How to Get a Seller’s Permit in Virginia

  • Compliance
Learn how to register your business in the state and obtain a seller’s permit in Virginia with our step-by-step guide.
Starting a business in Virginia 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 seller’s permit in Virginia, also known as Retail Sales and Use Tax Permit or Use Tax Permit. This permit allows you to collect sales tax on taxable products and services from customers in Virginia and remit it to the state.
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 Virginia?

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

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

When applying for a seller’s permit in Virginia, you can use the online application process on the Virginia Department of Taxation website to complete your sales tax registration.
 

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

The first step to register for a sales tax permit online is to go to the Virginia Tax Online Services for Businesses website and click the title  “Are you a new Business? Register Here.”
Then, follow through the prompts and fill out the necessary details to complete your online registration.
Choose the type of tax that applies to your business. If you’re an in-state dealer, choose Retail sales tax. On the other hand, if you’re an out-of-state dealer, choose use tax.
You will create an online login account with the state during your registration process. 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 Virginia?

To successfully acquire a seller’s permit in Virginia, 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 Virginia:
  • Business Identification Information: Legal business name, physical address, mailing address 
  • Business online services primary user’s account information
  • 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 state of Virginia (nexus start date)
  • NAICS Code
 

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

Registering for a sales tax permit in Virginia is free, and you won’t need to provide payment details to acquire your permit.
Virginia sales tax permits do 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 Virginia

  • 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.
  • Paper Application: You will need to fill out Form R-1 Business Registration Application, attach the necessary documents and payment, and mail it to the address provided on the form.
 

What’s Next?

After your online submission, you’ll be able to receive your Virginia tax account number immediately. Use this information when printing documents and records for your business.
You will also be automatically enrolled in your business online services account, where you can file and pay taxes, send emails, and manage your Virginia Tax account in the future.
In addition to that, you should receive a physical copy of your seller’s permit with the specific sales tax account number within 1-2 business days.
Obtaining a Sales Tax Certificate requires you to collect sales tax for eligible sales in Virginia. The document will also specify your filing frequency for sales tax returns and due dates.
Remember that if your business has a physical location in Virginia, 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.