Get Ready Texas - Registering for Agriculture Sales Tax Exemption

Attention agriculture and timber producers:  Secure your sales tax exemption by getting your registration number before the January 1^st deadline.  Under a new state law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011, commercial agriculture or timber producers will need an Ag/Timber Number issued by the Comptroller’s office to make eligible sales tax-exempt purchases for their business beginning January 1, 2012.

            If you produce agricultural or timber products for sale in the regular course of business, the new law will require you to have an Ag/Timber Number for eligible sales tax-exempt purchases.  If you are affected by this law, follow these simple steps to be ready in plenty of time for any eligible sales tax-exempt purchases you plan to make on or after January 1, 2012:

            1.         Register online or on paper for your exemption.  The short application should take less than 10 minutes to complete.  It requires some basic information about your operation, such as business name, description and address.  Online application:  If you have internet access, visit www.GetReadyTexas.org anytime after October 3, 2011, to submit an application online, instantly generating an Ag/Timber Number for your exemption upon completion.  You can download and print a paper application at www.GetReadyTexas.org and mail or fax it to the Texas Comptroller’s office.  Please note, paper applications may take three to four weeks to process.  You can also get an application via our fax on demand ser (800-531-1441) or by mail (800-252-5555).  Many retailers will provide copies of the application as well.

            2.         Keep your number handy.  You may be asked to verify your Ag/Timber Number for eligible tax-exempt purchases beginning January 1, 2012, so please retain it in your records.  You can print Ag/Timber Number convenience cards if you complete the online application, or the Comptroller’s office will mail the cards if you opt for the paper application.

            Details on the state’s new requirement for an Ag/Timber Number for eligible sales tax exemptions are available at your convenience on the Comptroller’s website 24 hours a day, seven days per week at www.GetReadyTexas.org.  You also can sign up for email updates on this topic.  If needed, you can also call the Comptroller’s office at 1-800-252-5555.