Doing shows between multiple states?

[BelovedDollDesigns]

I'll be getting my business legal soon and I know you're supposed to have this license and that license to legally sell and all that good stuff, especially if you want to attend many of these shows. I'm currently in VA but I also want to do shows in MD (my home state), maybe WV but haven't decided yet. I assume I'll need some licensing to do shows in MD (I know Otakon definitely requires your EIN and all that good stuff or else they don't look at you).

What exactly will I need for my VA-based business to conduct business in MD shows?

[HoldsIt]

You probably won't need a license but you will need to register to collect and remit sales tax. If you call each state's deparrtment of revenue and explain that you will be doing one or two shows in the state per year, they will tell you exactly what you need.

[Former_Member]

it can vary from state to state.

[babydelights1]

You can also just Google it. Look up that state's policy for collecting tax or their dept of revenue website. I live in IL but I do shows in MO too, so I have to fill out a simple form each time and send in my sales tax.

[jill2day]

I do a number of out of state shows. The promoters are usually great for giving us the out of state tax info, etc. But if not... there is always the internet!!

[PrairiePrimitives]

When I lived in Indiana and did shows in Illinois, I was able to file on a "temporary" basis after each show. But it may be different now, and other states may have different rules.

I doubt that you'll need an EIN to do an art or craft fair. EIN = Employer Identification Number ... this is a federal thing. TIN = Taxpayer Identification Number ... this is a federal thing too, and mostly is used in lieu of one's SSN. I've done art, craft, and antique shows for 40 years, but have never been asked for my SSN.

[Former_Member]

For MD you can apply for a temporary tax ID and then you charge tax for that! I've thought about doing MD shows too :D

[CTCostaPhotography]

Here is a link for the Maryland Sales and Use Tax registration:

https://interactive.marylandtaxes.com/webapps/comptrollercra/entrance.asp

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Thanks! I'm going to check it out. :)

[Former_Member]

You mentioned Otakon, just to let you know- the organizers get a blanket sales tax permit that covers all vendors. You simply collect sales tax and mail a check, and the form you will be provided with to the MD comptroller. They make it very easy for those of us that are from out of state.