To verify the validity of a seller's permit issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), you can use the online Permit, License, or Account Verification system available on the CDTFA website. This tool allows you to check the status of a seller's permit, among other accounts, and is accessible to the public. Alternatively, a seller can call the automated toll-free number at 1-888-225-5263, available 24/7, to verify a permit number.
For businesses, the CDTFA also provides an eReg system that allows registration for temporary (single-day) permits and other permits via the internet. If you are a registered user, you can log in to your CDTFA Online Services account to print your seller's permit directly from the system. To do so, log in using your username and password, navigate to the Accounts tab, select Sales and Use Tax, and then choose the location for which you want to print the permit.
Local jurisdictions and districts with a contract for state administration of local sales and use tax can access seller’s permit information for retailers within their jurisdiction through the CDTFA’s Box portal, which is updated monthly. This access includes registration data listings and updates for additions, deletions, and address changes.
It is important to note that while the CDTFA does not refer to the seller’s permit as a "Sales Tax ID," many businesses, including sole proprietors, use the seller’s permit number as their sales tax ID for compliance purposes. If you need to obtain a seller’s permit, you can apply online through the CDTFA’s website, which allows for 24/7 registration and immediate issuance for many applicants.
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I've been googling, read a bunch of articles on reddit & Shopify and even chatted with CDTFA agent. Could anyone tell me if "sales tax ID" is seller's permit number? Shopify articles said reach out to state as each state is different. CDTFA agent said "The CDTFA does not refer to the sellers permit as a "Sales Tax ID." Its a sellers permit account number used to collect and remit Sales and Use tax. You must reach out to Shopify". My business is sole proprietorship and doesn't qualify for FEIN.
If seller's permit number is not sales tax ID, what do I need to apply to get the ID??
Pls help! Thank you for your kindness
[UPDATE] I asked my accountant. She confirmed that my seller's permit number is my sales tax ID. Sharing it here for anyone else who encounters the same issue