I sell a line of household pet products in my veterinarian office. I had to apply for a seller’s permit in addition to a state occupational license. What are seller’s permits?

A seller’s permit is separate from your business license. In many states, a seller’s tax permit or number enables you to buy at wholesale prices.

The requirements to register and obtain a sales tax permit or resale permit vary widely from state to state: in a majority of states, businesses dealing in tangible products for retail sale (or rental) must obtain a permit; in a growing number of others, that same requirement is extended to retail sales of taxable services—what services are taxed varies enormously from state to state. The requirement to obtain a seller's permit applies to individuals as well as corporations, firms, partnerships, and so forth. Some jurisdictions issue the permit without cost, but require a security deposit.

Your best course of action is to contact your state board of equalization or department of revenue for the specifics regarding the requirements in your state. Like the law itself, the name of the agency – state, regional, county, municipality - that is responsible for seller’s permits varies from state to state. A good starting point is to contact your local business or consumer affairs office or local business attoney for advice about your specific situation.