Quick Answer: In this blog, you will learn how to register for a sales tax permit in Washington, D.C. The registration process is best completed online via the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration fee in the District of Columbia is free.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is not required in the District of Columbia.
Turnaround Time: In the District of Columbia, you can usually verify your online sales tax permit account access after 24-48 hours.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Washington, D.C.?
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 D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?”
If you are not sure where you should get sales tax permits, we can help determine that for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service.
Once you’re sure you need a sales tax permit in Washington, D.C., you can proceed with registering.
Types of Sales Tax Permits Available
Washington, D.C. only has one type of sales and use tax permit. There is no fee to register for this permit in Washington, D.C.
Where to Register for a Washington, D.C. Sales Tax Permit
The best place to register for a sales tax permit in Washington, D.C. is on their website. You can get started here, https://mytax.dc.gov/_/#7.
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Washington, D.C.
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact Washington, D.C. directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the Washington, D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue if you have questions: You can contact the Washington, D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue by phone at (202) 727- 4TAX (727-4829) between 8:15 am – 5:30 pm.
How to contact TaxValet if you want someone to handle your permit registration for you: You can learn more about our sales tax service by clicking here.
Information Needed to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Washington, D.C.
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, D.C.
- Your business address
- The name, title, home address, and Social Security number of the proprietor, partners, or principal officers (mandatory)
- Any former entity information, if previously registered with the District
- The addresses for all locations where you will collect sales tax in the District of Columbia
- Washington, D.C. requires submission of specific forms depending on your entity type. See the table below.
| Business Type | Required Document for Submission |
| Corporation | Articles of Incorporation |
| Limited Liability Company | Articles of Organization |
| Register with Trade Name (DBA) | Certificate of Trade Name Registration |
Click “Next” and follow the prompts that walk you through the process of registering with Washington, D.C.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Washington, D.C.?
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Washington, D.C., 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 Washington, D.C. by clicking here.
A paper copy of your sales tax permit (Notice of Business Tax Registration) will arrive at your mailing address within 7-10 business days.
Once you receive your Notice of Business Tax Registration, follow the link titled “Sign-Up for MyTax.D.C.gov” to create your online login.
Your sales and use tax permit with Washington, D.C. will not expire. It is your responsibility to keep the District up-to-date with any pertinent business changes (such as an address change, etc.).
If at any point you are stuck and want a team of experts to handle all of this for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
