How to register in a new state and obtain my Sales Tax License
This article explains how to request sales tax registration through TaxCloud and helps you determine which path applies to you based on the state(s) where you need a license.
Most customers who land on this article are here because they were instructed to complete our registration spreadsheet and return it to us. If that applies to you, skip ahead to: 👉 Requesting Registration Through TaxCloud (Non-SST States)
When Do I Need to Register for a Sales Tax License?
Once you establish nexus in a state, that state requires you to begin collecting sales tax.
It is unlawful to collect sales tax without an active license, so registration must be completed before collection begins.
Step 1: Determine Which Type of State You Are Registering In
Sales tax registration works differently depending on whether the state participates in the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program.
SST Member States (FREE Registration Through TaxCloud)
If you need to register in any of the states below, stop here and contact our Customer Support team.
We will complete your registration for free through the SST program.
Just email us with:
- The state(s) you need to register in
- Your desired effective date
SST States:
Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
📩 Contact Support: service@taxcloud.net
Non-SST States (Paid Registration Through TaxCloud or Self-Registration)
If your state is listed below, it is not part of the SST program. These states require a different registration process.
Non-SST States:
:::info Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
:::
If your state is on this list, continue reading.
Your Two Registration Options For NON-SST states
You have two ways to register in Non-SST states:
Option 1: Have TaxCloud Register for You (Most Common)
This is the option most customers choose.
TaxCloud can register your business on your behalf for Non-SST states.
Cost: $249 per state (This will be added to your next billing cycle.) ⚠️ Note: Some states charge their own registration fees, which are separate from TaxCloud’s fee.
How to Request Registration Through TaxCloud (Non-SST States)
If you were sent to this article, this is likely what you need to do.
Step 1: Make a Copy of this Registration Spreadsheet linked here
You will need to complete our registration request form.
- Open this file
- Click File → MAKE A COPY
- Rename it: [YourCompanyName] Non-SST Registration Request
Step 2: Complete the Spreadsheet
A video walkthrough is available here:
🎥 https://www.loom.com/share/7996ee1f4ef34eca8448edc831247b19?sid=9208e546-ea14-48d3-8eb3-c745b02770f7
Step 3: Submit Your Request
Email the completed spreadsheet to:
📩 service@taxcloud.net (or your assigned onboarding specialist)
Please include:
- Your Merchant ID
- The state(s) you are requesting
- The completed spreadsheet
We will confirm receipt once it has been reviewed.
Processing Timeline
Registration typically takes 7–21 business days, depending on the state(s).
Option 2:Register on Your Own
If you choose to register independently, you will need to:
- Gather your business information:
- Legal business name
- EIN
- Ownership type
- Business start date
- Physical and mailing addresses
- Look up your NAICS code Use this tool to find your classification: https://www.census.gov/naics/
- Confirm which states require registration Consult your accountant or tax attorney if needed.
- Visit each state’s Department of Revenue website Navigate to the “Sales and Use Tax” section and follow their registration instructions.
⚠️ Important: Some states charge a registration fee, which is paid directly to the state.
FAQ
What if an officer of the business does not have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)?
We can use alternate identification depending on your situation:
Canadian residents: Use a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
U.S. residents without an SSN: Use an ITIN
All other international sellers: Use a passport number and country of issuance
