How to Apply for a Resale License in California

Before opening a store in California you must have a seller's permit.

If you sell items that are subject to sales tax in California, you must have a resale license, also known as a seller's permit. Once you have the permit, you will be obligated to collect sales tax from customers, keep records, and file and pay the collected sales tax to the California State Board of Equalization in a timely fashion. If you only intend to sell items on a temporary basis, such as Christmas wreaths during the holidays, you can apply for a temporary permit. You do not have to pay a fee to obtain a permit.

Things You'll Need

• Photocopy of driver's license
• California Seller's Permit Application
• Ink pen

Instructions

1. Gather together the following information for your application: your social security number, photocopy of your driver's license, name and address of your bank, name of suppliers, name of the individual who'll be handling the account with the California State Board of Equalization, personal references (with names and addresses) and estimate sales figures.

2. Visit your local California State Board of Equalization office, call 800-400-7115, or go online to obtain a copy of the California Seller's Permit Application.

3. Read the California Seller's Permit Application and complete the form on page 5 of the application.

4. Check "Temporary" on the form if applying for a temporary permit, and "Regular" if not.

5. Include requested information with your application, as it applies specifically to your business type and situation. Necessary requirements are listed in the pages of the application.

6. Mail or deliver the application to the field office closest to you. A link to the directory is included in References. It will take about two weeks to receive the permit, after receiving your complete application.

References

• California State Board of Equalization
• California Seller's Permit Application
• Sales Tax Field Office Locations & Addresses