Sales tax questions - Help needed!

Need some help!! I am the only person working for my business selling on ebay. I was wondering do I have to pay taxes? Even if I do not charge tax? I live in New York.. Should I need to have one seller ID? How do you go about getting a tax id number? Do you have to have any more licenses for an online business? I'm so confused about this.

Hey buddy Im in NYC as well heres the answer.
Go to 260 Broadway on the 5th floor, its the IRS
ask for a tax ID #...its free and on the spot
and thats it...you are in business.
now every 3 months, that would be January, April, July, October by the 15th, you will do your taxes both federal and state, the form you will fill out on top of your usual tax form has a number to it, i forget what its called BUT the IRS will tell you right on the spot when you get your Tax ID# which takes 2 minutes.
So now what?
You are in business , just remember to put away at lest 30% of what you make to cover taxes and you are in good shape.

Hi ww8682613,

You can usually get one from your State's website - just Google - Your State + sales tax

For example, this is where New Yorkers can apply for their Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax Link hidden: Login to view

A seller's permit is required for retailers who buy or sell tangible, taxable items. It is required to buy wholesale and sell retail or sell wholesale.

Here are additional guides that might help -

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Hope this helps :)

I am in Alabama, and we have to charge Sales Tax and that requires different IDs. I am still so confused by all the Sales Tax Jargon. I almost want to quit!

Hello Kimberly,

It may be quite overwhelming at this point but once you have all of the credentials ready, everything will be smooth sailing.
My advise is to seek help from you local courthouses or tax authorities about the state taxes in your area.

Another word of advice is to see if someone in your local area who runs a business can help you get started. There may even be an organization devoted to this in your area.

An organization like Score they help small businesses get started. This is the name of the organization in Florida it may or may not be the same in other states.

Thanks for your inputs, Michael and Carolann.