State Taxes

Any entity that conducts business within Georgia may be required to register for one or more tax specific identification numbers, permits, and/or licenses. Registration information as outlined by the Georgia Department of Revenue is listed below. Online registration is available for some Federal and Georgia identification numbers. For more information, visit http://www.georgia.gov and click the Business Registration link located on the lower left side of the page.

Sales and Use Tax

Every business that sells tangible personal property, such as merchandise, to customers is required to obtain a seller's permit. This is issued from the Georgia Department of Revenue, does not require renewal and remains in effect as long as the business entity exists with no change in ownership or structure.

There are some businesses, however, that are exempt from this requirement. Typically, a separate permit must be obtained for every business in which property subject to sales tax is sold. If selling to a retailer, wholesalers and manufacturers usually do not have to collect sales tax on the goods they sell. This, however, is contingent on whether the retailer has a valid seller's permit and can provide you with a "resale certificate".

Similarly, retailers are not required to pay sales tax on items you purchase for resale. You may purchase blank resale certificates at office supply stores. If state law requires that your business collect sales and use tax, you must keep detailed records of your gross receipts from sales/rentals. These records must include all sales/rentals whether or not you believe them to be taxable. Your records must also include evidence of all deductions you claim on sales/use tax returns. In addition you must record the total purchase price of all tangible personal property acquired for sale, lease or consumption.

Sales tax forms must be filed monthly. The taxes must also be paid on a monthly basis. You can contact the Georgia Department of Revenue to petition for special permission for pay/file quarterly.

Registration forms can be faxed to 404 417-4318.

Withholding Tax

Any business that has employees as defined in O.C.G.A. � 48-7-100(4) must register for a withholding number. This registration does not require renewal and remains in effect as long as the business has employees whose wages are subject to Georgia income tax withholding. Separate registration with the Georgia Department of Labor is required for reporting unemployment tax. Registration forms can be faxed to 404 417-4318.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

An IFTA registration is required for any motor carrier domiciled in Georgia who will operate on an Interstate basis and meets the following qualified definitions. Vehicles used, designed, or maintained for transportation of persons or property and:

  1. Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds.
  2. Having three or more axles regardless of weight.
  3. Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle, or registered gross vehicle weight.

"Qualified Motor Vehicle" does not include recreational vehicles. This registration requires an annual renewal with the issuance of a new permit and decals.

Motor Fuel Distributor

A qualified motor fuel distributor:

  1. Produces, refines, prepares, distills, manufactures, blends or compounds motor fuel in this State.
  2. Makes the first sale in this State of any motor fuel imported into this State before the motor fuel has been received by any other person in this State.
  3. Consumes or uses in this State any motor fuel imported into this State before the motor fuel has been received by any other person in this State.
  4. Purchases motor fuel for export from this State.
  5. Consumes or uses motor fuel of a type other than gasoline for highway and non-highway use and who elects to become licensed as a distributor to obtain the exemption allowed.

This registration does not require renewal and remains in effect until canceled, suspended, or revoked by the State. This requires a bond.

Coin Operated Amusement Machines

Amusement machines are defined as machines of any kind or character used by the public to provide amusement or entertainment whose operation requires payment or insertion of a coin, bill, or other money, token, ticket, or in part, upon the skill of the player, whether or not it affords an award to a successful player. Any business that maintains amusement machines must have a license and stickers for each machine on the premises. The license and stickers are renewable annually.

Alcohol

Any business that sells alcohol (beer, wine, and/or liquor) for retail or wholesale is required to obtain an alcohol license. This license applies to bulk sales or consumption on the premises. This registration requires an initial investigation and annual renewal. This registration also requires a bond and local license.

Tobacco

Any business that sells tobacco (Cigar, Cigarette, Tobacco, etc.) for retail or wholesale is required to obtain a tobacco license. This registration requires an annual renewal.

State Excise Taxes

In addition to federal excise tax, you may be responsible for collecting state excise tax as well. The categories are comparable to the federal categories. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, motor carriers and trucks with more than two axles are included in the taxed categories. You should contact the GA Department of Revenue for complete information.

Estimated State Income Taxes

The State of Georgia also requires that you pay estimated state income taxes. The payment dates for estimated state tax are the same as those for federal payments (see Section K. Federal Income Taxes above). The form 500ES should be completed for sole proprietorships or partnerships. A 9% per year penalty can be imposed for failure to file an estimated return or failure to pay the correct amount of tax.

Contact:

Georgia Department of Revenue Taxpayer Services Division
P.O. Box 49512
Atlanta, Georgia 30359-1512
404-417-4490
taxpayer.services@dor.ga.gov
http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov/salestax/index.shtml



NOTICE: The information contained within this publication is given for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice or assistance. Laws and information contained herein are from multiple sources and are subject to frequent changes. While this publication will be updated annually to capture those changes, you should consult a licensed professional when dealing with legal and financial matters regarding your specific situation. You should also verify the other information contained herein to be sure that you have the most current and accurate information.