Understanding Resale Certificates
Most businesses operating in or selling in Georgia need a resale certificate annually. The certificate allows buying items without paying sales tax to resell.
Steps to Start a Business With No Money in Georgia
- Familiarize Yourself With Georgia
- Plan Your Georgia Business
- Make Your Georgia Business Legal
- Register Your Georgia Business for Taxes
- Get Funding for Your Georgia Business
- Get Your Georgia Business Insured
- Hire Employees and Report Them to the State
Reseller’s Permits and Buying Wholesale
If you are a US citizen purchasing wholesale goods from a supplier within the US, then you will probably need a resale certificate or license from Georgia.
In GA, a business license and a DBA is necessary for most businesses but if your business sells any taxable items, you will need a sales License number.
Steps to Obtain a Resale Certificate:
- STEP 1: Obtain a Georgia Sales Tax Permit
- STEP 2: Fill out the ST-5 tax exemption certificate form
- STEP 3: Present a copy of this certificate to suppliers
All GA businesses need a federal License number except sole proprietors that are not employers and are not independent contractors. Fees for a retail license vary by business location and license type.
Obtaining a Reseller License in Georgia
Start your Georgia business by obtaining required licenses:
- Acquire a seller’s permit to collect sales tax
- Obtain a resale certificate with tax ID to buy wholesale
- Get business permit and DBA certificate from county
Steps for Reseller License:
- Apply online for sales tax registration to get Georgia tax number
- Complete ST-5 tax exemption form with ID number
- Present certificate copy to suppliers when buying wholesale
Registering Online
Register online through Georgia Tax Center portal to get licenses. Requirements vary by business location and activity. Online registration is the fastest way to get a seller’s permit, but you can also apply directly through the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Costs of Resale Permits
The text does not provide the actual cost to get a resale permit in Georgia, but outlines the steps and requirements to obtain one.