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Get Your Resale Certificate

Buy wholesale without paying sales tax. A resale certificate lets you make tax-exempt purchases for items you'll resell—accepted by vendors in all 50 states.

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Overview

What Is a Resale Certificate?

A resale certificate (sometimes called a resale license or exemption certificate) is a document that allows you to buy goods from suppliers without paying sales tax, because you intend to resell those goods to end customers. In that case, you collect sales tax from the buyer instead—you're not the end user. Each state has its own rules and forms; some accept multi-state resale certificates, while others require their state-specific form. A valid resale certificate typically includes your business name, address, tax ID (EIN), and a statement that the items are for resale. Vendors keep it on file to support the tax-exempt sale. Our service helps you obtain and manage resale certificates that are accepted across the country.

When You Need One

Buying Wholesale

When you purchase inventory from distributors, manufacturers, or wholesalers for resale, a resale certificate lets you buy tax-free. Without it, you pay sales tax upfront—money you'll only recover when you sell to customers.

Reselling Goods

Retailers, e-commerce sellers, dropshippers, and anyone who buys products to resell need a resale certificate. If you're registered for sales tax in your state and plan to collect tax from buyers, you can buy inventory exempt from sales tax.

Simple Process

How It Works

1

Verify Your Eligibility

You need a valid sales tax permit in at least one state to issue a resale certificate. We verify your registration status and ensure you meet the requirements to make tax-exempt purchases.

2

Get Your Certificate

We prepare a valid resale certificate with your business details, tax ID, and proper wording. You receive a document you can present to vendors—print or digital formats accepted by most suppliers.

3

Use It With Vendors

Present your resale certificate when buying wholesale. Vendors keep it on file and sell to you without charging sales tax. You collect tax from your end customers when you resell the goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a resale certificate and a sales tax permit?
A sales tax permit (seller's permit) is issued by the state and authorizes you to collect sales tax from customers. A resale certificate is a document you provide to vendors when buying goods for resale—it tells them you're exempt from paying sales tax on that purchase because you'll collect it from your buyers. You need a valid sales tax permit before you can issue a resale certificate.
How long is a resale certificate valid?
Validity varies by state. Some states consider resale certificates valid indefinitely as long as your sales tax permit remains active. Others require renewal every 1–3 years or have expiration dates. If your permit lapses or is revoked, your resale certificate is no longer valid. We help you keep your certificates current and compliant.
Will vendors in all 50 states accept my resale certificate?
Most vendors across the country accept properly formatted resale certificates. Some states participate in the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) multistate certificate, which many vendors recognize. A few states require their own forms for in-state purchases. We provide certificates that work with the broadest range of vendors and can help with state-specific forms when needed.
Can I use a resale certificate for personal purchases?
No. Resale certificates may only be used for purchases you intend to resell. Using one for personal or business consumption (e.g., office supplies you use yourself) is tax fraud and can result in penalties, audits, and loss of your sales tax permit. Only use your resale certificate when buying inventory or goods you will sell to customers.
Do I need a resale certificate for services?
Resale certificates typically apply to tangible personal property (goods) you buy for resale. For services, rules vary by state—some allow exemption when you're reselling a service, others treat services differently. If you buy goods that become part of a service (e.g., materials used in a repair), a resale certificate may apply. We can help clarify what's valid in your situation.

Ready to Get Started?

Get a valid resale certificate and start buying wholesale tax-free. Accepted by vendors across all 50 states.

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