Event Vendors

1. ​​​​​ Who is an event vendor?
   
   
2. Does an event vendor need a seller’s permit?
   
   
3. How do I get a seller's permit?
   
   
4. How do I cancel a seller's permit?
   
   
5. Which sellers may not need a Wisconsin seller's permit?
   
   
6. What is the sales tax rate?
   
   
7. How do I report my sales and use tax?
   
   
8. What other taxes I should know about?
   
   
9. Where can I find more information?
   
   

1. Who is an event vendor?

   An event vendor:

   • Displays or advertises products or services at a temporary event
   • 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 seller, exhibitor, concessionaire, or booth owner
   • May also be the operator of a temporary event
   
   
2. Does an event vendor need a seller’s permit?

   A vendor selling taxable merchandise or property in Wisconsin must have a Wisconsin seller’s permit unless the vendor’s 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.

3. How do I get a seller's permit?

   You can apply for a seller’s permit online or complete the application for Business Tax Registration. See instructions for more information.

4. How do I cancel a seller's permit?

   When you close your business, no longer have a sales tax liability, or 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:

   • Complete the Request to Close Account in My Tax Account
   • Email DORSalesandUse@wisconsin.gov
   • Call (608) 266-2776
   
   

   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.

5. Which sellers may not need a Wisconsin seller's permit?
   • Sellers of tax-exempt items, such as vegetables or fruits for home consumption. Generally, the sale of personal items is taxable 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 What is Taxable?
   • 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.
   • Individual sales distributors for a multi-level company registered in Wisconsin do not need to get a seller's permit if they are only selling products purchased through the multi-level company.
   
   

   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.

6. What is the sales tax rate?

   See the Tax Rate Chart.

7. How do I report my sales and use tax?

   Sellers required to report and pay sales and use tax must have a Wisconsin seller's permit before filing. Sellers report tax 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.


8. What other taxes I should know about?
   • Local Exposition Area Tax: Every seller of lodging, food, or beverages, or the rental of automobiles in Milwaukee County.
   • Premier Resort Area Tax: Applies to certain sellers making sales that take place in (e.g., are sourced to) a premier resort area:
   
   
   • Village of Lake Delton
   • City of Wisconsin Dells
   • City of Bayfield
   • City of Eagle River
   • Village of Stockholm
   • City of Rhinelander
   • Village of Sister Bay
   • Village of Ephraim
     
     

   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.


9. Where can I find more information?

   For more information, refer to:

   • Publication 228, Temporary Events
   • Common Questions
   • Temporary Events
   • Event Operator
   • Corporation Franchise or Income Tax
   • County Sales and Use Tax
   • Local Exposition Taxes
   • Nonprofit Organizations
   • Premier Resort Area Tax
   • Sales and Use Tax
     
     • Seller's Permit
     • Tax Rates
   • Sales and Use Tax Publications

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of October 7​, 2022: secs. 77.51(10), 77.52(7) and 77.53(9), Wis. Stats..

Laws enacted and in effect after this date, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to this date, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, according to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.

The department welcomes your input on our guidance. Submit comments on this guidance document.

Guidance Document Number: 100235

October 7, 2022