Quick Answer: This post offers information on how to register for a sales tax permit in Tennessee. Registration is best completed online via the Tennessee Department of Revenue website. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration fee in Tennessee is free.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is not required in Tennessee.
Turnaround Time: In Tennessee, look up the sales tax number in the portal using Look Up Tax Account Number feature and then call the state to get the letter ID. Verification can be done within a day.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?”
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 Tennessee, you can proceed with registering.
Types of Sales Tax Permits Available in Tennessee
There is one type of sales tax permit available in Tennessee, a sales and use tax permit. There currently is no charge to apply for a Tennessee 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 Tennessee Sales Tax Permit
The best place to register for a sales tax permit with the state of Tennessee is on their website here.
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Tennessee
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact the state of Tennessee directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue if you have questions: You can contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue by calling (800) 342-1003.
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 Tennessee
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 Tennessee
- Whether your gross sales with Tennessee will exceed $4800 per year
To get started, choose the link titled “Register a New Business” on the website.
This will take you directly to the online application to start completing.
While you are registering for a sales tax permit in Tennessee, you will see a question about a “State of Original Charter/Certification.” If you are an out of state business registering for a sales permit with Tennessee, please select “foreign.” This means your business is registered in another state.
You will then follow the prompts to finish applying for your permit.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Tennessee?
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee by clicking here.
Once you apply for your Sales tax permit in Tennessee, you should receive your Certificate of Registration Sales and Use Permit in the mail within 7-14 business days. Tennessee also automatically issues a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Resale, which will arrive separately.
You will then create an online ID at https://tntap.tn.gov/eservices/_/. Select “Create a TNTAP login” and follow the prompts to set up your account. Note, you will need the Letter ID off of one of the letters (Certificate of Registration Sales and Use or Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Resale) to connect your account.
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.
