Quick Answer: This post offers information on how to register for a sales tax permit in Texas. Registration is best completed online via the Texas Comptroller website. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration fee in Texas is free.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is automatic in Texas.
Turnaround Time: In Texas, you need to call TX to get a RT number about a week or two after permit is applied (Call as early as possible!). If permit is close to the start date, it may be difficult to get RT number. Make sure SSN #, client #, because state will need that info.
For a comprehensive overview of Texas sales tax, including the latest rules and regulations, visit our Texas Sales Tax Guide. This resource provides all the information you need to ensure compliance and understand your tax obligations in the state.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Texas?
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 Texas if you have a 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 Texas?”
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 Texas, 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 Texas
Texas offers both a sales and use tax permit and effective October 1, 2019, Texas offers a single local tax rate for remote sellers. You can find more information about the remote seller option here. For the purpose of this blog, we will be applying for the standard sales and use permit. There currently is no charge to apply for a Texas 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 Texas Sales Tax Permit
There are two ways to register for a sales tax permit in Texas, either by paper application or via the online website. We recommend submitting the application via the online website as it will generally be processed faster and you will receive a confirmation upon submission. Having a submission confirmation will help in the event that your application is not processed on-time, or in the event that it is not processed at all (which unfortunately can happen every now and again).
Online Application Location: The best place to register for a sales tax permit with the state of Texas is on their website here.
Paper Application: You can access the paper application here. The link to the paper applications is highlighted in the screenshot below.
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Texas
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact the state of Texas directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the Texas Comptroller Office if you have questions: You can contact the Texas Comptroller Office by calling (800) 252-5555 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST (except for state and national holidays).
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 Texas
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 Texas
- Your estimated yearly sales with Texas
To get started, choose the link titled “First Time User–Sign up” on the website.
Follow the prompts to create your online profile with the Texas Comptroller Office. Once you have created your profile, you will be directed to the eSystems Menu. Select “Texas Sales and Use Registration.” This will direct you to the sales tax permit application.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Texas?
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Texas, 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 Texas by clicking here.
After you submit your permit application, you will receive a confirmation page. This page has your Texas sales tax ID located towards the bottom of the page. Please make note of that sales tax ID because you will need to use it to receive your WebFile number from Texas.
The turn around time from processing your application to gaining access to your account is around 2 weeks. In that time, you should have received your Texas Use Tax permit in the mail.
At this point, you can contact the Texas Comptroller at (800) 252-5555 to speak to a representative. You will need to request your RT number (number needed to file your sales tax online) and your XT (number needed to file your franchise tax online). Once you have those numbers, you can log back into your account and select “WebFile/Pay Taxes and Fees.”
You are all set! 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.
