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In the state of California, a seller’s permit is one of the most important permits that businesses must obtain in order to operate legally. This permit allows businesses to collect sales tax on taxable goods and services sold within the state, ensuring compliance with California’s tax regulations. Often referred to by various alternate names, such as a wholesale license, resale license, sales and use tax permit, reseller permit, or sales tax certificate, these permits are essential for any business that engages in selling or leasing tangible personal property.
While seller’s permits can be obtained directly from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), FastFilings offers the easiest way to apply, with our simple online ordering platform. We know all about how to get a California seller’s permit for your business, which means you can focus on running your company rather than getting tangled up in regulations.
A California seller’s permit is a legal authorization required for businesses that sell or lease tangible personal property subject to sales tax. It allows businesses to collect sales tax from customers on behalf of the state and ensures compliance with California’s tax laws. The permit is required for retailers, wholesalers, and other businesses selling taxable goods or services, whether they operate in a physical storefront or online.
Obtaining a California seller’s permit is a straightforward process, but it is essential for ensuring your business complies with state tax regulations. You can apply for a permit directly through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), but for those looking for a faster, more efficient process, FastFilings offers a simple alternative.
With FastFilings, you can apply for a seller’s permit using an intuitive, user-friendly platform that streamlines the application process, ensuring that you can focus on your business without getting bogged down. FastFilings handles the filing on your behalf, making it the easiest way to get a sales tax permit for your business.
Obtaining a California seller’s permit offers numerous benefits that help businesses operate smoothly and in full compliance with the state’s tax regulations.
You should obtain a permit as soon as your business plans to sell or lease tangible personal property that is subject to sales tax. Whether you are operating a retail store, an online business, or selling goods at a temporary event such as a flea market or pop-up shop, having a valid permit is essential. Even if you are selling items for a short period—less than 90 days—you are required to get a temporary reseller permit in California.
A California seller’s permit remains valid as long as your business is actively engaged in selling or leasing taxable goods or services. There is no expiration date on the permit itself, and you are not required to renew it annually. However, if your business closes, changes ownership, or no longer sells taxable items, you must notify the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and cancel the permit.
In addition, if you are issued a temporary permit, such as for seasonal sales lasting less than 90 days, that permit will be valid only for the duration of the event or period specified in your application. Keeping the CDTFA updated on any business changes is essential for maintaining compliance with state regulations.
In California, a seller’s permit and a resale certificate serve distinct purposes, although they are often used in tandem. As previously explained, a seller’s permit allows businesses to sell taxable goods and services and collect sales tax from their customers.
On the other hand, a resale certificate in California is used by businesses that purchase goods for resale, allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on those purchases. The buyer presents the California resale certificate to the seller to indicate that the goods will later be resold, at which point sales tax will be collected from the end consumer.
You must obtain a seller’s permit/sales tax certificate if you are (1) engaged in business within the state and (2) intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that is ordinarily subject to sales tax when sold at retail. This applies regardless of whether the business is based in California or outside the state but makes sales to California customers.
The requirement to obtain a seller’s permit applies to various types of business entities, including:
Wholesalers and retailers alike are expected to apply for a California seller’s permit.
Not every business operating in California is required to obtain a seller’s permit. The essential factors determining whether a permit is needed are whether the business is considered to be operating in California and is engaged in selling or leasing tangible personal property that is ordinarily subject to sales tax. If a business does not meet these two primary criteria, it may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit.
Businesses that do not need a California seller’s permit include:
This is a tricky topic, however, as it is not always obvious whether a particular business falls under state requirements relating to seller’s permits. Contact FastFilings if you have questions about your eligibility.
FastFilings is a private permit and license filing service. We file more California seller’s permits than any other third party filing service in the US. We file all permit and license requests directly with the California Board of Equalization, however we are not a government agency, and you may obtain documents at a reduced through your district office.
Our goal is to help you avoid the hassle and headache with ordering a permit directly through your district office. We error check and expedite all orders through the state agency.
