Anyone selling something in the state of Ohio needs a vendor’s license. There is a onetime $25 fee for a vendor’s license and there is a fine by the state if you are caught without one. You need a vendor’s license in order to pay sales tax to the state. Examples of businesses needing a license: dog breeding for resale purposes, continuous garage sale, retail stores, food and goods sales at the fair and many other things. If you have questions about the need for a license, please call the Auditor's office. You may purchase all types of vendor’s licenses online at the Ohio Department of Taxation. The auditor’s office can only sell a Brown County vendor’s license. If you need a delivery, transient or service license, you will need to contact the State of Ohio.
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Other businesses requiring permits or licenses...
- Motor Vehicle Sales: Contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Food: Contact the Ohio Department of Health
- Liquor: Contact the Ohio Department of Liquor Control
- Watercraft/Outboard Motor Sales: Contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Check with your county Auditor, or the Ohio Department of Taxation, for a complete list.
Where can I find additional information about Ohio sales tax, laws and rules?
There are five information sources:
- The ORC (Chapters 5739, 5741 and 5743) is available online and at most public and county law libraries.
- Business Tax Guide for Ohio published by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
- Ohio Sales & Use Tax Guide published by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
- Ohio Department of Taxation's Regional office or the central office in Columbus, 888.405.4039.
- 1st Stop Business Connection.
How often will I pay?
Please contact the Ohio Department of Taxation for payment instructions.
What happens if I don't pay on time?
For each return that is not paid in full with-in the time limit, $50.00, or 10% of the required tax, whichever is greater, must be paid in addition to the unpaid tax for that reporting period.