Apply for Your Georgia Resale Certificate

(For Product-Based Businesses)

Why This Matters

  • Don’t pay sales tax on wholesale inventory

  • Required by most wholesale vendors

  • Makes your business legitimate

  • Saves money immediately

If you sell physical products — art, apparel, books, jewelry, home goods — this is essential.

STEP 1: Register for a Georgia Sales & Use Tax Number

Before you can get a resale certificate, you must register for a Georgia Sales & Use Tax Account.

Apply Here:

👉 https://dor.georgia.gov/tax-registration

What You’ll Need:

  • Legal business name

  • Business address

  • EIN (preferred) or SSN (sole proprietor)

  • Start date of sales

  • Description of what you sell

After Approval:

You will receive a Georgia Sales Tax Number.
Write it here:

Sales Tax Number: ___________________________

STEP 2: Download the Georgia Resale Certificate (Form ST-5)

This is the document you give to suppliers.

Download Here: https://dor.georgia.gov/st-5-certificate-exemption

Fill out:

  • Business name & address

  • Your Georgia Sales Tax Number

  • Check the box for “Resale”

  • Sign & date

Keep a digital copy saved.

STEP 3: Use It Properly

You give your completed ST-5 form directly to:

  • Wholesale vendors

  • Packaging suppliers

  • Inventory suppliers

You do not submit it to the state.

Important: Only use it for items you intend to resell.

Best Practices for W4W Members

✔ Keep a folder labeled “Tax & Compliance”
✔ Save your ST-5 as a PDF
✔ Track where you’ve submitted it
✔ Calendar reminder to file sales tax returns

Even if you sell occasionally at markets (PRFM, Westside, shows), you are required to collect and remit sales tax.

Quick Compliance Reminder

Having a resale certificate means:

  • You do NOT pay sales tax when buying inventory

  • You DO collect sales tax when selling to customers

  • You DO file returns through Georgia Tax Center

Weekly Accountability Prompt

This week, ask yourself:

□ Am I selling products?
□ Am I paying unnecessary sales tax on supplies?
□ Do I have a resale certificate on file?
□ Have I created my Georgia Tax Center login?

If not — this is your move.