of business activities.
In many states, a seller’s permit allows you to purchase goods at wholesale prices and resell them at retail prices.
What are the requirements for a seller’s permit?
The requirements to register and obtain a seller’s permit or business licenses vary widely from state to state. Some states may charge an administrative fee or require a security deposit to obtain a seller’s permit, while others may not charge any fee. The amount of the fee will also vary from state to state.
Nearly all states require all individuals and business entities to obtain some type of seller’s permit if their type of business activities involve the sale of goods or services. For example, corporations, general partnerships, and limited liability partnerships are all required to obtain a seller’s permit.
Individuals or businesses that have more than one location for conducting business must obtain a seller’s permit for each location. For example, if Julie has a bakery on Main Street and then decides to open another location 3 blocks away, she must obtain a seller’s permit for each location even though both locations the same business type, in the same state, and may even have the same customers or sell the same items.
Most states do not allow seller’s permits to be transferred from one business operator or retailer to another. For example, Bob’s Burgers is owned and operated by Bob who obtained a seller’s permit when he started the business, but if Joe buys Bob’s Burgers, Joe will have to obtain a seller’s permit even though the business will continue under its original name.
Individuals or businesses must obtain a seller’s permit for each new business. For example, if Ann owns Ann’s Antiques, but then later decides to open another business called Ann’s Antique Repair, she must obtain a seller’s permit for that new business.
Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What information is required for a seller’s permit?
The amount of personal information that must be submitted by individuals or businesses to obtain a seller’s permit varies by state. Some states may require more or less, but below is a list of paperwork generally required to obtain a seller’s permit:
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Contact information including email address
- Driver’s license number, state ID number, passport, or military ID
- Incorporation date, corporate number, and FEIN number, if a corporation or LLC
- The name and location of bank accounts, and names of those maintaining the accounts
- Information on suppliers
- Personal references
- Projected monthly taxable sales
Which state agencies are responsible for seller’s permits?
Prior to beginning business operations, it is advisable to contact the state agency responsible for issuing seller’s permits. In most states, the department of revenue or the state board of equalization will be the appropriate contact for obtaining more information regarding state-specific requirements for seller’s permits. Another good starting point is to contact a local business or consumer affairs office or local business attorney to obtain guidance on requirements and procedures for obtaining a seller’s permit.
Case Studies: Understanding Seller’s Permits in Business Operations
Case Study 1: Compliance in Multi-Location Businesses
Sam, a successful entrepreneur, expands his retail business by opening multiple locations across different states. To ensure legal compliance, Sam diligently obtains a seller’s permit for each location, even though they are of the same business type and operate in the same state. By adhering to the specific requirements of each state, Sam avoids penalties and ensures a smooth operation for each of his businesses.
Case Study 2: Business Acquisition and Seller’s Permits
Emily, a savvy business investor, acquires an established retail store, “Unique Treasures,” from its previous owner. Despite the business continuing under the same name, Emily understands that she needs to obtain a new seller’s permit in her name. By following the legal procedures and obtaining the necessary permit, Emily maintains compliance with state regulations and safeguards the business’s operations.
Case Study 3: Wholesale Purchasing and Retail Sales
Mike, a retailer, takes advantage of the benefits offered by a seller’s permit. With his permit in hand, Mike can purchase goods at wholesale prices, maximizing his profit margins. He then sells these goods at retail prices to customers. By understanding the requirements and privileges of a seller’s permit, Mike effectively manages his inventory, attracts customers with competitive pricing, and operates his business in accordance with the law.
Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Mary Martin
Published Legal Expert
Mary Martin has been a legal writer and editor for over 20 years, responsible for ensuring that content is straightforward, correct, and helpful for the consumer. In addition, she worked on writing monthly newsletter columns for media, lawyers, and consumers. Ms. Martin also has experience with internal staff and HR operations. Mary was employed for almost 30 years by the nationwide legal publi...
Published Legal Expert
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.