A Guide to Sales Tax in New York State for Exempt Organizations - Publication 843

Sep 19, 2026

Publication 843 (12/09) explains how New York State sales tax applies to exempt organizations and how they can obtain and maintain sales tax-exempt status. It identifies eligible organizations, outlines the procedures for requesting exemption, and clarifies which exempt organizations’ purchases and charges are generally exempt when they are the direct purchaser, occupant, or patron of record. It also describes circumstances where sales may be taxable and registration requirements for collecting sales tax.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages49

Reading Time17 min

AccessFree to download

About this publication

Certain organizations are not required to establish exempt status

New York governmental entities

Table of contents

Information on registering for sales tax purposes

Contact information

Note: See also TP-64 , Notice to Taxpayers Requesting Information or Assistance from the Tax Department. The publication you requested begins on page 2 below. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance A Guide to Sales Tax in New York State for Exempt Organizations Public(1a2/t0i9o)n 843 Publication 843 (12/09) About this publication This publication provides information for organizations that are exempt from New York State and local sales and compensating use taxes (sales tax) and for organizations that wish to obtain sales tax exempt status. Many different kinds of organizations are exempt from paying sales tax on their purchases or may qualify for sales tax exemption in New York State. Certain sales made by these types of organizations are also exempt from sales tax. This publication identifies these organizations and explains the procedures that prospective exempt organizations must follow in order to request sales tax exempt status. An exempt organization's purchases of tangible personal property and services, rent paid for hotel occupancy, and amusement charges are generally exempt from sales tax, provided the exempt organization is the direct purchaser, occupant or patron of record. The publication explains the procedures that exempt organizations must follow in order to properly make tax exempt purchases. While many sales made by exempt organizations are exempt from sales tax, certain sales made by these organizations are subject to tax. The rules that govern taxable sales vary depending on the type of organization making the sales. This publication explains the selling rules for most types of exempt organizations. If an exempt organization will be making sales in New York State that are subject to sales tax, it may be required to collect sales tax from the purchasers. If it is required to collect sales tax, it must register for sales tax purposes with the Tax Department and obtain a Certificate of Authority, which authorizes the organization to collect sales tax and accept certain exemption documents from purchasers. See Information on registering for sales tax purposes on page 43 of this publication for more details, including important information related to disclosing an exempt organization's responsible persons. If you need additional information or clarification about the information in this publication, or any other information regarding sales tax or other taxes administered by the Tax Department, please refer to the addresses and telephone numbers listed on the back cover of this publication in the Need help? box. For more information on what electronic services are available from the Tax Department, visit our Online Tax Center on our Web site, [www.tax.ny.gov](www.tax.ny.gov. Use the Online)[. Use the Online](www.tax.ny.gov. Use the Online) Services to make payments, file certain returns, view account information, and more. NOTE: A publication is an informational document that addresses a particular topic of interest to taxpayers. Subsequent changes in law or regulations, judicial decisions, Tax Appeals Tribunal decisions, or changes in Tax Department policies could affect the validity of the information contained in a publication. Publications are updated regularly and are accurate on the date issued. Publication 843 (12/09) Table of contents Certain organizations are not required to establish exempt status ……………………………….5 New York governmental entities .………………………………………………………...5 United States governmental entities ……………………………………………………...9 The United Nations and other international organizations ……………………………………....10 Religious, charitable, educational, and other organizations ……………………………………..12 Posts and organizations consisting of past and present members of the armed forces of the United States ……………………………………....31 Certain Indian nations and tribes ………………………………………………………………....36 Other exempt organizations ……………………………………………………………………....38 Diplomatic mi

FAQs

What types of organizations qualify as exempt from New York State sales tax?

The guide covers organizations that are exempt from New York State and local sales and compensating use taxes, as well as organizations that wish to obtain exempt status. It identifies multiple categories, including New York and federal governmental entities, international organizations, and specified nonprofit and related groups.

Are all sales made by exempt organizations automatically tax-exempt?

No. While many sales and transactions by exempt organizations are exempt, certain sales are subject to tax. Taxability depends on the type of exempt organization and the rules governing the organization’s selling activities.

If an exempt organization must collect sales tax, what must it do?

If required to collect sales tax, the organization must register with the Tax Department for sales tax purposes and obtain a Certificate of Authority. The certificate authorizes collection of sales tax and acceptance of certain exemption documents from purchasers.

Sep 19, 2026

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