A vendor license in Ohio is an official sales tax registration certificate issued to a person or business that sells taxable goods and services. It is also commonly known as a seller’s permit, resale permit, sales tax certificate, or sales and use tax permit. The vendor license brings a business into compliance with the Ohio state’s sales tax laws while acting as a source of revenue by collecting and reporting the taxes on retail sales.
There are several types of vendor licenses in Ohio, including a regular vendor license for vendors with a fixed business location, a transient vendor license for sellers who transport stock to temporary places of business, and an out-of-state vendor’s permit for online retailers with no physical presence in the state. In addition to the state, many counties and cities have their own licensing requirements for businesses.
How to Apply for Ohio Vendors Licenses?
You can apply for a regular vendor’s license by downloading an application from the county auditor’s office or online at the Ohio Business Gateway.
- Online Registration: This is the preferred and faster method. You can register through the Ohio Business Gateway. Here’s the process:
- Visit the Ohio Business Gateway: https://gateway.ohio.gov/
- Create an account if you don’t have one already.
- Once logged in, navigate to the “Sales and Use” section and choose “Register for a Vendor’s License or Seller’s Use Tax Account”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application and submit it electronically.
- Paper Application: If online registration isn’t feasible, you can use a paper application. Here’s what to do:
- Download the application form, ST 1 Application for Vendor’s License to Make Taxable Sales, from the Ohio Department of Taxation website: https://tax.ohio.gov/sales_and_use/registration.aspx
- Fill out the form completely and accurately.
- Mail the completed application form along with the $25 application fee (check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of Ohio) to the address provided on the form.
Ohio Business Gateway
The process of obtaining a vendor’s license is easy and fast. Prospective retailers may register online through the Ohio Business Gateway, a one-stop web page for all business registration and licensing needs at the state level. This site can help you determine which licensing and permits are needed for your business.