Texas Taxes
Texas Sales Tax Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you sell taxable goods or services in Texas, you need a sales tax permit. Here's how to get one, how filing works and the mistakes to avoid.
By Northlane Financials · October 17, 2026 · 2 min read
Short answer: If you sell or lease taxable goods or provide taxable services in Texas, you generally need a Texas sales and use tax permit from the Texas Comptroller. The permit is free, and you can apply online. Once you have it, you collect sales tax from customers and file returns on the schedule the Comptroller assigns: monthly, quarterly or yearly.
Do I need a permit?
You generally need one if you:
- Sell physical products to Texas customers, in a store or online
- Sell certain taxable services (many services in Texas are taxable, such as some repair, cleaning and data processing services)
- Lease or rent taxable items
Sales made through marketplaces like Amazon or TikTok Shop are generally handled by the marketplace, but you may still need a permit for other sales.
Step 1: Gather your information
You'll typically need:
- Your legal business name and entity type
- Your EIN, or SSN for sole proprietors
- Business address and start date
- Owner and officer information
- A description of what you sell
Step 2: Apply with the Texas Comptroller
Apply online through the Comptroller's website. There's no fee for the permit, although some businesses may be asked to post a security bond.
Step 3: Collect the right rate
The Texas state sales tax rate is 6.25%. Cities, counties, transit authorities and special districts can add up to 2% more, for a maximum combined rate of 8.25%. The local rate you charge depends on where the sale takes place.
Step 4: File on time
Returns are generally due on the 20th of the month after the reporting period. Filing and paying on time may qualify you for a small timely-filing discount. Even in a period with no sales, you usually still need to file a "zero" return.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not filing zero returns in slow months
- Charging the wrong local rate
- Mixing sales tax collected with your own income
- Forgetting that some services are taxable in Texas
Keep good records
Track taxable and non-taxable sales separately, and keep a record of the tax you collect. Clean monthly books make sales tax returns quick and accurate.
How Northlane Financials helps
We can apply for your permit, set up sales tax tracking in your books and file your returns on schedule. See our Texas tax filing services.
