Vermont Sales Tax Guide

Chapter 3: Getting registered to collect Vermont sales tax

Overview

The first step toward proper management of Vermont sales tax involves getting registered with the Vermont Department of Taxes. We get a lot of questions regarding this and recognize it may be the most difficult hurdle for small businesses to overcome. Registering to collect sales tax in Vermont means you've acknowledged your legal responsibility to collect and consequently file and remit sales tax to the state.

When do I need to register to collect sales tax in Vermont?

There are two ways to think about this question. The first involves a topic called "nexus". Nexus, in the tax world refers to a company's connection to a state. While this connection is typically that of a physical nature (warehouse in the Vermont, inventory in Vermont, etc.), nexus is not limited to a physical presence. There are many nexus triggers we won't delve into here and, more importantly, nexus is often determined by a combination of events rather than a single event.

If it is determined you have nexus in Vermont, the Vermont Department of Taxes has the legal right to require you to collect, file, and pay sales tax.

If you've determined you have nexus in Vermont, the second question involves a topic we call "materiality". In short, you'll want to ask yourself whether the amount of sales tax you are required to collect and remit to the Vermont Department of Taxes is enough to put you at an unacceptable level of penalty and interest risk. As everyone's level of risk tolerance is different, this is a question that can only be answered by you, the business owner.

Prior to selling taxable goods or offering taxable services in Vermont, a business that has established nexus within the state is required to register for an Sales Tax License.

What triggers nexus in Vermont?

Nexus is a complex topic that, depending on your situation, may require the in-depth knowledge of a qualified tax professional. That being said, there are a few common business events and situations that are known to trigger nexus in Vermont. The most common include the following:

  • Opening an office in Vermont
  • Storing inventory in a warehouse in Vermont
  • Having remote employees located in Vermont
How do I register to collect sales tax in Vermont

Businesses may register for an Vermont Sales Tax License online by visiting the Vermont Department of Taxes and following the instructions provided.

It is also possible to get registered for a Sales Tax License by completing and mailing in a Application for Business Tax Account (BR-400), but this approach is not recommended. Form based registration is being phased out in favor of online registration. It’s fast, free, and more reliable than mailing in a completed paper form.

What information is required to register for a Vermont Sales Tax License ?

When applying for a Vermont Sales Tax License, there are a number of pieces of information that may be required. These include, but are likely not limited to:

  • Business name
  • Business entity type
  • Description of business activities
  • Date business activities began or will begin
  • Business address and mailing address
  • Business contact information
  • The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that best matches your business
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • Your name, Social Security Number (SSN), driver license number, personal address, and personal contact information of owner/sole proprietor
  • List of business officers, partners, managing members, and/or trustees
  • Employment information (date of hire, number of employees, payroll amounts, payroll agent’s PTIN, if applicable)
How much does it cost to register for a Vermont Sales Tax License ?

The cost to register for a Vermont Sales Tax License is currently $0.

Do I need a Federal EIN in order to register in Vermont?

The Vermont Department of Taxes requires businesses requesting a new Sales Tax License to supply a valid Federal EIN number during the initial registration process. You can apply for an EIN number online by visiting the IRS website.

Which Vermont governement agencies do I need to register with in order to get a new Sales Tax License?

We recommend you contact the Vermont Department of Taxes to verify which government agencies you will be required to register with. Potential agencies include the following:

  • Vermont Department of Revenue
  • Vermont State Employment Agency
  • Vermont State Department of Labor
  • Vermont Local Tax Jurisdictions
Do I need to register for a new Sales Tax License if I acquired a registered business?

Yes! Vermont Sales Tax License registration is unique to the state of a business. The Vermont Department of Taxes requires all registered businesses to have current business owner name and contact information on file.