This article only pertains to users in the USA. Read more about international taxes.
- What is a sales tax exemption?
- How do I determine if I qualify for a sales tax exemption?
- What documents are required to exempt my transaction from sales tax?
- What information must my exemption documentation include?
- How do I submit my sales tax exemption documentation?
- Do I need to renew my sales tax exemption certificate?
- What happens if my sales tax exemption is denied?
- Can I receive a refund of sales tax if I did not provide my exemption certificate at the time of purchase?
What is a sales tax exemption?
A sales tax exemption allows certain U.S. purchases to be made without paying sales tax. This is typically granted to qualifying organizations or individuals, such as non-profits, government entities, and resellers.
How do I determine if I qualify for a sales tax exemption?
Eligibility for sales tax exemption varies by state, but generally applies to:
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions
- Religious organizations
- Diplomatics missions and personnel holding a valid diplomatic tax exemption card
- Resellers
What documents are required to exempt my transaction from sales tax?
The documentation required varies from state to state and depends on the type of exemption requested. Generally, users applying for a tax exemption will need to provide us with a valid sales tax exemption certificate. This indicates whether the purchase is for an exempt use, including resale, and is made by an exempt purchaser, is for a partial or full sales tax exemption, and is state specific or for multiple jurisdictions.
These exemption certificates can be forms that you fill out and submit yourself, or can be issued by your state’s tax authority. The specific documentation required may change depending on whether you are an exempt purchaser (e.g., non-profit, educational institution, etc.) or whether your purchase is for resale (i.e., reseller).
If you have any questions about acceptable forms of documentation, please consult your state’s tax authority or a tax professional.
The following are not acceptable documentation for tax exemption purposes:
- Business license.
- License to collect tax.
- 501(c)(3) documentation.
- Your FEIN or EIN number.
What information must my exemption documentation include?
At a minimum, the exemption documentation must include:
- The purchaser’s name and address.
- If purchasing as an exempt organization, this is the name and address of the organization and not the individual user.
- A valid exemption number if applicable or your Federal Tax Identification Number
Reverb may ask you to update your tax exemption documents if necessary via your email address on file.
The following information must also be included on the submitted certificate:
- Reverb's name and address:
Reverb.com LLC
4535 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL, 60640. - Your signature and date.
- Indication whether exemption should be applied to the account as a blanket exemption or if it is a one-time use certificate.
How do I submit my sales tax exemption documentation?
You can submit your sales tax exemption documentation by emailing it as an attachment to taxexempt@reverb.com.
Do I need to renew my sales tax exemption certificate?
Yes, most certificates have an expiration date. You must provide an updated certificate before the current one expires to maintain your tax-exempt status.
What happens if my sales tax exemption is denied?
If your exemption request is denied, you will be responsible for paying sales tax on your purchases.
Can I receive a refund of sales tax if I did not provide my exemption certificate at the time of purchase?
If you do not provide your exemption certificate at the time of purchase, you will need to request a sales tax refund in accordance with the laws of the taxing authority to which the sales tax was paid. This may require that you request a refund directly from the State.