I forgot to get a tax permit before selling—what do I do after the fact?

You made sales without a permit and now feel anxious about penalties. You want to fix it without making things worse.

Most jurisdictions require vendors to obtain specific business licenses or sales tax permits before engaging in retail sales, even for short-term events. Requirements often vary significantly based on the city, county, and state where the event is held. If a vendor discovers they have been selling without the necessary permits, it is generally advisable to contact the local Department of Revenue or a legal professional to discuss the process for late registration and any potential voluntary disclosure programs.

Apply for the permit as soon as possible, then contact the tax authority or use their portal to file for the period in question. If you did not collect tax, you may need to pay it out of pocket. Save your records and keep future sales tax separate so you stay on track going forward.