Learn how to register for a Missouri sales tax permit in 2025 with this step-by-step guide. Ensure compliance and streamline your sales tax process.

Securing a Missouri sales tax permit is a necessary step for businesses planning to sell goods or taxable services in the state. If you’re a remote seller, pay close attention to Missouri’s economic nexus rules as your business may need to register based on sales volume or transaction count, even without a physical location in the state.

Once registered, you’re responsible for collecting the correct sales tax rate, which can vary by city and county, and filing returns on time based on your assigned reporting frequency. The process is generally straightforward, but it requires careful attention to local rate differences and compliance obligations.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for a Missouri sales tax permit, what documents you’ll need, and how to stay compliant with ongoing requirements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Requirement: Missouri businesses, remote sellers exceeding $100K in sales or 200 transactions annually, and marketplace facilitators must obtain a sales tax permit.
  • Cost: No registration fee for a Missouri sales tax permit.
  • Processing Time: Typically 2-4 weeks for approval, with online applications often processed faster.
  • Remote Sellers: Must register if they meet Missouri’s economic nexus threshold ($100K/200 transactions).

What is a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri?

A Missouri sales tax permit is an official authorization issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue that allows businesses to collect sales tax from their customers and remit it to the state.

This permit is sometimes referred to as a sales tax license or sales tax registration in Missouri.

  • Required by Law: Any business making taxable sales within Missouri must obtain a sales tax permit.
  • Proof of Registration: The permit serves as proof that your business is registered with the tax authorities and authorized to collect sales tax.

Both in-state retailers and remote sellers need to adhere to the Missouri sales tax registration requirements to avoid penalties and interest. The sales tax permit system helps Missouri track and collect tax revenue while ensuring compliance across all types of businesses.

Without this sales tax permit in the state of Missouri, businesses are not legally allowed to collect sales tax from customers for taxable transactions in the state.

Do You Need to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri?

If you sell taxable goods or services to customers in Missouri, you may be required to register for a sales tax permit. This applies to both in-state and out-of-state businesses, depending on your business activities and sales volume. 

Here’s a checklist to help you understand if you’re required to register:

  • In-State Sellers: Businesses with a physical presence in Missouri, such as a storefront, office, warehouse, or employees, must register for a sales tax permit.
  • Remote Sellers: Out-of-state businesses with no physical presence in Missouri are required to register for a vendor’s use tax permit if their gross receipts from taxable sales into Missouri exceed $100,000 in a calendar year. This is known as “remote seller sales tax registration Missouri”.
  • Marketplace Facilitators: Businesses that operate a marketplace (e.g., online platforms) and facilitate sales of tangible personal property into Missouri must register and collect vendors’ use tax if their gross receipts from such sales exceed $100,000 in a calendar year.
  • Marketplace Sellers: If you sell exclusively through a registered marketplace facilitator, you are not required to register separately. However, if you also make direct sales into Missouri and your total gross receipts (including marketplace sales) exceed $100,000 in a calendar year, you must register and collect tax on your direct sales.

Economic Nexus and Physical Presence

Missouri law requires businesses to register for sales tax collection if they have either:

  • Physical Presence/Nexus: A location, employees, or other tangible connection within Missouri.
  • Economic Nexus: Gross receipts from taxable sales of tangible personal property into Missouri exceeding $100,000 in a calendar year, regardless of physical presence.

This economic nexus threshold was established following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., which allows states to require out-of-state sellers to collect and remit sales tax based on economic activity within the state.

Many businesses choose to register voluntarily for the convenience of their customers, allowing Missouri buyers to pay taxes to their suppliers rather than directly to the state. This approach to sales tax nexus compliance can simplify your business operations.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri?

If you are wondering how to get a sales tax permit in Missouri, the process is simple but requires careful attention to the details. Whether you’re an in-state seller or a remote business with economic nexus, follow these steps to register properly with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Step 1: Determine if You Need to Register

Check whether your business has a physical presence in Missouri or meets the economic nexus threshold of $100,000 in annual sales. This applies to both direct sellers and marketplace facilitators.

Step 2: Gather Required Business Information

Before starting your application, collect the following:

  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number
  • Business name and address
  • Contact details
  • NAICS code (business activity)
  • Estimated monthly sales and tax due
  • Ownership details

Step 3: Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue Online Portal

Go to the official registration portal: https://mytax.mo.gov

Step 4. Create an Account or Log In

If you are a first-time user, you will need to create a MyTax Missouri account to access the registration form.

Step 5. Complete the Online Application

Fill out the Missouri Tax Registration Application (Form 2643). Select “Sales Tax” as the tax type and provide all required business and tax details.

Step 6. Submit Your Application and Pay Any Required Fees

Most sales tax registrations in Missouri do not have a fee, but the department will notify you if you must post a bond (based on your sales estimates or risk level).

Step 7. Receive Your Sales Tax Permit

Once approved, you will receive your Missouri sales tax license, which you must display at your place of business. You will also get instructions on filing and paying your sales tax.

Step 8. Begin Collecting and Remitting Sales Tax

After registration, collect the correct rate of Missouri state and local sales tax on taxable sales and file returns based on your assigned filing frequency.

What Information Do You Need to Register?

Before you start the online application for your Missouri sales tax permit, make sure you have all the required details ready. Having this information upfront will make the sales tax registration Missouri process quicker and smoother.

Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:

Business Information

  • Legal business name and any trade names (DBAs)
  • Business address and mailing address
  • Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.)
  • Date business activities began or will begin in Missouri

Federal Tax Details

  • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (if sole proprietor)
  • Missouri Charter Number (for corporations registered in Missouri, if applicable)

NAICS Code

  • Your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, which describes your primary business activity. 

Responsible Party Details

Provide details for the owner or responsible officer, including:

  • Full name
  • Title
  • Social Security Number
  • Home address
  • Phone number and email

Sales Details

  • Monthly gross sales
  • Monthly taxable sales
  • Estimated monthly tax due

Having this information organized before you begin will significantly streamline your application process for a State of Missouri sales tax permit. 

How Much Does It Cost to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Missouri?

Good news for businesses trying to obtain a Missouri sales tax permit is that the license is free of charge. Unlike some states that impose application or processing fees, Missouri does not charge any direct cost for sales tax registration through the Department of Revenue.

However, there are certain cases where your business may be required to post a bond. This usually applies to:

  • Businesses with no permanent physical location in Missouri.
  • Companies with prior compliance issues or high projected tax liability.
  • Certain industries are considered higher risk for tax collection.

The Missouri Department of Revenue may require a sales tax bond as a condition for approving your registration. The bond amount is typically based on estimated tax liability and will be communicated to you after you apply.

While the Missouri sales tax permit itself has no registration fee, businesses, especially those applying under Missouri remote seller sales tax registration​, should consider potential bonding requirements when planning for compliance costs.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

If you’re applying for a state of Missouri sales tax permit, the approval time depends on how you submit your application. Most permits are processed within 2 to 3 business days through the MyTax Missouri portal. 

Once approved, the Missouri Department of Revenue will send your confirmation and tax ID number by email or mail. 

Pro Tip: Check your spam or junk folder to avoid missing any important updates, especially if you’re applying online.

If you’re completing a Missouri remote seller sales tax registration, the timeline is usually the same. However, if your application needs further review or bonding, it may take slightly longer.

Getting your state of Missouri sales tax permit quickly depends on submitting complete and accurate information, so make sure you have all necessary business details ready before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering

When applying for your Missouri sales tax permit, watch out for these common pitfalls that could delay your application or create compliance issues down the road:

  • Incorrect business classification: Selecting the wrong business type can affect your tax obligations and reporting requirements.
  • Missing information: Incomplete applications will be returned without processing, delaying your ability to legally collect sales tax.
  • Overlooking nexus requirements: Not understanding if your business activities create nexus in Missouri could lead to non-compliance.
  • Failing to account for all business locations: A separate application must be completed for each physical business location.
  • Not addressing bond requirements: Some businesses must post bonds as part of their Sales Tax Remittance responsibilities.
  • Ignoring marketplace facilitator obligations: If you sell through online marketplaces, understanding both your and the marketplace’s obligations is critical.
  • Outdated contact information: Making sure that your mailing address is current prevents missing important communications from the tax authority.
  • Tax liability issues: Applicants with “finally determined tax liability” with Missouri do not qualify for a sales tax permit.

Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure a smooth registration process and proper ongoing compliance with Missouri’s sales tax requirements.

What Happens After You Register?

Once your Missouri sales tax permit application is approved and you receive your permit, several important next steps follow:

  1. Display your permit: Your sales tax permit should be displayed at your place of business.
  2. Set up your filing schedule: The Department of Revenue will assign you a filing frequency (typically monthly, quarterly, or annually) based on your estimated sales volume.
  3. Implement tax collection: Begin collecting the appropriate sales tax rate (generally 4.225% statewide) on taxable sales.
  4. Create recordkeeping systems: Establish processes to track your sales, the tax collected, and maintain required documentation.
  5. Calendar tax deadlines: Mark your filing due dates to guarantee timely submission.
  6. File returns: Even if you have no sales during a reporting period, you must file a “zero return” to remain compliant.

Filing Frequency:

Here’s a quick breakdown of the filing frequencies Missouri may assign based on your sales activity:

Filing FrequencyDescriptionDue Date
MonthlyBusinesses with $ 500 or more in sales tax liability per monthDue on or before the 20th of the following month
QuarterlyBusinesses between $ 500 to $ 200 in sales tax liability per monthDue on the last day of the month following the quarter (e.g., April 30 for Q1)
AnnuallyBusinesses with less than $200 in sales tax liability annuallyDue on or before January 31st of the following year

Understanding your ongoing obligations is crucial for maintaining good standing with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The Global Sales Tax Platform you choose for managing your compliance should handle these post-registration responsibilities efficiently.

Remember that your Missouri sales tax permit has continuing obligations, including updating your registration if there are changes to your business structure, ownership, or location.

Special Considerations for Out-of-State or Remote Sellers

If you’re an e-commerce business or remote seller, it’s important to understand the out-of-state sales tax rules in Missouri. Even if you don’t have a physical presence in the state, you may still be required to register and collect sales tax based on your sales activity.

Remote Seller Sales Tax Registration:

If your gross sales into Missouri exceed $100,000 annually or you have 200 separate transactions, you must complete remote seller sales tax registration (Missouri) to comply with state tax laws.

Marketplace Facilitators:

For those selling through platforms like Amazon or eBay, these marketplaces are responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax. However, if you sell directly to Missouri customers, you’ll need to handle the tax collection yourself.

By following the out-of-state sales tax rules in Missouri and registering when necessary, you’ll avoid penalties and ensure smooth compliance.

Note: Out-of-state sellers should also be aware that having representatives in Missouri soliciting business can establish a physical nexus, even if there is no physical location. Understanding these nuances guarantees compliance while reducing administrative burdens.

Resources and Where to Register

To successfully complete your Missouri sales tax permit application, use these official resources:

For businesses managing multi-state registrations or seeking streamlined compliance, Commenda offers a comprehensive sales tax platform. Commenda simplifies the registration process and ongoing tax management for businesses operating in Missouri and beyond, providing automated solutions for nationwide compliance needs.

Simplify Sales Tax Compliance with Commenda

Commenda simplifies Missouri sales tax permit registration and compliance. Our platform automates registration, tracks sales tax thresholds, guarantees accurate tax collection, and files returns on time. It’s ideal for remote sellers, online businesses, and marketplace sellers.

We handle multi-state compliance, making it easy to manage sales tax obligations across various jurisdictions. With our automated filing and remittance tools, ongoing compliance becomes straightforward and error-free. 

Commenda eliminates the guesswork, making sure that you collect the right amount of tax based on your business activities. Remote sellers and online businesses benefit from our expertise in Missouri’s economic nexus rules. 

Let Commenda handle your sales tax needs, so that you can focus on growth. Schedule a demo today.