A tax-exempt purchase for a business is a purchase that qualifies for exemption from certain sales taxes because the business or the item meets specific legal requirements. For example, some businesses may purchase goods for resale, manufacturing, or certain exempt business activities without paying sales tax at the time of purchase.
Eligibility and rules vary by state and location. Businesses generally need to provide a valid tax-exemption certificate or resale certificate to the seller. Being a business does not automatically make every purchase tax-exempt; ordinary business expenses may still be subject to sales tax.