California Sales Tax Exemption

Your organization’s purchases may be subject to sales or use tax, as explained below.

The IRS states that state tax applies unless there is a specific legal exemption or exclusion.  Although many nonprofit and religious organizations are exempt from fed­eral and state income tax, there is no similar broad exemption from California sales and use tax.

Individuals, businesses, and groups that sell taxable merchandise in California must pay sales tax on their taxable sales. Sellers may charge their customers for sales tax reimbursement (referred to as “sales tax”).

Requirements for California sales tax exemptions are listed on page nine (9) of the Publication 18 for Non-Profit Organization for more information on http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub18.pdf