“Do you need a business license to sell on Amazon?” might just be the first question you ask when considering an Amazon business. Whether you’re looking to turn your side hustle into a full-time venture or launch a major e-commerce operation, understanding the licensing requirements is crucial for your success. 

While the answer isn’t a simple yes or no, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about licenses, permits and business structure to set up your Amazon business the right way—plus, the best business bank account to set yourself up for success.

Permit and license requirements for Amazon sellers

Here’s the good news for aspiring Amazon sellers: you generally don’t need a business license to get started. Amazon’s doors are open to individuals and businesses alike. But before you dive in, let’s clear up the licensing you might need to keep your business both profitable and compliant.

While Amazon doesn’t ask for a business license, your local government might. Each jurisdiction has different regulations, whether local, state or federal. The specific permits you need depend on what you’re selling and where you’re based. For example, if you’re selling food, your state will probably have special licensing requirements.

Seller’s permits

For many sellers, the most important document is a seller’s permit (also called a sales tax permit). Think of this as your authorization (and obligation) to collect sales tax. Each state has its own rules, so if you’re selling goods stored across multiple states, you’ll need to follow each set of guidelines. This is especially important when using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), as your products could be stored in warehouses nationwide.

With FBA, your products tend to travel more than you do. If you’re storing and selling your goods from California, only California sales tax requirements apply. However, when your inventory sits in Amazon’s warehouses across different states, you could trigger tax obligations in places you’ve never visited. Many states have “economic nexus” laws—when you reach certain sales thresholds, you’re required to collect and submit sales tax. This modern issue with sales tax means your obligations can change as your business grows.

Wholesale or resale license

If you’re planning to buy wholesale and sell retail, you’ll also want to look into a wholesaler’s or reseller’s license. This lets you purchase inventory tax-free from suppliers. While it’s not always required, it can be a money-saver, depending on your business model and location. Your need for this license will vary based on your state’s regulations and your specific business approach.

Before launching your Amazon venture, take time to map out your specific requirements based on your location, product categories, target markets and whether you’ll use FBA or handle fulfillment yourself. This might seem like a lot to handle, but it’s the key to ensuring you’re complying with each jurisdiction’s requirements. Getting your permits and licenses in order from day one helps you avoid costly surprises and allows you to focus on generating profit.

Other considerations for Amazon sellers

Here are some other considerations when you’re getting ready to sell on Amazon:

Business formation and structure

If selling on Amazon is more than an individual venture, you may want to choose a business structure to limit your personal liability. Many sellers opt to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)—they provide personal liability protection and separate your personal assets from your business. An LLC also provides flexibility in terms of taxation and can make your business appear more professional to customers, suppliers and partners. While it’s not a requirement to have an LLC to sell on Amazon, it’s worth considering for long-term growth, tax benefits and liability protection.

Individual vs. professional Amazon accounts

Amazon offers two types of seller accounts: Individual and Professional. The key difference between them is the type of fees and features available. An Individual account does not have a monthly subscription fee but charges a $0.99 per-item fee for each sale. 

On the other hand, a Professional account comes with a $39.99 monthly subscription fee but offers additional features like access to advanced selling tools, the ability to create bulk listings and enhanced reporting options. If you plan to scale your business, a Professional account is usually the better choice.

Business bank accounts

Having a dedicated business bank account is key for managing your finances as an Amazon seller. Keeping your personal and business finances separate simplifies bookkeeping, makes it easier to file taxes and provides a more professional appearance when dealing with customers or suppliers. Using a business bank account also helps you manage your income and expenses more efficiently. 

While it’s not a requirement to open a business bank account to sell goods on Amazon, it is highly recommended. It will ensure smooth financial management and avoid potential complications down the line. Additionally, many banks, like North One, offer special business accounts with features like payment processing, invoicing and accounting software integrations that can help streamline your operations.

A digital-first banking solution for your Amazon sales

North One is the perfect banking platform for Amazon sellers by integrating sales, payments and budgeting into a single, powerful account. This allows Amazon sellers to easily track and manage all their revenue streams from various platforms, including Amazon, PayPal, Stripe and Shopify—all in real-time. By consolidating sales data and payment information in one place, sellers can make more informed decisions and eliminate the confusion that comes with juggling multiple accounts.

North One simplifies bookkeeping and accounting with direct connections to software like QuickBooks, Wave and Zoho. The platform also offers automated bill payments, making it easier for sellers to manage invoices and expenses and schedule payments without manual input. Sellers can close their books faster and save valuable time with North One’s built-in tools that sync transactions. Likewise, North One’s customizable Envelopes for budgeting, real-time cash flow insights and access to a growing list of partner integrations help Amazon sellers stay organized and focused on what matters most—scaling up their business and raking in profits.

Become the best Amazon seller you can be

While you don’t need a business license to sell on Amazon when you’re just starting out, you may require various permits and licenses as you grow. The key is to start with the basics—understanding your local requirements, setting up proper business banking and choosing the right seller account type—then scale your compliance efforts alongside your business. 

By taking a proactive approach to licensing and business structure, you can build a strong foundation for long-term success in the Amazon marketplace. Remember, the question isn’t just, “Do you need a business license to sell on Amazon?” but rather, “What licenses, bank accounts and structures will best support your goals as an Amazon seller?”