The Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax is a crucial document that allows registered businesses to make tax-exempt purchases of items intended for resale. This certificate simplifies the purchasing process by eliminating signature requirements, as users must simply declare their intent to resell the items or services acquired. To take advantage of this tax benefit, businesses can easily fill out the certificate by clicking the button below.
The Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax is an essential tool for businesses looking to make tax-exempt purchases of items or services intended for resale. This certificate streamlines the purchasing process, allowing registered dealers to buy goods without incurring sales tax, provided those goods will be resold. The form is readily available for download and can be printed as often as necessary, making it convenient for business owners. Notably, the requirement for a signature has been eliminated, simplifying the process further. To qualify for the certificate, businesses must first register as sales and use tax dealers with the Florida Department of Revenue. Once registered, they will receive the Annual Resale Certificate each year, which expires on December 31. It’s important to note that this certificate cannot be used for items that will not be resold, such as personal use items or goods consumed in the course of business operations. The certificate covers a wide range of purchases, from tangible personal property to services incorporated into resale activities. However, misuse of the certificate can lead to serious penalties, underscoring the importance of understanding its proper use. This article will delve deeper into the specifics of the Florida Annual Resale Certificate, including registration requirements, eligible purchases, and the responsibilities of both purchasers and sellers.
Flor id a An n u a l Re sa le Ce r t ifica t e
for
Sa le s Ta x
GT-800060
R. 04/19
FLO R ID A AN N U A L RE SA LE CE R T IF ICA T E S F OR SA LE S TA X
•Florida Annual Resale Certificates for Sales Tax are available for downloading and printing. You can download or print your certificate as often as needed.
•Signature requirements have been discontinued. The certificate user declares that the items or services being purchased will be resold when the certificate or the certificate number is issued to a seller to make tax-exempt purchases.
Re gist r a t ion
If your business will have taxable transactions, you must register as a sales and use tax dealer before you conduct business in Florida. You can register to collect and report tax through the Department's website. The site will guide you through an application interview that will help you determine your tax obligations. If you do not have Internet access, you can complete a paper Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1). After your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration (Form DR-11) and a Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (Form DR-13).
Note: The information in this brochure applies only to the Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (“Annual Resale Certificate”). It does not apply to the Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Communications Services Tax (see Florida’s Communications Services Tax brochure GT-800011).
An Annual Resale Certificate will allow you to make tax-exempt purchases or rentals of property or services for resale. Examples are:
•Resale or re-rental as tangible personal property.
•
Re-rental as commercial real property.
Re-rental as transient rental property.
Resale of services.
Incorporation into and sale as part of the repair of tangible personal property by a repair dealer.
Incorporation as a material, ingredient, or component part of tangible personal property that is being produced for sale by manufacturing, compounding, or processing.
W h e n N ot t o U se y ou r AN N U A L RE SA LE CE R T IF ICA T E
An Annual Resale Certificate may not be used to make tax-exempt purchases or rentals of property or services that will be used:
•But not resold or re-rented.
Before selling or renting the goods.
By your business or for personal purposes.
See the chart provided in this publication listing types of businesses and examples of items that you may purchase or rent tax-free. If you have specific questions about your business, visit your nearest service center or call Taxpayer Services.
AN N U A L RE SA LE CE R T IF ICA T E S e x p ir e e a ch y e a r on D e ce m be r 3 1
As long as you are a registered sales and use tax dealer and you are conducting business, an Annual Resale Certificate will be issued to you each year. Certificates issued to new business locations beginning in mid-October will be effective from the date they are issued through the following calendar year. Each November, Annual Resale Certificates for the following calendar year will be available on the
Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, Page 1
Department's website for electronic or paper filers. If you file paper sales and use tax returns, your certificate will also be mailed to you with your annual coupon book or your paper return.
Using your tax account information, you may download and print your certificate. Go to floridarevenue.com/taxes/printcertificate. Easy-to-follow steps for printing your certificate can be found when selecting the applicable button on the website. If you need additional assistance, contact Taxpayer Services at 850-488-6800.
I n a ct iv e Re gist e r e d D e a le r s a n d U se Ta x D e a le r s
Annual Resale Certificates are issued only to dealers who have a valid sales tax account and whose registration status is active, which means the business is open for business and collecting and remitting sales tax to the Department of Revenue. A registered dealer who is on inactive status or has only a use tax account will not be issued an Annual Resale Certificate.
Con solida t e d Re gist r a t ion s
Purchasers who file returns on a consolidated basis (80-code account numbers) may use a copy of the current Annual Resale Certificate for either the consolidated registration number (80-code number) or the active location reported under the consolidated registration number. Selling dealers may accept either copy from the purchaser.
Pu r ch a se r ’s Re spon sib ilit y
As a purchaser it is your responsibility to ensure that goods purchased using your Annual Resale Certificate are purchased for resale. If the goods purchased for resale are later used (not resold), you are responsible for reporting and paying use tax and surtax on the items.
Pe n a lt y
There are civil and criminal penalties for intentional misuse of an Annual Resale Certificate. Resale fraud is a third-degree felony subject to a 200 percent penalty. Anyone who, for the purpose of evading tax, uses an Annual Resale Certificate or signs a written statement claiming an exemption knowing that tax is due on the property or services at the time of purchase is subject to civil and criminal penalties. As part of the audit process, the Department routinely examines resale transactions and Annual Resale Certificates to ensure they are legitimate purchases for resale.
Se lle r ’s Re spon sib ilit y
Other businesses may buy goods from you tax exempt. Business owners who purchase goods for resale must provide you a copy of their current Annual Resale Certificate. You should not accept an Annual Resale Certificate if you know or have reason to believe that the goods are purchased for reasons other than those stated on the certificate. For example, a resale certificate from a car dealership should not be accepted for the purchase of office supplies or similar items not normally sold by car dealerships.
Se llin g D e a le r Lia bilit y
A selling dealer who accepts a copy of an Annual Resale Certificate will not be held liable for tax on the transaction if it is later determined the purchaser was not an active, registered dealer at the time of the transaction.
Sig n a t u r e N ot Re qu ir e d
A signature is not required on the annual resale certificate. The user certifies that the items or services purchased will be resold when the certificate or the certificate number is issued to a seller to purchase items and services tax-exempt.
Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, Page 2
Type of
Purchases that may
qualify for resale
Purchases that are generally taxable
business
exemption
Disposable “take-out” food
Dishes, flatware, kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, office
Restaurants
containers, paper napkins,
Bars
plastic eating utensils, and
equipment, office supplies, delivery vehicles, kitchen equipment,
credit card machines, and menus
beverages
Items for resale to
Items used in serving customers on-site, including shampoo,
Barber shops
customers for off- premises
use, including shampoos,
brushes, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, hair dryers, curling irons,
Beauty salons
beautician chairs, scissors, combs, shears, office supplies, and
hair tonics, brushes, and
office equipment
cosmetics
Car dealers
Tires, batteries, auto parts,
seat covers, auto paint,
Hand and power tools, machinery, tape, sandpaper,
Auto repair shops
antifreeze, nuts, bolts, and
lubricants, solvents, rags, cleaning supplies, office supplies
oil available for resale to
and equipment, free loaner vehicles, delivery vehicles,
Service stations
customers or incorporated
wreckers, lifts, and diagnostic equipment
into repairs
Florists
Fertilizers, flowers, shrubs,
Plant nurseries
potting soil, and garden
Hoses, garden tools, lawn mowers, rakes, office equipment,
tools for resale to
supplies used in day-to-day operations, and delivery vehicles
Landscape
customers on an itemized
gardeners
invoice
Soft drinks, candy, beer,
t-shirts, hats, kitchen
Convenience
supplies, office supplies,
Cash registers, business equipment, cleaning supplies, office
household supplies,
stores
supplies, gas pumps, credit card machines, and ATMs
cleaning supplies, and
motor oil available for
resale to customers
Items intended for resale
rather than use in business
Items for use in day-to-day store operations, including pet food,
Pet shops
operations, including pet
pet litter, pet dishes, cleaning supplies, office supplies, and office
food, pet litter, brushes,
equipment
and pet dishes
Service providers,
None. These types of
businesses are generally
for example:
considered to be the end
attorneys,
Electronics, service vehicles, appliances, office equipment and
users of products they use
accountants,
supplies, books, stationery, computer hardware or software,
architects, doctors,
in providing service to
bandages, mouthwash, toothbrushes, toys, and bedding
customers and generally
dentists, daycare
do not qualify for resale
centers
exemption.
Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, Page 3
D o cu m e n t in g Sa le s f or Re sa le
AS A SELLER you must document each tax-exempt sale for resale using one of the following methods. You may select a different method to document each sale for resale.
Method 1 – Obtain a copy of your customer’s current Annual Resale Certificate. You can accept paper or electronic copies. Maintain copies of the certificates (paper or electronic) for three years.
Method 2 – For each sale, obtain a transaction authorization number using your customer’s Annual Resale Certificate number. You do not need to maintain a copy of your customer’s Annual Resale Certificate number when you maintain a transaction authorization number for a tax-exempt sale for resale.
Phone: Dial 877-357-3725 and enter the customer’s Annual Resale Certificate number.
Online: Go to floridarevenue.com/taxes/certificates. Enter sales tax certificate numbers for verification.
FL TAX mobile app available for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, and Windows phones.
Find our free app in your device’s app store.
Download the free FL TAX mobile app from the app store on your mobile device. Enter your 13-digit sales tax certificate number in the Seller field. Your number will be validated each time you verify a customer’s certificate number. Once your number is validated, the app will store it for future use.
Enter your customer’s Annual Resale Certificate number in the Buyer field.
A Valid or Not Valid response will be provided immediately. If the buyer’s certificate number is valid, you will receive a transaction authorization number. This number is for a single purchase only, and is not valid for any other purchases made by the same customer.
A verification response report will be stored in the app if your device’s memory space permits. This report can be emailed for easy record storage. The report displays the following information:
Date and time of transaction
Buyer’s name (when their certificate is valid)
Buyer’s sales tax or tax exemption certificate number
Verification response short-text indicator (Pass or Fail)
Response details including transaction authorization number (when valid)
Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, Page 4
Keep a record of all verification response reports to document your tax-exempt sales.
The telephone system, the online system, and the mobile app will each issue a transaction authorization number or alert the seller that the purchaser does not have a valid resale certificate. The transaction authorization number is valid for that purchase only, and is not valid for other resale purchases made by the same purchaser. As a seller, you must get a new transaction authorization number for each resale transaction.
Method 3 – Each calendar year, obtain annual vendor authorization numbers for your regular customers.
Online: Go to floridarevenue.com/taxes/certificates. You can upload a batch file for customer certificate verification and retrieve that file 24 hours after submission.
You do not need to maintain a copy of your customer’s Annual Resale Certificate when you maintain a vendor transaction authorization number each calendar year for that customer.
Information, forms, and tutorials are available on the Department’s website at floridarevenue.com.
To speak with a Department representative, call Taxpayer Services at 850-488-6800, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
To find a taxpayer service center near you, go to floridarevenue.com/taxes/servicecenters.
For written replies to tax questions, write to:
Taxpayer Services MS 3-2000
Florida Department of Revenue
5050 W Tennessee St
Tallahassee FL 32399-0112
Subscribe to Receive Updates by Email from the Department
Subscribe to receive emails for due date reminders, Tax Information Publications (TIPs), or proposed rules at floridarevenue.com/dor/subscribe.
Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, Page 5
Filling out the Florida Annual Resale Certificate form is a straightforward process that requires accurate information to ensure compliance with state regulations. After completing the form, it is essential to keep it on file for your records and present it as needed for tax-exempt purchases.
The Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax is a document that allows registered businesses to make tax-exempt purchases of items or services that they intend to resell. This certificate is particularly useful for businesses involved in retail, manufacturing, or service industries where goods or services are sold to customers. It simplifies the purchasing process by eliminating the need to pay sales tax upfront on items that will be resold.
To obtain the Florida Annual Resale Certificate, your business must first register as a sales and use tax dealer with the Florida Department of Revenue. This can be done online through their website, where you will complete an application that helps determine your tax obligations. If you prefer, you can also fill out a paper Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1). Once your application is approved, you will receive your Certificate of Registration (Form DR-11) and the Annual Resale Certificate (Form DR-13). Certificates are issued annually and can be downloaded or printed as needed.
Purchases that qualify for tax-exempt status under the Annual Resale Certificate include:
However, it is important to note that the certificate cannot be used for items that will be used personally or not resold.
As a purchaser, it is your responsibility to ensure that the goods bought using the Annual Resale Certificate are indeed for resale. If you later use these goods instead of reselling them, you must report and pay the appropriate use tax. Misuse of the certificate can lead to serious penalties, including civil and criminal charges for resale fraud.
Annual Resale Certificates are only issued to active, registered dealers. If your business becomes inactive or if you only hold a use tax account, you will not receive the certificate. It is crucial to maintain your registration status to continue benefiting from tax-exempt purchases. If your business location changes or you start a new business, you will need to ensure that your registration is updated to reflect these changes.
Incorrect Business Information: Many individuals fail to provide accurate details about their business, such as the legal name or the sales tax registration number. This can lead to delays or rejection of the certificate.
Using an Expired Certificate: Some users mistakenly attempt to use a certificate that has expired. Annual Resale Certificates expire on December 31 each year, and it is crucial to ensure that the certificate is current.
Misunderstanding Tax-Exempt Purchases: A common error involves using the certificate for items that are not intended for resale. Purchasers must ensure that the goods bought with the certificate are genuinely for resale and not for personal use.
Failure to Maintain Documentation: Sellers often neglect to document tax-exempt sales properly. It is essential to keep records of each transaction, including copies of the resale certificate or transaction authorization numbers.
Ignoring Registration Status: Individuals sometimes use the certificate without confirming that their sales tax registration is active. Only registered dealers can utilize the Annual Resale Certificate, and inactive status disqualifies them.
The Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (Form DR-13) is an essential document for businesses that plan to purchase items for resale without incurring sales tax. Several other forms and documents are often used in conjunction with this certificate to ensure compliance with tax regulations. Below is a list of these documents, along with a brief description of each.
Understanding these documents and their functions can help businesses navigate the complexities of tax compliance in Florida. Proper use of the Florida Annual Resale Certificate and its accompanying forms ensures that businesses can operate efficiently while adhering to state regulations.
The Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax shares similarities with the Texas Sales and Use Tax Resale Certificate. Both documents allow businesses to make tax-exempt purchases of items intended for resale. In Texas, the resale certificate must be presented to the seller at the time of purchase, and it serves as a declaration that the buyer is registered to collect sales tax. The Texas certificate also requires the buyer to provide their sales tax permit number, ensuring that the transaction is legitimate and that the buyer is indeed a registered dealer.
Another document comparable to the Florida Annual Resale Certificate is the California Resale Certificate. This certificate permits California businesses to buy goods without paying sales tax, provided those goods are meant for resale. Similar to Florida's certificate, California's version does not require a signature. It includes the buyer's seller's permit number and details about the items being purchased. Both certificates aim to facilitate the resale process while maintaining compliance with state tax laws.
The New York State Resale Certificate is also akin to the Florida Annual Resale Certificate. This document allows businesses in New York to purchase items tax-free when they intend to resell them. Like Florida's certificate, the New York version requires the buyer to fill in their sales tax identification number. Both certificates serve as a safeguard for sellers, ensuring that they do not incur tax liabilities on sales made to registered dealers who are purchasing for resale.
Lastly, the Illinois Resale Certificate bears similarities to the Florida Annual Resale Certificate. In Illinois, this certificate allows registered retailers to buy items without paying sales tax, provided they are intended for resale. The Illinois version requires the buyer's name, address, and registration number, similar to the requirements in Florida. Both documents are designed to streamline the purchasing process for businesses while ensuring compliance with state tax regulations.
When filling out the Florida Annual Resale Certificate form, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues. Below is a list of essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
By adhering to these guidelines, you can navigate the process more effectively and maintain compliance with Florida's tax regulations.
Understanding the Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax can be challenging. Here are five common misconceptions that people often have about this important document:
Being aware of these misconceptions can help businesses navigate the use of the Florida Annual Resale Certificate more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.
Key Takeaways for Using the Florida Annual Resale Certificate Form: