Seller’s Permit and Sales Tax Permit
In Washington D.C., businesses are required to register their Doing Business As (DBA) with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). The registration can be done online at the DCRA’s Corporations Division CorpOnline Web Portal or through completing a trade name registration form.
A sales tax permit is a DC-issued license that allows businesses to collect and remit sales tax on goods and services sold. It is required for businesses that sell taxable goods and services and must collect sales tax from customers.
- To apply for a Sales Tax Permit, one can:
- Submit an application in person at OTR’s Business Tax Division at 1101 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024.
- Expect a processing time of 7-10 business days.
- There is no fee for applying for a Sales Tax Permit.
LicenseSuite provides a comprehensive overview of your licensing requirements for a District Of Columbia sellers permit.
Business Licensing and Compliance
The DC business license is typically required for most businesses. A seller’s permit, also known as a sales tax license or sales and use tax permit, may be obtained at the MyTax DC website – mytax.dc.gov. This permit is crucial for businesses that must collect sales tax for products and services from customers within the state.
- Specific industries and professions may require additional specific licenses through other regulatory agencies.
- The DCRA provides information and links to these professions.
- No fee is set for a seller’s permit, with costs potentially around $30.
DC Permits and Their Costs
How much are DC permits?
Simple permits typically have flat fees around $36, while more complex permits are based on size and value.
- Permit process for building can take weeks or months, depending on the agencies involved.
- No permit is necessary for certain minor work like brickwork, caulking, cabinet installation, or replacing fences with the same materials.
- DC bathroom renovations and shed installations may require permits, depending on size and location.
- Professional licenses, sales tax permits, and food permits can be applied for online via DCRA, with costs varying.
- Specific permits, such as replacing a DC fence under 42 inches, can take about 3 weeks, while public space permits take 45-90 days.
- DC postcard permits are available for small changes such as fencing, demolition, or signage.
For driving in DC, REAL ID learner’s permits are obtained through the DC DMV requiring a knowledge test and meeting eligibility criteria.
Additional Permit Information
- For submitting building plans, professional help is advised due to complex requirements.
- The Office of Professional Licensing and Accountability (OPLA) regulates over 125 professional licenses.
- Trademark registrations range between $225-$600, dependent on complexity and jurisdiction.
- For dropshipping businesses, a DC seller’s permit is not required since they do not technically sell items.