How To Register For An Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax License

Most businesses starting in Arizona will need to register for an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax License (TPT). This license is sometimes referred to as a seller’s permit, sales tax license, sales tax number, or sales tax registration. A business selling a product or offering certain services in Arizona will need to register. While the Transaction Privilege Tax isn’t a sales tax, it is a tax on vendors for the privilege of doing business in the state that gets passed down to the customer.

Check out the rest of this guide to find out who needs an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax, what products and services are taxable, how to register for a permit, and reporting requirements.

Who needs a Transaction Privilege License in Arizona?

A business must register for a TPT license in the state of Arizona when:

• A business has economic nexus in the state of Arizona. Nexus means having a physical presence in the state, such as having a physical location like a retail store or office or using a warehouse or fulfillment center to store inventory.
• An Arizona employee or independent contractor will operate in the state for more than 2 days out of the year.
• Selling items at craft shows, fairs, seminars, conventions, etc.
• Owning or leasing real or personal property in the state
• A business located in Arizona selling to Arizona residents
• A remote seller with annual sales of over $100,000 in taxable products to Arizona residents.

Taxpayers conducting a special event, swap meet, or arts and crafts show may need to register for a license.

More information on Transaction Privilege Taxes is available in the Guide to Taxes for Arizona Businesses (Publication 622)

What products and services are taxable in Arizona?

Physical Products

There are a few exceptions, but almost all retail sales of tangible personal property are taxable when sold in Arizona. Common examples include:

• General merchandise like furniture, appliances, and clothing
• Titled or registered items like vehicles

Qualifying food, prescriptions, medical appliances, and some machinery isn’t taxable.

Digital Products

Digital products and services are taxable in Arizona.

Services

Most services aren’t taxable in Arizona, however, there are a few exceptions.

• Short-term lodging
• Job printing
• Publishing
• Amusements
• Advertising

How to register for an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax License in Arizona

The Transaction Privilege Tax license is obtained when applying for the Arizona Joint Tax Application (JT-1), can be obtained by registering through AZTaxes.gov, and mailing the Joint Tax Application (JT-1), or submitting the JT-1 form in person at an Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) office.

This application is used by both the Department of Revenue and the Arizona Department of Economic Security to simplify the registration process for businesses. In addition to the TPT, the JT-1 allows businesses to register for Use Tax, Employer Withholding, and Unemployment Insurance.

Office locations:

Phoenix
1600 W. Monroe
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Mesa
55 N. Center
Mesa, AZ 85201

Tucson
400 W. Congress
Tucson, AZ 85701

Information needed to register includes:

• Type of business entity: sole proprietorship, general partnership, corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Legal business name
• Names and addresses of owners/officers/members
• Business phone number
• The physical and mailing address of the business
• North American Industrial Classification System NAICS code
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS or owner’s Social Security Number (SSN)if a sole proprietorship with no employees
• Date business activities began or will begin
• Projected monthly sales
• Projected monthly taxable sales
• Employee information

In addition to the Department of Revenue TPT license, a business must also register for TPT licensing in each of the cities they operate in.

Sales tax reporting

How is sales tax collected?

When a business sells a taxable product or service, it charges the appropriate tax rate to the customer. The company collects this tax and then sends it to the Arizona Department of Revenue.

How much is sales tax in Arizona?

If the purchase is made at a store or in a mobile location, the sales tax rate varies depending on where the sale took place in Arizona. In addition to the statewide tax, cities, and municipalities may add additional sales taxes. When shipping in-state, the sales tax is based on the purchaser’s address.

The Arizona Department of Revenue has a Tax Rate Table to determine the amount of sales tax to charge.

When are Arizona sales tax returns due?

The Department of Revenue will determine a filing frequency based on the expected annual sales volume, which will be monthly, quarterly, or annually. Generally, a business selling over $8,000 annually in taxable sales will file monthly. The frequency is re-evaluated annually.

Filings are due on the 20 th day of the month following the reporting period unless the 20th falls on a weekend or federal holiday, which would move to the next business day.

Even if the business had no sales during the reporting period, a TPT filing is still required.

Arizona TPT FAQs

How much does an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax License cost?

The Transaction Privilege Tax is $12 per Arizona location. A business can opt to report for each location separately or have a consolidated license.

In addition to the state fee, a business will also need to file for a sales tax permit in each city where they do business. This permit varies between cities but ranges between $0 and $50. See the full table of TPT license fees by city.

Out-of-state online sellers must register in each state where they sell a product.

How long does it take to get an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax?

Whether applying online or by mail, expect 3-5 business days to receive an Arizona TPT License.

Do you have to renew the Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax?

Transaction Privilege Tax Licenses have to be renewed by January 1 each year.

Is a business license the same thing as a sales tax license?

No – Before starting a business in Arizona, you may need to register for a sales tax permit and other business licenses.

How do I get a wholesale license in Arizona?

A business can purchase items to resell without paying the Transaction Privilege Tax. TPT liability is passed from the distributor to the retailer, who will then charge tax to the final customer.

Wholesalers and distributors will require a sales tax number and a completed Arizona Resale Certificate (also referred to as a wholesale license, reseller’s permit, or sales tax exemption certificate) to document that the items being purchased are for resale.

If you have questions about the Transaction Privilege Tax, the Arizona Department of Revenue can be contacted by calling 602-255-3381.