Quick Answer: This post explains how to register for a sales tax permit in Missouri. Registration is best completed online through MyTax Missouri. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: Free — Missouri does not charge a fee for sales tax permit registration.
Renewal Required?: No — Missouri sales tax permits do not expire, as long as the business stays current on filings.
Turnaround Time: Allow about 2–3 business days for online registrations. The state's FAQ says to allow up to 10 business days for retail sales tax applications, and longer for paper applications.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri?
The first step in registering for a sales tax permit is determining if you even need one. In general, you need a sales tax permit in Missouri if you have a business location in the state and make taxable sales, or if you're a remote seller (no physical presence) whose gross receipts from taxable sales into Missouri exceed $100,000. The state measures this at the end of each calendar quarter over the preceding 12 months, and you must begin collecting no later than three months after that quarter closes. Sales through marketplace facilitators count toward the $100,000, but if you sell only through a marketplace, you don't have to register separately. For more detailed information, check out our blog post "Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri?"
If you have a Missouri business location, you must have your retail sales license before making sales. Operating without one carries penalties of $500 for the first day and $100 per day after that, up to $10,000.
If you are not sure where you should get sales tax permits, we can help determine that for you with our Sales Tax Starter Kit Service, or take our free sales tax survey for a personalized plan.
Once you're sure you need a sales tax permit in Missouri, you can proceed with registering.
Types of Sales Tax Permits Available
Missouri offers two types of permits:
- Retail Sales Tax License — for businesses with a physical presence in Missouri
- Vendor's Use Tax License — generally assigned to out-of-state/remote retailers
Both are free to apply for.
If you're already feeling a little overwhelmed, remember we can handle the entire permit registration process for you with our Sales Tax Permit Registration Service.
Where to Register for a Missouri Sales Tax Permit
There are two ways to register: paper application or online. We recommend the online option — it's generally faster, and you get immediate submission confirmation, which matters if your application is ever delayed or lost.
Online: Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's business registration page and select "Start Registration Here."
Follow the prompts to complete your registration. Keep your confirmation number safe once you're done — you'll need it to check your registration status later.
Paper: Complete Form 2643 (Missouri Tax Registration Application) and mail it to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Note: Missouri is one of the few states that does not mail out a physical sales tax permit. Instead, you'll access your account information online (see "What Happens After," below).
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact the state of Missouri directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue: Call the Business Tax Registration team at 573-751-5860 or email businesstaxregister@dor.mo.gov. You can also use the live chat on the Department's Sales/Use Tax page.
How to contact TaxValet if you want someone to handle your permit registration for you: You can learn more about our sales tax permit registration service by clicking here.
Let our team of professionals help you register for sales tax permits.
Information Needed to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri
Before you begin, make sure you have access to the following information:
- Federal tax ID (EIN), issued by the IRS
- Knowledge of your business entity structure
- Business owner information
- NAICS code
- Start date with the state of Missouri
- Your estimated yearly tax liability with Missouri
- Bank account information
To get started, go to the online registration system and select "Start Registration Here." Follow the prompts to complete registration with the state of Missouri.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri?
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Missouri, you will need to begin filing sales tax returns. Our team can handle your sales tax returns for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. You can also learn more about how to file and pay a sales tax return in Missouri by clicking here.
Missouri is one of the few states that will not mail out a physical sales tax permit. Instead, shortly after submitting your application, go to MyTax Missouri, click the "Business" icon, then select "Check Registration Status." Enter your business FEIN and the confirmation number you received when applying — this will display your account number and PIN.
From there, go back to MyTax Missouri and create your online account to manage filing and payments going forward.
If your business has three or more locations, note that Missouri requires electronic filing — paper returns aren't an option in that case.
If at any point you are stuck and want a team of experts to handle all of this for you, don't hesitate to contact us.
