US State Sales Tax Registration: Guide and Deadlines 

Introduction

Sales tax registration is one of the most important compliance steps for businesses selling in the United States. Since the U.S. does not follow a centralized sales tax system, each state has its own rules and requirements. This often makes U.S. state sales tax registration confusing, especially for online sellers and multi-state businesses.

This guide explains how sales tax registration works, when a business is required to register, and how filing timelines and deadlines are determined across different states.

What Is Sales Tax Registration?

Sales tax registration is the process of registering your business with a state tax authority so you can legally collect and pay sales tax. Once approved, the state issues a sales tax permit or registration number.

You are required to complete sales tax registration before charging sales tax to customers. Registering late can result in penalties and back taxes.

Understanding Sales Tax Nexus

Before registering, you must identify where your business has sales tax nexus. Nexus means a legal connection between your business and a state that creates a sales tax obligation.

• Physical Nexus

Physical nexus exists when your business has a physical presence in a state. Common examples include:

• Offices or retail stores
• Employees or sales staff
• Warehouses or inventory storage
• Inventory stored through fulfillment centers like Amazon FBA
• Trade shows or conferences

Even temporary presence can trigger sales tax registration.

• Economic Nexus

Economic nexus applies when your business crosses a state’s sales threshold without physical presence. These thresholds vary by state For example, Georgia requires registration if a business exceeds $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions.

Other states use only revenue thresholds. Once you cross the limit, sales tax registration becomes mandatory.

When Do You Need to Register for Sales Tax?

You only need to register for sales tax in states where you have nexus. You do not need to register in every US state.

Registration must happen as soon as nexus is established. States expect businesses to start collecting sales tax immediately after crossing nexus thresholds.

When Do You Need to Register for Sales Tax?

You only need to register for sales tax in states where you have nexus. You do not need to register in every US state. Registration must happen as soon as nexus is established.

States expect businesses to start collecting sales tax immediately after crossing nexus thresholds.

Sales Tax Registration Fees by State

In most states, sales tax registration is free. However, a few states charge a registration fee. States that may charge a fee include:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Fees and rules can change, so always verify with the state authority.

Sales Tax Filing Frequencies and Deadlines

After registration, the state assigns a filing frequency. This is usually monthly, quarterly, or annually. Large businesses may be required to file more frequently.

In most states, sales tax returns are due by the 20th day of the month following the reporting period, though exact due dates vary by state. Businesses must file returns even if there were no sales during the period.

Sales Tax Permit vs Resale Certificate

A sales tax permit allows you to collect tax from customers. A resale certificate allows you to purchase goods without paying sales tax when items are meant for resale.

In some states, the sales tax registration number also works as a resale certificate. In other states, you must apply separately. Always confirm state-specific rules.

How Ebizfiling Helps with Sales Tax Registration?

Ebizfiling simplifies sales tax registration for businesses operating across the US. We identify where your business has nexus, guide you on US state sales tax registration requirements, and prepare accurate applications.

We also help you understand filing frequencies, deadlines, and post-registration compliance so you can avoid penalties and focus on growth. Get in touch with Ebizfiling to register for sales tax correctly and stay compliant across states.

Conclusion

US state sales tax registration is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each state follows its own rules, thresholds, and deadlines. Understanding nexus and registering on time helps businesses avoid fines and compliance risks.

With the right guidance, sales tax registration becomes manageable instead of overwhelming.

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FAQs on US State Sales Tax Registration