Tax & resale certificates
How sales tax is handled and what resellers need to submit to buy tax-free for resale.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Overview
Thompson Surplus is based in Michigan, which imposes a 6% statewide sales/use tax. Applicable Michigan sales tax and state or local sales or use tax for other states where we have a tax obligation (“nexus”), may be added to your invoice. Where we are required to collect tax, we will unless a valid exemption or resale certificate is on file before the sale.
For resellers & exempt buyers
If you buy for resale or otherwise qualify for exemption, you can purchase without sales tax once we have accepted valid documentation for the relevant ship-to state. Certificates must be received and approved before an order is invoiced tax-free; we cannot retroactively refund tax on completed orders except as permitted by the applicable state.
Accepted documents
- State resale certificate for the ship-to state.
- Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) Uniform Sales & Use Tax Exemption/Resale Certificate, where accepted.
- Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Exemption Certificate, where applicable.
- State-specific exemption certificate (e.g., manufacturing, nonprofit, or government), with any required IDs.
Each document must be complete, signed, and include a valid registration/permit number and the correct ship-to state.
Submission process
- Download or prepare the correct certificate for each state you ship to.
- Complete all fields, list Thompson Surplus (owner Alexucia Thompson) as the seller, and sign.
- Email the certificate(s) to tax@thompson-surplus.com (or upload them to your buyer account) with your business name and, if known, your customer or order reference.
- We review and confirm approval. Approved accounts are flagged so future qualifying orders to that state are invoiced tax-free.
Validity & renewal
Certificates remain on file until they expire, are revoked, or state rules require an update. You are responsible for providing renewed or corrected certificates promptly. We may periodically request updated documentation to keep your exemption active.
Buyer responsibility
By submitting a certificate, you represent that it is accurate and that the purchase qualifies for the claimed exemption. You are responsible for any use tax, penalties, or interest arising from an invalid, expired, or misapplied certificate, and you agree to reimburse Thompson Surplus for taxes later assessed due to a certificate you provided. We retain certificates as required for audit and recordkeeping in line with our Privacy policy.
Submit or ask a question
Send certificates and tax questions to tax@thompson-surplus.com or call (313) 552-8925.