California direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine shipping rules and regulations

It feels like everyone is ordering wine online. Does California permit DTC wine shipping? Find out and learn wine tax rates and rules for your state.

California wine taxes, permits, and rules

Last Updated:

08/01/2021

Select state
GO
Permit

Licensing

DTC License Required: Yes

License Type: (within California) California Winegrower License or (outside of California) Direct Shipper Permit

License Fee: $25 for non-California wineries, plus a $100 one-time application fee

License Expiration: June 30th of each year

License Bond: No

License Notes: N/A

Calculator

Sales tax

State Sales Tax: Yes

State Sales Tax Rate: 7.250%

Local Sales Tax: Yes (if sales in the state exceeded $500,000 annually)

Local Sales Tax Range: 0.15%–3%

Sales Tax on Shipping: Dependent on shipping details

Excise

Alcohol tax

Winegrower Tax: $0.20/gal

Shipping

Volume limits

Consumer Limit: Unlimited

Per State Aggregate: Unlimited

Reporting

Returns

Sales Tax & Use Tax: Due the 30th of the month following the end of the reporting period. Generally due quarterly.

Excise Tax: Due the 15th of the month following the end of the reporting period. Generally due monthly.

Direct Shipment: No

Record Retention: At least 4 years

Requirements

Product requirements*

Product Restrictions: None

Product Registration: Not required

Product Requirements: Wine sold and shipped directly to consumers in California must be packaged in containers conspicuously labeled to indicate alcoholic contents and the signature of a person 21 years of age or older is required for delivery.

*Nearly all states have some kind of rule regarding how wine must be labeled when being shipped direct to consumer. Please check for the unique rule for your state.

Information

Additional information

California DOR site

Please note: Tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this page is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Use our beverage alcohol solution to simplify DTC wine shipping

STEP
01

Pinpoint tax compliance needs

STEP
02

Integrate with existing business systems

STEP
03

Streamline tax calculation and exemption management

STEP
04

Automate many of your licensing and registration processes

STEP
05

Simplify returns filing, remittance, and reporting processes

Use our beverage alcohol solution to simplify DTC wine shipping

STEP

01

Pinpoint tax compliance needs

STEP

02

Integrate with existing business systems

STEP

03

Streamline tax calculation and exemption management

STEP

04

Automate many of your licensing and registration processes

STEP

05

Simplify returns filing, remittance, and reporting processes

Connect with us for better beverage alcohol compliance

Get in touch to see how you can reduce alcohol tax stress.

Connect with us for better beverage alcohol compliance

Get in touch to see how you can reduce alcohol tax stress.