Buy qualifying inventory for resale without paying sales tax when permitted by state law. EfilePermit helps determine your state's requirements and prepares the appropriate resale documentation for your business.
Private service: EfilePermit is not affiliated with any government agency. You may obtain forms and file directly with the appropriate agency where applicable.
For qualifying purchases intended for resale
Built for businesses buying inventory for resale
A resale certificate allows an eligible business to purchase qualifying products intended for resale without paying sales tax to the supplier at the time of purchase.
For example, an online retailer buying products from a wholesaler for later resale may provide a valid certificate instead of paying sales tax on that inventory purchase. When the item is sold to the final customer, the seller may be responsible for collecting and remitting applicable sales tax.
They are related, but they usually serve different purposes.
Registration for collecting and remitting sales tax
Used to register a business for sales tax. It may be issued or recognized by a state tax agency.
Documentation for qualifying inventory purchases
Generally used when purchasing qualifying goods that will be resold. It is often completed after obtaining the appropriate sales tax registration.
In many states, you need an active sales tax registration first before you can properly complete a resale certificate.
Businesses buying inventory to sell through their own website or marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, or eBay.
Stores purchasing merchandise from manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers for resale to customers.
Businesses purchasing products that will later be resold to retailers or other businesses.
Certain contractors and other businesses may qualify depending on the state, transaction, and intended use.
Resale rules vary by state. Some businesses need a sales tax permit first. Others may need a specific state certificate or exemption form.
These are the questions we use to understand your situation and point you toward the right next step.
Check My RequirementsProvide your business information, state, sales activity, and existing sales tax registration details.
We review the information provided and identify the appropriate resale documentation for your state.
Our filing team prepares the appropriate certificate using the business information you provide.
Receive the completed documentation with instructions explaining how it should generally be provided or used.
State requirements are not always straightforward. Our process combines technology with human review so your information can be checked before your documents are prepared.
The goal is simple: help you understand what applies, prepare the right information, and leave you with a clear next step for your supplier.
Start My Resale CertificateDocumentation and acceptance requirements vary by state and supplier.
There is no single nationwide resale certificate process. Requirements depend on the state, the transaction, and what you plan to do with the products.
Knowing the boundaries helps you use the documentation correctly and keeps the conversation with your supplier straightforward.
It does not make every business purchase tax-free.
It generally applies to qualifying items purchased for resale.
It does not replace every sales tax registration requirement.
It does not automatically apply in every state.
It should not generally be used for personal purchases or ordinary business supplies.
In many states, your business must first register for sales tax before you can properly complete a resale certificate.
Get My Sales Tax PermitNo. A sales tax permit generally registers a business to collect and remit sales tax when required. A resale certificate is generally used when purchasing qualifying goods that will be resold. In many states, an active sales tax registration is needed before a resale certificate can be properly completed.
It depends on the state. Some states provide specific certificates, permits, or registration numbers. In other states, the purchaser completes a prescribed resale certificate and provides it to the seller or supplier rather than filing it with the government.
Often, no. In many states, the completed certificate is provided to the supplier or seller making the tax-exempt resale transaction. Requirements vary by state.
Not necessarily. States have different rules regarding which certificates they accept and whether an out-of-state registration or multistate form can be used.
No. A resale certificate generally applies to qualifying items purchased for resale. Personal purchases and ordinary operating expenses usually do not qualify merely because the purchaser owns a business.
Often, but not always. Requirements depend on the state and type of transaction. EfilePermit helps determine which step applies to your business.
Potentially, yes. Online retailers often purchase inventory from wholesalers or suppliers for resale. The applicable rules depend on the business's state registrations and the location and nature of the transaction.
Marketplace sellers may qualify to make certain inventory purchases for resale, but the rules depend on the state and transaction. Marketplace facilitator rules do not automatically eliminate every registration or resale documentation requirement.
Processing time depends on the state, your business circumstances, and whether additional registration is required. We identify the applicable requirements after reviewing the information you provide.
No. EfilePermit is a private filing and document assistance service. We are not affiliated with any federal, state, or local government agency. Businesses may obtain forms and file directly with the appropriate government agency where applicable without using our service.
Tell us about your business and we'll help determine the next step based on your state and registration status.
EfilePermit is a private filing and document assistance service and is not affiliated with any government agency. You may file directly with the appropriate agency where applicable.
