How do I set up business tax for my online store in New York?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A new merchant in New York seeks guidance on setting up business tax for a Shopify store, noting the store isn’t open yet and they don’t have a sales tax ID.

A Shopify representative clarifies that Shopify does not file or remit sales taxes, but provides tools to collect taxes and assist with filing. They share two key links: a help document covering tax setup and collection, and a US tax reference for New York outlining special rules, exceptions, and liabilities. The merchant is advised to confirm correct sales tax rates with local tax authorities.

Action items:

  • Review the provided tax setup help document.
  • Consult New York tax authorities for rates and requirements.
  • Decide whether sales will be domestic or international.
  • Obtain the required registration (sales tax ID).

Status: No resolution yet; the representative invites follow-up questions and asks about planned sales regions. Central materials are the linked help document and New York tax reference.

Note: “Sales tax ID” refers to the registration used to charge and report sales taxes to the state.

Summarized with AI on February 7. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hi!

Can somebody from the New York, USA help and guide me to set up my business tax for my shopify store? It is my first time to launch here and I don’t have any single idea with regards to this legal matters. Please kindly help me.

2

Hi I already have my store which is not open yet and i still don’t have any sales tax ID. How can you help me? Thanks.

3

Hi, @frc2 !

Thanks for reaching out in our Community forums and for sharing your concern, I’d be happy to help.

In order to provide some context, Shopify does not file or remit your sales taxes for you. However, Shopify offers the necessary tools to help make things easier when it’s time to file and pay your taxes. We have a very thorough help document that covers all of the aspects you need to consider when setting up and collecting your taxes for your business. Please keep in mind that you should always check with a local tax authority to make sure that you charge your customers the correct sales tax rates.

In your case, we have a US tax reference for New York that highlights some special tax rules involves tax exceptions and liabilities.

If you have any other questions, feel free to follow up and let me know! Additionally, I’m always looking to help out merchants with ideas or feedback related to their stores. Are you planning to sell domestically? Or internationally as well?