• Sells merchandise or provides taxable services at a temporary event

  • Is an individual, association, partnership, corporation, nonprofit organization or other business entity

  • May be referred to as a vendor, exhibitor, concessionaire, or booth owner

  • May also be the operator of a temporary event

Seller's Permit: A seller's permit is required for all event sellers of taxable merchandise or property in Wisconsin unless sales are exempt from sales or use tax.

A seller's permit is issued for a two-year period and will be renewed automatically unless the Department of Revenue is informed that you will not be operating in Wisconsin in the future. Seller's that do not operate in Wisconsin year round will be issued a seasonal permit valid only for the month or months during each year indicated on their application.

How do I get a seller's permit?

Online Registration

Application for Business Tax Registration/Instructions

How do I cancel a seller's permit?

When you (1) close your business, (2) no longer have a sales tax liability, or (3) need a new Wisconsin sales tax number as the result of a change in business entity, you must notify the department using one of the following methods:

Be sure to provide the last date of sales, your account number, location(s) of your business, and federal employer identification number. Your account will be closed based on the information provided.

Which sellers may not need a Wisconsin seller's permit?

  • Sellers of tax-exempt items, such as vegetables or fruits for home consumption. The sale of personal items is not tax-exempt unless the sale qualifies for the occasional sales exemption. See Publication 201, Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Information.

  • Sellers of tax-exempt services. Note: Not all services are tax-exempt. See Publication 201, Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Information.

  • Sellers qualifying for the occasional sale exemption. See Publication 228, Temporary Events.

  • Vendors who display or exhibit only, do not sell at the event, and do not ship any taxable merchandise into Wisconsin based on orders from any source.

A seller who has questions regarding their requirement to hold a Wisconsin seller's permit should contact the department by phone at (608) 266-2776 or by email.

What is the sales tax rate?

See the Tax Rate Chart.

How to I report my sales and use tax?

Sellers required to report and pay sales and use tax are required to have a seller's permit.

Wisconsin sales and use tax returns must be filed using one of the electronic filing methods listed below.

  • My Tax Account is the Department of Revenue's free online business tax service that allows businesses to access their accounts to view current account status, file and amend returns, make payments, and manage and update account information. It's simple, secure and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. See My Tax Account​ for more information.

  • Sales TeleFile is an interactive voice response program that allows businesses to file and pay Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Returns using the telephone. The TeleFile program does not require a personal computer. For more information see Sales TeleFile.

Other Taxes to be Aware Of:

  • Local Exposition Area Tax: Every seller of lodging, food, or beverages, or the rental of automobiles in Milwaukee County.

  • Premier Resort Area Tax: Certain sellers in the Village of Lake Delton, City of Wisconsin Dells, City of Bayfield, Village of Stockholm, City of Rhinelander and City of Eagle River. NOTE: Establishments or individuals primarily engaged in the retail sale of merchandise from temporary locations are classified in the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual, 1987 Edition, under SIC code 5963, Direct Selling Establishments, which is not subject to the premier resort area tax.

  • Nonresident Individual Income Tax: If you are a nonresident or part-year resident of Wisconsin and your Wisconsin gross income (or the combined gross income of you and your spouse) is $2,000 or more, you must file a Wisconsin income tax return.

  • Corporate Franchise or Income Tax: Any corporation that sells goods or services at an event in Wisconsin has nexus for corporate franchise and income tax filing purposes and is required to file returns. However, if the only Wisconsin activity is the solicitation of orders that are sent outside the state for approval or rejection and then shipped from outside the state, no nexus is created and no return is required.

Other Resources:

Publication 228, Temporary Events

Common Questions

 

Event Operator

Sales and Use Tax Publications​

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

MS 5-77
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Customer Service Bureau
PO Box 8949
Madison, WI 53708-8949
Phone: (608) 266-2776
Fax: (608) 267-1030
Email additional questions to DORBusinessTax@wisconsin.gov

October 10, 2017