If your business makes taxable sales to customers in Washington DC, you may need to register for a DC sales tax license before collecting tax. This 2026 guide explains who must register, what information you need, and how to complete the registration process through MyTaxDC.
For broader information about Washington DC sales tax rules, rates, and taxability, see the Washington DC Sales Tax Guide. For details on filing deadlines and how to submit returns, see the Washington DC Sales Tax Filing Guide.
Quick answers: Washington DC sales tax registration
A quick overview of the authority, registration portal, nexus threshold, and other essentials for registering in Washington DC.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | Office of Tax and Revenue |
| Registration portal | MyTaxDC |
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in annual sales or 200 separate transactions to Washington DC customers |
| Registration fee | $0 — registration is free |
| Renewal period | No periodic renewal required |
Who must register for Washington DC sales tax
You must register for a Washington DC sales tax license if your business has a sales tax nexus in the District. This usually applies when a business:
- Exceeds the economic nexus threshold of $100,000 in annual sales or 200 separate transactions to Washington DC customers in the current or previous calendar year, or;
- Has a physical presence in DC, such as an office, employee, warehouse, or inventory stored in the District.
Once you exceed either criterion, you should register before making further taxable sales in DC.
If you're unsure whether your business has nexus, see the Washington DC Sales Tax Guide for a broader explanation of DC nexus rules.
How to register for Washington DC sales tax
Sellers can register online through MyTaxDC, the official portal operated by the DC Office of Tax and Revenue. This is the same portal you will use to file returns and make payments after registration.
Information you need before registering
Before applying for a Washington DC sales tax license, have this information ready:
- Your Social Security number (if registering as a sole proprietor with no employees)
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN), if your business has one (required for corporations, partnerships, and most LLCs)
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for your primary business activity
- The date of your first sale in Washington DC
- Your business address and any DC locations, if applicable
Registration steps
Follow these steps to register for a Washington DC sales tax license.
1. Create your online login
Set up your MyTaxDC account credentials.
- Choose a username and password
- Set up your security information
- This login is used for all future filings, payments, and account management
If you already have a MyTaxDC account (for another DC tax type), you can add a sales tax account to your existing login.
2. Provide your business information
Enter your business name, address, type of entity, and any DC locations.
- Remote sellers without a DC location should indicate they are a remote seller
- Washington DC uses destination-based sourcing — you charge based on where the buyer is located
- DC has a single flat rate of 6% with no separate local taxes (though certain categories like alcohol and parking have different rates)
3. Application fee
Washington DC does not charge a fee to register for a sales tax license. Registration through MyTaxDC is free.
4. Submit your application
Review your entries and submit the application.
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation after submission
- A confirmation email is typically sent shortly after submission
5. Receive your Washington DC sales tax license
Once approved, you will receive:
- Your DC sales tax account number (used for filing and payments)
- Your assigned filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually, based on expected tax liability)
- Access to MyTaxDC for filing, payment, and account management
What happens after registration
After registering, you must begin collecting Washington DC sales tax on taxable sales and file returns based on your assigned filing frequency. DC's base rate is 6%, but note that certain categories carry higher rates — alcohol and restaurants are taxed at 10%, parking at 18%, and short-term accommodations at approximately 15.95%.
SaaS and most digital products are taxable in Washington DC. See the Washington DC Sales Tax Guide for a full taxability overview.
➡ Learn more about Washington DC sales tax rates, taxability, and nexus in the Washington DC Sales Tax Guide
➡ See how to file and pay Washington DC sales tax in the Washington DC Sales Tax Filing Guide
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the local tax authorities.
Need help registering across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
