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Wisconsin Department of Revenue

 Sales and Use Tax
Permits

  1. What type of permits do I need if I am starting a new business?
  2. How do I obtain a permit?
  1. What type of permits do I need if I am starting a new business?

    Seller's Permit

    • Who Must Obtain a Seller's Permit?

      A seller's permit is required for every individual, partnership, corporation, or other organization making retail sales, leases, or rentals of tangible personal property or taxable services in Wisconsin, unless all sales are exempt from sales or use tax.

      NOTE: A Seller's permit will not be issued to wholesalers, manufacturers and other businesses not making direct retail sales of tangible property or taxable services.

    • When should I apply?

      Apply for a seller's permit at least three weeks before you open your business. If you buy an existing business, the seller's permit cannot be transferred to you. You must apply for a new permit. If you applied for a seller's permit before you opened your business but did not receive the permit at the time of opening the business, you are allowed to make retail sales of tangible personal property and taxable services. However, you are liable for the sales and use taxes and for keeping proper records from the date of opening the business. The returns Form ST-12 for reporting your sales and use taxes will be sent to you by the end of your reporting period.

    • Security May Be Required

      Before or after the Department of Revenue issues you a seller's permit, it may require you to make a security deposit up to $15,000. If you do not make a security deposit as requested, the department may refuse to issue you a seller's permit or may revoke your permit.

      In determining whether or not security will be required and the amount of security, the department may consider the applicant's payment of all taxes administered by the department and any other relevant fees. Security is most commonly requested when there has been a history of delinquent taxes associated with the applicant.

      If a security request is made, the department will send a notice of requirement and additional information about the calculation of the amount. Included will be information about the types of security that can be deposited.

      Any security deposit will be returned to you if for 24 consecutive months you complied with the sales and use tax law. Refer to sec. Tax 11.925, Wis. Adm. Code, "Sales and Use tax security deposits".

    • Issuance of the Seller's Permit

      After receiving the Application for Business Tax Registration and the security deposit (if requested), a seller's permit will be issued to you by the Department of Revenue. You must display the seller's permit in a prominent location at your place of business. If that is not a fixed location, it should be displayed or carried at the various events. A personal wallet copy will be sent with your seller's permit to provide you with easy access to your permit number.

    • Consumer's Use Tax Certificate

      A consumer's use tax certificate is required for every business that regularly purchases or leases taxable property or services for storage, use, or consumption in Wisconsin upon which a sales or use tax was not paid. This certificate is not required if a business already holds a seller's permit or use tax certificate. See Publication 214, Businesses:Do You Owe Use Tax? For additional information.

    • Use Tax Certificate

      A use tax certificate is required for every out-of-state retailer who is not required to hold a seller's permit, but is engaged in business in Wisconsin and making retail sales, leases, or rentals of tangible personal property or providing taxable services in Wisconsin.

      If out-of-state retailers have physical presence (nexus) in Wisconsin, they may be required to register and collect the Wisconsin tax. Further information can be found in Publication 201, Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax.

    • Other Permits

      In addition to the above permits, additional permits may be required for Alcohol, Fuel, Specialty Taxes, or Tobacco.

  2. How do I obtain a permit?

    You can register on line at Business Online Registration.

    You will need to complete an Application for Business Tax Registration.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Customer Service Bureau
PO Box 8949
Madison, WI 53708-8949
Phone: (608) 261-6261
Fax: (608) 264-6884
E-Mail Additional Questions

Last updated January 3, 2008