Taxes & compliance
California Seller's Permit and Sales Tax: A Sacramento Guide
Selling products in Sacramento? Learn who needs a free California seller's permit from CDTFA, how to register, local sales tax rates, and when returns are due.
Last reviewed October 20, 2026 · 7 min read
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Sales tax trips up a lot of new sellers. The good news is the steps are clear once you see them laid out.
Who needs a seller's permit?
CDTFA says you need one if you:
Are engaged in business in California, and
Plan to sell or lease tangible personal property that would normally be taxable at retail.
"Tangible personal property" means physical things you can touch, like clothing, furniture, toys, or gifts. The rule covers individuals, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations. Both wholesalers and retailers need a permit.
What counts as "engaged in business"? CDTFA lists a few examples. One is having an office, sales room, warehouse, or other place of business in California, even a temporary one. Others are having a sales rep or agent here, or renting out goods here.
Selling for a short time? If you'll sell at one location for a short period, like a holiday pop-up, you may need a temporary seller's permit. CDTFA says these are normally for sales lasting no longer than 90 days at one location.
What about services? Pure services usually don't need a permit. But some labor is taxable when it creates a new item. CDTFA's example: if you make a custom ring, the whole charge is taxable. Repair labor generally is not.
What you'll need
A valid photo ID
Your Social Security number or ITIN
An email address
Your EIN and Secretary of State entity number (for LLCs, corporations, and partnerships)
Info for each owner, officer, or member (birth date, SSN or driver license, address)
Supplier names and addresses, and personal references
Your bookkeeper's contact info, if you have one
How do I get a seller's permit, step by step?
Go to CDTFA's online registration. Find it under Online Services, then Registration, on cdtfa.ca.gov.
Answer the questions about your business. CDTFA says the system figures out which permits and licenses you need.
List every location. If you have more than one place of business, you may need a permit for each one.
Save as you go. The system saves each step. CDTFA deletes partly finished applications after 30 days.
Check your status online. You'll get emails as your application moves along.
Post your permit and set up your register. Set your checkout or point-of-sale system to the right rate for your location.
What does it cost?
ItemSeller's permit
CostFree
ItemSecurity deposit
CostSometimes required; CDTFA sets the amount when you apply
ItemOnline registration system
CostFree to use
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Seller's permit | Free |
| Security deposit | Sometimes required; CDTFA sets the amount when you apply |
| Online registration system | Free to use |
What are the sales tax rates around Sacramento?
LocationCity of Sacramento
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)8.75%
LocationSacramento County (unincorporated)
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)7.75%
LocationElk Grove
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)8.75%
LocationRancho Cordova
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)8.75%
LocationCitrus Heights
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)7.75%
LocationFolsom
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)7.75%
LocationGalt
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)9.25%
LocationIsleton
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)8.75%
LocationRoseville (Placer County)
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)7.75%
LocationWest Sacramento (Yolo County)
Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026)9.25%
| Location | Rate (effective Oct 1, 2026) |
|---|---|
| City of Sacramento | 8.75% |
| Sacramento County (unincorporated) | 7.75% |
| Elk Grove | 8.75% |
| Rancho Cordova | 8.75% |
| Citrus Heights | 7.75% |
| Folsom | 7.75% |
| Galt | 9.25% |
| Isleton | 8.75% |
| Roseville (Placer County) | 7.75% |
| West Sacramento (Yolo County) | 9.25% |
Rates can change during the year. CDTFA offers a tool to look up the rate for a specific address. Use it, because a "Sacramento" mailing address may not be inside the city.
When are sales tax returns due?
CDTFA gives you a filing frequency when you register. It's based on your expected or reported taxable sales. It could be yearly, quarterly, quarterly with prepayments, monthly, or fiscal yearly.
For quarterly filers, CDTFA lists these due dates:
QuarterJanuary to March
Due dateApril 30
QuarterApril to June
Due dateJuly 31
QuarterJuly to September
Due dateOctober 31
QuarterOctober to December
Due dateJanuary 31
| Quarter | Due date |
|---|---|
| January to March | April 30 |
| April to June | July 31 |
| July to September | October 31 |
| October to December | January 31 |
File even with zero sales. CDTFA says a return is required by the due date even if you had no sales.
What are my ongoing duties?
CDTFA says permit holders must:
Report and pay sales and use tax
Keep good records (CDTFA may audit you)
Tell CDTFA if your address or ownership changes
Close your permit if you stop selling
A seller's permit is not a business license. You still need your city or county license, like the City of Sacramento BOT certificate.
How long does it take?
CDTFA does not promise a set time. Registering online usually takes one sitting if you have your documents ready. Apply before your first sale.
Selling online? We'll look at your checkout and site basics on a free website check.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Fees and rules change, so please check the linked official pages before you file or pay.
Questions people ask
How much does a California seller's permit cost?
Nothing. CDTFA says there is no fee for a seller's permit. It may ask for a security deposit to cover unpaid taxes if the business later closes. The amount is set when you apply.
Do service businesses need a seller's permit?
Usually not, if you only sell services. CDTFA says you need a permit if you sell or lease tangible goods that would normally be taxable at retail. Some labor is taxable when it creates a new item, like making a custom ring. When in doubt, contact CDTFA.
What is the sales tax rate in Sacramento?
CDTFA lists 8.75% for the City of Sacramento and 7.75% for unincorporated Sacramento County, effective October 1, 2026. Rates differ by city and can change, so look up your exact address on the CDTFA site.
When are quarterly sales tax returns due?
For quarterly filers, CDTFA lists April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. You must file by the due date even if you had no sales.
Is a seller's permit the same as a business license?
No. CDTFA says you still need any separate city or county business license.
We flag the California deadlines. A tax pro still signs off on the decision.
Book a free Launch AuditWords to know
Seller's permit: A free state permit you need to sell goods in California and collect sales tax.
CDTFA: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The state sales tax agency.
Sales tax rate: The percent added to taxable sales. It changes by city.
EIN: Employer Identification Number. Your business's federal tax ID number, free from the IRS.
Sources
- Obtaining a Seller's Permit (FAQ) - CDTFA · cdtfa.ca.gov
- Online Services: Registration - CDTFA · cdtfa.ca.gov
- California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates (effective October 1, 2026) - CDTFA · cdtfa.ca.gov
- Filing Dates for Sales & Use Tax Returns - CDTFA · cdtfa.ca.gov
This is general information for Sacramento and Northern California businesses. We are not attorneys or tax advisors, and this is not legal or tax advice. Check the official sources, and a local pro, before you act.