Sales tax glossary
What is an exemption certificate?
An exemption certificate is a form a buyer gives a seller to claim that a purchase is exempt from sales tax. Depending on state law, common reasons include purchases by nonprofits, government agencies, manufacturers or farmers. The seller keeps the certificate on file to support not charging tax.
Example
A qualifying nonprofit buys supplies for its programs. It gives the seller its state exemption certificate, and the seller records the sale as exempt.
Why it matters for sellers
The seller carries the burden of proving an exempt sale was legitimate. Missing, expired or incomplete certificates are a frequent cause of audit assessments, so collect them before the sale and keep them organized by customer.
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Related terms
This definition is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
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