Quick Answer: This post offers information on how to register for a sales tax permit in Pennsylvania. Registration is best completed online via the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration fee in Pennsylvania is free.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is automatic no less than every 5 years in Pennsylvania.
Turnaround Time: In Pennsylvania, it takes 24-48 hours after applying. Wait for an email from the state with your permit information.Cannot verify until close to start date or on start date.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania if you have physical presence or meet economic nexus requirements. For more detailed information on the necessity of getting a permit, you can learn more at our blog post “Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Pennsylvania?”
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.
Once you’re sure you need a sales tax permit in Pennsylvania, you can proceed with registering.
Done dealing with sales tax on your own? Meet with an expert and get sales tax off your plate forever. Schedule a Free Sales Tax Plan.
Types of Sales Tax Permits Available in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a sales tax permit but they call it a “Sales, Use, Hotel, and Occupancy Tax Permit.” Very comprehensive, wouldn’t you say? There currently is no charge to apply for a Pennsylvania sales tax permit.
If you’re already feeling a little overwhelmed, you should know that we can handle the entire permit registration process for you with our Sales Tax Permit Registration Service.
Where to Register for a Pennsylvania Sales Tax Permit
The best place to register for a sales tax permit with the state of Pennsylvania is on their website at https://www.etides.state.pa.us/ESignature/Account/LogOn.
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Pennsylvania
If you are stuck or have questions along the way, you can either contact the state of Pennsylvania directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue if you have questions: You can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue by calling 717-787-3653.
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.
Information Needed to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Pennsylvania
Before you begin the process of registering with the state, make sure you have access to the following information:
- Federal tax ID, typically called the EIN, issued by the IRS
- Knowledge of your business entity structure
- Business owner information
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) number
- Start date with the state of Pennsylvania
- Your estimated yearly tax liability with Pennsyvlania
Of special note, the state of Pennsylvania requires you to show 100% ownership of your business OR they need a responsible party listed. Be prepared with this information before starting the permit registration process.
To get started, choose the link titled “New Users must first register a User ID and Password” on the website.
You will then need to select “I agree” and follow the prompts to create a user ID, password and profile information.
Once complete, a screen will appear that lets you know your account was successfully created.
You will receive an email with a confirmation code that you can then use to log back into the e-Tides system.
After you enter your confirmation code, you will be prompted to create your application. Follow the prompts to submit your application for a Pennsylvania sales and use permit.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Pennsylania?
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Pennsylania, 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 Pennsyvlania by clicking here.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email within 24-48 hours from the state of Pennsylvania confirming your sales and use permit. The email will include your sales type, account number, and revenue ID. You will need this information to register your business online.
At this point, you can log back into your Pennsylvania account at https://www.etides.state.pa.us/ESignature/Account/LogOn. Enter your login information and select “Register Enterprise.” Select your tax system type. For this blog, remember we are choosing “Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax.” You will then enter your FEIN and either your account number OR your revenue ID.
Your Pennsylvania sales and use permit should arrive within 7-10 business days.
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.
