You Got a Texas Two-Step? Don't Get Tangoed by a Phony Resale Certificate!
Howdy, partner! Selling things in the Lone Star State can be a right hootenanny, but sometimes you gotta wrangle yourself a pesky varmint – a phoney resale certificate. These little critters can stampede your bottom line faster than you can say "yeehaw." But fear not, buckaroos, this here guide will show you how to verify a Texas resale certificate and keep your business moseyin' along smoothly.
Step 1: The Lone Star Search
First things first, saddle up and head over to the Texas Comptroller's website. This online oasis holds the key to verifyin' that there's a real business behind that fancy piece of paper. You'll have a few options to search for, so pick your poison:
- Taxpayer ID: This is an eleven-digit number that's unique to each Texas business, like a brand spankin' new Stetson.
- FEI Number: Also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, this bad boy is your business's social security number, but way cooler.
- Location Name & Zip Code: Maybe you only know the name of the outfit and their general whereabouts. No sweat, partner! Plug in that info and see what the search lassoes up.
Pro Tip: Don't go typin' in your grandma's birthday here. These fields gotta be filled with the information from the resale certificate itself.
Step 2: The Verification Verdict
Once you've wrangled up your search results, take a gander at what the good folks at the Comptroller's office have unearthed. You're lookin' for two things:
- Active Status: This means the business has a valid sales tax permit and is authorized to issue resale certificates.
- Location Match: If the search results show multiple locations for the business, make sure the address on the certificate matches one of 'em.
Remember: A shiny new certificate ain't enough. An inactive status is a big red flag. This here critter can't issue resale certificates and could land you in a heap of tax trouble.
Step 3: Still Wary? Don't Be Shy!
If you're feelin' all prickly about a certificate, even after the online search, don't be afraid to ask for more proof. A quick phone call to the business can clear things right up. You can also require them to provide a completed and signed Form ST-117, which is basically a resale certificate on steroids.
Honorary Howdy Partner Status Achieved!
By followin' these here steps, you'll be a resale certificate verification pro in no time. Now you can get back to what really matters – sellin' your goods and keepin' your business hummin' along like a happy armadillo!
