Where Is My Resale Number Located? How to Find It
Locate your business's resale number or sales tax permit quickly. This guide covers finding it on documents, online, and retrieval steps.
A resale number serves as an identification credential for businesses to purchase goods or services for resale without incurring sales tax. This prevents the imposition of sales tax multiple times on the same item as it moves through the supply chain. Locating this number is often necessary for businesses to maintain proper sales tax compliance and benefit from sales tax exemptions on wholesale purchases. This article guides businesses on how to find their existing resale number.
Recognizing Your Resale Document
The document containing your resale number often goes by various names, depending on the issuing state’s tax authority. Common designations include a Sales Tax Permit, Seller’s Permit, Certificate of Authority, or a Resale Certificate. Despite differing terminology, these documents all authorize a business to collect and remit sales tax. For instance, what one state calls a “Seller’s Permit,” another might refer to as a “Certificate of Registration.”
These official documents typically feature the state’s seal or emblem, along with the official letterhead of the state’s tax department. Your business’s legal name, address, and the effective date of the permit are usually prominently displayed.
Identifying the Number on Your Permit
Once you have identified your official sales tax permit, locate the specific resale number on the document. This number is typically positioned in a prominent area. You will often find it near the top of the document, either in the upper right or left corner. Sometimes, it is directly situated below your business’s name and address.
The number may be labeled with terms such as “Permit Number,” “Account Number,” “Sales Tax ID,” or “Registration Number.” It is usually a unique string of digits, though some states may include letters, making it alphanumeric. Scan the document for these labels and the corresponding number sequence to pinpoint your resale number.
Accessing Your Number Electronically
If the physical document is not readily available, several electronic avenues can help you locate your resale number. Many state tax agencies, such as the Department of Revenue or Tax Commissioner’s office, provide online portals for businesses. These online accounts often allow you to view or download a copy of your sales tax permit. Accessing these portals usually requires your business’s tax identification number and specific login credentials.
Additionally, you might find your resale number referenced on past business records. Review previous invoices or purchase orders from suppliers where you have already provided your resale number. Many businesses also record this information within their accounting software or financial management systems. Checking these digital records can often provide the necessary number.
Retrieving a Lost or Unavailable Number
When all other methods fail to yield your resale number, directly contact the relevant state tax agency. The state’s Department of Taxation or similar authority can assist in retrieving your business’s sales tax identification.
Before providing the number, the agency will require verification of your business’s identity. This typically involves providing your federal employer identification number (EIN) and other business details. You can find the appropriate contact information, such as phone numbers or online inquiry forms, on your state’s official tax agency website. They can then provide the number or guide you on how to obtain a duplicate permit.