Is a sellers permit the same as a tax id?

Question

If not what is the difference? Thanks

Answer 1

California?

A California sales tax license is called a "Seller's Permit" and, no, it is not the same as your tax ID.

Seller's Permits relate to the collection of state and local sales taxes.

Answer 2

There are a number of types of "Tax ID."  It's a very broad term.  Your SSN is your personal tax ID.  If you operate a business, you should have a Federal Employer ID Number and if the business is a corporation or partnership the FEIN is mandatory.  States also issue SEINs for the same purpose though a few simply use the FEIN.  If you provide taxable goods and services you need a Sales Tax ID or Sales Tax Certificate. That's sometimes called a "seller's permit" as it allows you to purchase goods for resale without paying the sales tax yourself.  That said, a "seller's permit" could also be a local business license that allows you to operate a retail or wholesale business.