Mike · Volvos and More · Charleston, SC
Mike told us: “I am a mechanic with a repair shop and website. I will buy used and new auto parts wholesale, service cars, and sell parts to customers in South Carolina from my shop.”
Hi Mike, A shop that repairs cars and also sells parts needs a few pieces in place. In South Carolina the Retail License is what lets you collect sales tax on the parts you sell, and with it you can give suppliers a Form ST-8A Resale Certificate to buy parts wholesale tax-free. That only covers parts you resell, not shop supplies you use up. Add a city or county business license for the garage, and an EIN if you plan to hire help. Volvo owners are loyal, which is good news for repeat customers.
Short answer: In Charleston, South Carolina, businesses are required to obtain licensing before they start operating. For an auto repair shop, that means the Retail License, a federal tax ID number (EIN) and a local business license, plus a structure and name registration.
In South Carolina, the seller's permit goes by the name Retail License. When you buy inventory to resell, the paperwork is a Form ST-8A Resale Certificate. A retail license is required for retail sellers; a business making only wholesale sales may not need one. South Carolina also accepts the multistate uniform certificate in place of its ST-8A form if it contains the same information.
Industry code: NAICS 811111 (General Automotive Repair)
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Krista · A&D Auto LLC · Abbotsford, WI
Krista told us: “I own an automotive repair shop. I buy used and new auto parts and service cars at my shop in Stanley, Wisconsin.”
Hi Krista, A repair shop that sells parts as well as labor is selling taxable goods, so Wisconsin expects the Seller's Permit for A&D Auto LLC. Parts you install and bill to customers can be bought tax-free with the Form S-211 Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate, while shop tools and supplies you use up cannot. With an employee, you also need the state employer registration. Used-parts buying may bring local rules, so check with your town.
Short answer: In Abbotsford, Wisconsin, businesses are required to obtain licensing before they start operating. For an auto repair shop, that means the Seller's Permit, a federal tax ID number (EIN) and a local business license, plus a structure and name registration.
Wisconsin calls its seller's permit the Seller's Permit. When you buy inventory to resell, the paperwork is a Form S-211 Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate. Suppliers generally accept a resale certificate only from a buyer registered for sales tax, so even a business that mostly buys and sells wholesale usually registers. Wisconsin is a Streamlined Sales Tax member state; its S-211 form covers resale purchases.
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All Businesses Need a Charleston Business License & a Trade Business Name ( Berkeley County Trade Business Name required if using a trade name).
Retailers / Wholesalers, Need a Reseller Tax ID, & a Business License.
Employers Need a Federal Tax Id Number (EIN), a State Tax Id ( State EIN), & a Business License.
Corporations, & LLC Need a Federal Tax Id Number (EIN)& a Business License.
Partnerships Need a Federal Tax Id Number (EIN) & a Trade Business Name, but also need a Business License.
Sole Proprietors May Use a Federal Tax Id Number as a SC Business Tax ID but also need a Business License.
Instead of filing a Trade Business Name, You Can Incorporate in or form a(n) SC LLC & You Will Not Need To File A DBA
List of required licenses below include online as well as home or Amazon businesses.
1. Auto repair The majority of starting businesses need a(n) , Charleston business tax id registration (business license).
2. Auto repair Businesses with an trade firm name other than the owner's legal name are required to get a(n) Berkeley County DBA ( doing business as ) fictitious business name.
3. In SC you may also need a tax id called a resale tax ID or seller's license if you are selling touchable items. ( A.K.A seller's permit, state id, wholesale, resale, reseller certificate).
4. You will need a federal and a state EIN if you will hire employees. I.e., a SC Federal Tax ID Number and a(n) SC State Employer Tax Number.
5. Instead of filing a fictitious business name DBA Filing in Charleston, Incorporate in SC or form a(n) LLC.