How to Get a Seller’s Permit in Massachusetts

  • Compliance
Learn how to register your business in the state and obtain a sales tax permit in Massachusetts with our step-by-step guide.
Starting a business in Massachusetts is an exciting venture, but it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements that come with it. A common area of confusion for many new business owners is understanding the need for a Sales and Use Tax Permit in Massachusetts, also known as a seller’s permit. This permit allows you to collect sales tax on taxable products and services from customers in Massachusetts.
This blog will guide you through each step of applying for a sales tax permit, with clear instructions to help you and your business begin collecting sales tax effortlessly.
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Who Needs a Seller’s Permit in Massachusetts?

A business must register for a sales tax permit in Massachusetts if:

How to Register for a Seller’s Permit in Massachusetts?

When applying for a Sales and Use Tax in Massachusetts, you can use the online application process on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website to complete your sales tax registration.
 

1. Where to Apply for a Seller’s Permit in Massachusetts?

The first step to register for a sales tax permit online is to go to MassTaxConnect website and click on“Sign Up” found in the top right section of the screen underneath “New to MassConnect?”
Another way you can register is to click on “Register a New Taxpayer” found in the Quick Links section.
You will be redirected to another page, where you will click on “Register a New Business.” You will then follow the prompts that walk you through your registration process and provide the necessary information.
Make sure to select the tax type you would like to register for. If you’re an out-of-state seller, select “Sales and Use Tax.”
During your registration process, you will create an online login account with the State of Massachusetts. Once your logon is created, you can manage your current sales tax account(s) and register for additional accounts related to your business.
 

2. What Information Do You Need to Get a Seller’s Permit in Massachusetts?

To successfully acquire a seller’s permit in Massachusetts, it’s important to prepare and provide specific information and documents. The following is a list of the necessary information and documents required to register a sales tax permit in Massachusetts:
  • Business Identification Information: Legal Business Name, Physical Address, Mailing Address 
  • Business Entity Structure (i.e., Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Subchapter S Corp., Corporation, LLC, etc.)
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN)
  • Name, Address, and SSN of Owners, Partners, or Officers 
  • Business Activity Details: Date & State of Incorporation, Start Date with the Massachusetts (Nexus Start Date), Estimated Annual Sales Tax Liability
  • NAICS Code
 

3. How Much are the Fees for Applying for and Renewing a Seller’s Permit in Massachusetts?

Registering for a sales tax permit in Massachusetts is free, and you won’t need to provide payment details to acquire your permit.
Massachusetts sales tax permit does not need to be renewed and remain valid for as long as the business exists without any changes in ownership or structure.
 

4. What are Other Ways to Register for a Seller’s Permit in Massachusetts?

  • Use TaxHero. Registering for a seller’s permit, mainly when it involves multiple permits, can be a tedious and time-consuming task requiring much effort. Let the experts at TaxHero save you from this hassle, and let us handle the registration process in all states where you have nexus as part of our all-inclusive sales tax service.
 

What’s Next?

Once your sales tax registration is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with an authentication code to access your MassTaxConnect account.
Using your authentication code, you will be able to log in to your Mass TaxConnect account, where you can easily view your sales tax permit, file returns, and make payments. You will now be required to collect sales tax for eligible sales in Massachusetts.
For added security, we strongly recommend activating your two-step verification when you sign back into your account. This extra layer of protection helps keep your sensitive information safe from unauthorized access.
Within 7 to 10 business days, you will also receive a physical copy of your Sales and Use Tax Certificate to your mailing address. This certificate is an important document for your business, serving as proof of your registration. Remember that if your business has a physical location in Massachusetts, the Seller’s Permit must be visibly displayed at all times at the place for which the certificate is issued.
If you ever encounter any difficulties, have any questions, or prefer TaxHero to manage these tasks on your behalf, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact us today.