Knowing how to use a California resale license lookup is important if you want to confirm that someone has a valid resale certificate. Discover how to use these lookups as well as how to get the resale license in the first place.
You can easily find your California resale number or ID number by looking at your California reseller license. If you don’t have your license handy, you can also search for yourself on a California state resale license lookup. There is an official one on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s website.
The easiest way to verify a resale certificate is via that official resale license California lookup. Or you can use another similar lookup.
Alternatively, they have an automated toll-free number you can call. The only caveat is that the automated phone number requires you to have the permit number. As such, you can only use it to confirm the information associated with that number, not to look up a number. So, you could call if you have a specific number to check, such as California resale license lookup 20072058.
You can easily find a copy of your California seller’s permit online. Start by going to the CDTFA.ca.gov website. Log into your account using your username and password. Look under the “File, Pay, and View” heading and select “Sales and Use Tax.” Once you log into your account, you will be taken to a page with your records. You should see the seller’s permit there. You can click on it to view it and will have the option to print it.
You can easily apply for your resale license online via the CDTFA’s secure website. Expect to answer questions about your expected monthly sales, expected monthly taxable sales, and the products you will sell.
Keep in mind that if you sell in multiple locations, you may need a permit for each. The CDTFA will let you know during the application process if you need multiple permits.
There is no cost to get a seller’s permit or resale license in California. You might, however, have to provide the CDTFA with a security deposit. This will potentially cover future unpaid taxes if your business closes. The CDTFA uses your application to decide how much of a security deposit they require.
Yes, you need a resale license if you conduct business in California and want to either lease or sell any tangible property that would bear sales tax in most retail situations. Individuals and businesses both need this permit. There are also temporary seller’s permits that you can get if you are only selling for 90 days or less, such as during the holiday season.
Although it can vary, it typically takes about 14 days to receive your resale license after you apply for it. Your license number will not appear on a California resale certificate license lookup until then, at the earliest.