What Is a Wisconsin Seller’s Permit?

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A Wisconsin Seller’s Permit allows your business to collect and remit sales tax on goods or services sold in the state. It’s issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) and is required for most businesses that:

• Sell taxable products
• Provide taxable services
• Lease property or equipment
• Sell at craft fairs, online, or from a storefront

Even occasional sellers—like pop-up shops or online resellers—may be required to register.

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Who Needs a Seller’s Permit in Wisconsin?

You're generally required to register for a seller’s permit if your business meets both of these criteria:

1. You’re engaged in business in Wisconsin
2. You sell taxable goods, services, or leases

Examples include:

• Retailers (online or brick-and-mortar)
• Restaurants and food trucks
• Auto repair shops
• Landscapers
• Event vendors and seasonal sellers

Some service-based businesses may be exempt, but many are surprised to learn what Wisconsin considers taxable—so it's smart to double check.

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How to Register for a Wisconsin Seller’s Permit

The easiest way to register is online through the Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal or directly at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

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Steps to register:

1. Gather your business info (name, EIN, address, owner details)
   
   1. If you do not yet have an EIN, we have just the article for you: EINs
2. Choose how you’ll collect and report tax (monthly, quarterly, etc.)
3. Apply online (it’s free and usually approved within a few days)
4. Receive your seller’s permit number by email or mail

Once approved, you’re responsible for collecting and remitting Wisconsin sales tax on all taxable transactions.

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Ongoing Requirements

After you receive your seller’s permit, you’ll need to:

• Display it at your business location (if applicable)
• File regular sales tax returns (even if you made no sales)
• Update the DOR if your business changes (address, name, etc.)

It is critically important to file returns (even if no tax is due). Failure can lead to penalities and loss of your permit and abilitiy to operate your business moving forward.

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What If I’m Selling Online?

If you're selling online to Wisconsin customers—whether through your own site or platforms like Etsy or Shopify—you likely still need a seller’s permit. Many platforms do collect and remit sales tax on your behalf, but it depends on the setup.

You may also need a permit if you're based in Wisconsin but sell to customers elsewhere. Understanding your sales tax nexus (the connection between your business and a state) is key.

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