Sales Tax Permit Checklist: State Registration Requirements
Ecommerce and Retail Resource
Register for sales tax permits with our state registration checklist. For new retailers, ecommerce sellers, and expanding multi-state businesses. Gather EINs, formation docs, nexus facts, and business location details so seller’s permit / sales tax account applications are complete and you can collect tax legally. Confirm economic nexus rules by state. Not tax advice.
Key Benefits
Identify states where you have nexus
Collect documents before portal applications
Register before collecting sales tax
Track permit numbers by state
Coordinate physical and economic nexus
Avoid selling without required permits
Common Use Cases
New retail stores opening in a stateEcommerce sellers hitting economic nexus thresholdsBusinesses expanding to additional statesMarketplaces requiring seller tax IDsCPAs advising clients on registration timingRemote sellers after Wayfair-era nexus rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sales tax permit before collecting tax?
In most states you must register and receive a permit (or account) before collecting sales tax from customers. Collecting without authority—or failing to register when required—can create penalties.
What is economic nexus?
Economic nexus is created by sales volume or transaction counts into a state even without a physical presence. Thresholds differ by state. Monitor sales by state and register when you cross the line.
What information do states usually ask for?
Common items include legal name, EIN, formation date/state, owners/officers, business locations, NAICS/activity description, and estimated sales. Some states require a bond.
Is a resale certificate the same as a permit?
No. A sales tax permit authorizes you to collect tax. A resale certificate lets you buy inventory without tax for resale. You typically need the permit first.
Checklist
Entity
Federal EIN confirmation
Required
Most state portals require the EIN.
Articles of organization/incorporation and any foreign qualification
Required
Needed when registering outside your home state.
Owner / officer names, SSNs or ITINs as required, and contact info
Required
Responsible party information is often mandatory.
Nexus
Nexus worksheet: physical locations, employees, inventory, and sales by state
Required
Decide which states require registration now.
Locations
Business address list (HQ, warehouses, pop-ups, remote inventory)
Required
Inventory in a 3PL can create nexus.
Banking
Bank account details for electronic payments / refunds if requested
Have routing/account numbers ready for the portal.
Filing
Completed state registration applications for each nexus state
Required
Save confirmation numbers and effective dates.
Records
Central log of permit / account numbers by state
Required
Share with bookkeeping and tax engines.