Once you've confirmed you have nexus in a state, registration is the next step — and it comes before collection, not after. Here's the general process, what it costs, and what to have ready.
Updated 10 July 2026. General process overview — exact steps, forms, and fees are set by each state and can change. Confirm with the specific state's Department of Revenue before applying.
Registration should follow a specific finding, not come before it. If you haven't already worked through where you have physical or economic nexus, start with do I need to collect sales tax in another state? and the current state-by-state thresholds. Registering in a state where you don't yet have nexus isn't usually harmful, but it does start filing obligations (sometimes zero-dollar returns) you didn't need to take on yet.
In most states, registering for a sales tax permit is free. A number of states charge a modest fee, generally somewhere in the $10–$100 range — for example, Hawaii charges $20 for its General Excise Tax permit and West Virginia charges $30. Some states waive the fee entirely for online applications while charging a small paper-filing fee instead (Florida is one example). The fee, where one exists, is set by the state and can change, so check the current amount on the specific state's Department of Revenue site rather than relying on a remembered figure.
Requirements differ by state, but most applications ask for some version of the following:
Having these ready before you start the application generally makes the process faster, since most states process a complete online application quickly.
Verify you have nexus (physical, economic, or both) in the specific state, and check whether that state requires registration even where a marketplace facilitator already collects tax on some of your sales — see our marketplace facilitator laws guide.
Each state's Department of Revenue (sometimes called Department of Taxation or Comptroller) runs its own online registration system. This is usually the fastest path; some states also accept paper applications by mail.
Complete the application with your EIN, business details, and sales estimates. Double-check the effective date you enter — some states let you specify when collection should begin.
Online applications are often approved within a few business days to about ten business days; some states issue a number instantly. Mail applications typically take two to four weeks.
Configure your storefront (Shopify, another platform, or a marketplace setting) to collect for that state once — and only once — you have a valid permit number.
Every state's exact form, portal, and fee differ. For a starting point per state, see our per-state registration reference, and cross-check against the state's own Department of Revenue site, since these details are updated by the states themselves.
In most states, registration is free. Some states charge a modest fee, generally in the $10–$100 range — for example, Hawaii charges $20 and West Virginia charges $30. A few states waive the fee for online applications while charging a small fee for paper filing. Check the specific state's Department of Revenue site for its current fee, since these can change.
Online registration is often fast — some states issue a permit number instantly or within a few business days, while others take up to about ten business days. Registering by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Timelines vary by state and by how complete your application is.
No — this is generally not permitted. Collecting sales tax without a valid permit can itself create compliance problems, separate from whatever nexus or filing obligation prompted the registration in the first place. Registration should come first, then collection.
Common requirements include your federal EIN or SSN, business legal name and structure, business address, a description of what you sell (often via NAICS code), the date you'll start collecting in that state, and an estimate of expected sales volume. Exact requirements vary by state.
Possibly. Marketplace facilitator collection and your own registration obligation are legally distinct in some states — a seller with physical nexus (such as stored inventory) may still need to register and file even where a marketplace is already collecting tax on marketplace sales. Confirm the specific state's rule.