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
08/01/2021
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
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
Alcohol tax
Winegrower Tax: $0.20/gal
Volume limits
Consumer Limit: Unlimited
Per State Aggregate: Unlimited
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
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.
Additional information
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
01
Pinpoint tax compliance needs
02
Integrate with existing business systems
03
Streamline tax calculation and exemption management
04
Automate many of your licensing and registration processes
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.