Quick Answer: This post offers information on how to register for a sales tax permit in Washington. Registration is best completed online via the Washington State Department of Revenue website. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration fee in Washington is $90.00 if you are opening the first location of a new business/UBI or re-opening a business/UBI that has no active locations. It's $19.00 if you are filing for any purpose other than those listed.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is required annually only if you have endorsements in Washington. Otherwise the license does not expire.
Turnaround Time: In Washington, it takes 4-5 days from time permit submitted. Wait for an email from the state with your permit information.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Washington?
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 Washington 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 from our blog post “Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Washington?”
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 Washington, you can proceed with registering.
Type of Sales Tax Permits Available in Washington
Washington State refers to its sales tax permit as an Excise Tax Permit. This is the primary type of sales tax permit offered by the state.
How Much Does a Sales Tax Permit in Washington Cost?
The business registration fee in the State of Washington is $19 plus a $5 fee if you are registering your business name.
Where to Register for a Washington Sales Tax Permit
In Washington, you have the option of registering either online or with a paper application.
Online Application Location: Generally, the best place to register for a sales tax permit with the state of Washington is on their website at https://secure.dor.wa.gov/home/Login
Paper Application Location: https://bls.dor.wa.gov/forms/700028.pdf. Make sure to include a check payable to “Department of Revenue” for licensing fees (business application fee of $19 and registering your business name for $5).
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Washington
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact the state of Washington directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the Washington State Department of Revenue if you have questions: You can contact the Washington State Department of Revenue by calling (360)705-6741 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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 Washington
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 Washington state
- Your estimated gross annual income in Washington state
To get started, choose the link titled “New User? Sign Up” on the website.
This will allow you to create your online profile. After you have submitted the profile information, you will receive an email to confirm your account information.
Log in and you will be directed to your online account. From that point, you will select “Apply for or Update a Business License.”
Follow the prompts to apply for your permit.
**Please note, in the permit application, there is a question regarding your first date of business. If you are an out-of-state retailer then you need to enter your start date with Washington State.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Washington?
You will receive your Washington State business license about 7-14 business days after you apply for your sales tax permit. You will also receive a welcome registration letter and an administrator letter from the state of Washington.
Once you receive the two letters, you can then log into your account and select the link “Access an Existing Business Account.”
Follow the prompts to enter your letter ID and UBI number from the state of Washington. This information can be found in the welcome letter from Washington.
**Note make sure you do the above step for the business license AND the excise license so that you can connect both accounts.
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.
