If you are starting a business that sells goods or services in Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a sales tax license before opening your business. There are several different names for a sales tax license, including:
- Sales Tax Permit
- Sales Tax Registration
- Sales and Use Tax License
- Seller’s Permit
- Sales Tax Number
- Pennsylvania Sales, Use & Hotel Occupancy Tax License
There are two different options for obtaining your sales tax permit in Pennsylvania. You can go the traditional route and apply directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or have the process expedited by using FastFilings.
If you go the traditional route, you will have different forms to complete, and you must ensure they are accurate. Otherwise, the state will reject them, and you will have to start over. Additionally, you need to know what forms to complete.
Not to mention, it can take seven to ten business days to get your tax license after your application is approved. FastFilings has a direct link to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, so you could have your tax permit in hand within 24 to 48 hours.
Who needs a sales tax permit in Pennsylvania?
Any business that conducts sales of goods and services directly to consumers will require a sales tax permit in Pennsylvania. The business does not need a physical location to require a seller’s permit.
For example, landscaping services are considered mobile businesses. Since they are selling services, they need to collect and remit sales taxes from their customers. The same applies to online businesses that sell goods to customers in Pennsylvania.
Furthermore, wholesale operations that sell goods and services to other businesses and consumers also need to register for a sales tax license and collect taxes for their consumer sales.
Is there a difference between a sales tax license and a wholesaler’s certificate?
A wholesaler’s certificate, also called a resale certificate or resale license, is not the same as a Pennsylvania sales tax license. Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that treat these as separate certificates.
Your sales tax certificate allows you to sell goods and services directly to consumers and requires you to collect and remit sales taxes to the state. It also does not exempt you from paying sales taxes when buying goods or services from your suppliers and vendors.
To have tax-exempt status, you need to complete and submit a different application form for a wholesaler’s certificate. The state of Pennsylvania does charge a fee for the wholesaler’s certificate.
Does my Pennsylvania tax license ever expire?
Yes, the tax license is only valid for five years. So, every five years, you will need to renew it to keep it active. However, suppose there are changes to your business like a relocation, opening new locations, or changes in ownership or business structure. In that case, these changes will need to be updated with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue when they occur.
How to Get a Pennsylvania Sales Tax Permit Using FastFilings
There are three simple steps to obtaining your Pennsylvania sales tax permit using our service. However, you will need to register your business with the State of Pennsylvania and obtain your business license first.
Your business license allows you to conduct business in the state of Pennsylvania. However, it does not let you begin operations until you have your sales and use tax license. You will also need to supply a copy of your business license when filing for your tax permit.
Step 1: Gather the necessary information.
You will need to have all relevant business information available, including:
- Federal Tax ID Number/Social Security Number
- Business Owners
- Contact Information
- Personal References
- Business License Number
- Supplier Information
- Bank Account Information
Step 2: Complete our secure online application.
Our secure online application form is easy to complete and fill out. Simply provide the necessary information where it is requested. If we need further information or notice any issues with the application, we will contact you directly.
Step 3: Wait for your state of Pennsylvania sales tax permit.
Using the information you provided, we will complete the official application and file it with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue on your behalf. It typically takes between 24 and 48 hours for your application to be processed, not counting weekends and holidays.
Once we receive notification your application has been processed, we will send you an electronic copy of your sales tax license. Once you have this document, you can open your doors and start selling your goods and services.
When you want to save time and get your state of Pennsylvania sales tax permit quickly and easily, you can rely on FastFilings. To get started with your tax permit application, fill out our online form today!
If you have further questions, require assistance, or would like help obtaining your Pennsylvania wholesaler’s certificate, please feel free to contact us using our online contact form.