Tax-Exempt Purchasing at Marine Parts Source

At Marine Parts Source, we’re happy to support qualified tax-exempt customers, including businesses, government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and resellers where applicable. If your organization qualifies for sales tax exemption, you can set up a tax-exempt company account to ensure eligible orders are processed without tax.

This page explains how our tax exemption process works and what you need to do before placing tax-exempt orders.

Who Can Be Tax-Exempt?

Tax exemption is available to qualifying organizations and businesses in jurisdictions where tax law allows it. Common examples include:

• Registered businesses purchasing for resale or commercial use
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions
• Nonprofit and charitable organizations

All tax-exempt status is subject to verification and applicable state and local tax regulations. Approval is not guaranteed and is based on the information and documentation you provide.

Important: Tax exemption is only available on company accounts.
Individual customer accounts are not eligible until they are converted to a company account and approved for tax exemption.

Step 1: Create or Convert to a Company Account

To request tax exemption, you must first have a company account on marinepartssource.com.

You have two options:

Option A: Create a New Company Account

1. Go to the Create Account / Login page.
2. Select the option to create a Company account (instead of an individual account).
3. Enter your company name and contact information.
4. Complete registration and log in to your new company account.

Option B: Convert an Existing Individual Account

If you already shop with us using an individual account, you can convert it to a company account:

1. Make sure you are NOT logged in.
2. Go to the Create Account / Login page.
3. Select the option to create a Company account (instead of an individual account).
4. When entering your email address, use the email associated with your existing individual account.
5. You will be prompted that your email is already in use and given the option to either use this email and close your other account or use a different email to apply.  Choose use this email and close your other account.
6. Complete the rest of the registration and log in to your new company account.

Once your account is set up as a company account, you can proceed to apply for tax exemption.

Step 2: Apply for Tax Exemption in “My Account”

After you have a company account:

1. Log in to your company account.
2. Navigate to My Account.
3. Look for the Tax Exemption section.
4. Start the application.

Our tax exemption application is powered by Avalara, a leading tax-compliance platform. Avalara will guide you through a series of questions and form fields tailored to the:

• State or region in which your company operates
• Locations where you are seeking tax-exempt status
• Type of exemption (resale, nonprofit, government, etc., depending on jurisdiction)

You may be asked to upload or provide:

• Your tax exemption or resale certificate
• Nonprofit or government documentation
• Other supporting information required by local law

Please ensure that all information is accurate, current, and matches your company’s legal details.

How the Avalara Process Works

Avalara uses the information you submit to determine what documentation is required based on your location and exemption type. This helps ensure:

• Compliance with state and local tax rules
• That the correct forms are collected and stored
• That your exemption is properly applied when you shop with us

In some cases, Avalara or our team may need additional information or clarification. If so, you may receive a follow-up request before your exemption can be approved.

Additional Company Account Benefits

One of the benefits of a company account is the ability to have multiple users associated with the same company.

• You can designate additional users (such as purchasing staff, service writers, or managers) under your company account.
• Once your company’s tax exemption is approved, eligible tax-exempt status will apply to orders placed by users associated with that company account, as allowed by law and your exemption details.

This setup makes it easier for teams to place orders while maintaining a single, consistent tax-exempt profile.

Processing Time & Approval

• Review time: Tax exemption applications are typically right away, but review times can vary depending on your jurisdiction and the completeness of your documentation.
• Notification: You will be notified when your tax exemption has been approved or if additional information is required.
• Effective date: Tax exemption usually applies only to future orders placed after approval. Orders placed before approval cannot typically be adjusted retroactively.

We recommend completing your tax exemption application before placing large or ongoing orders you expect to be tax-exempt.

When Tax Exemption Applies at Checkout

Once your company account has been approved for tax exemption:

• Tax-exempt status will be applied at checkout for qualifying orders, based on:

  • The ship-to address (jurisdiction)
  • The type of exemption granted
  • Applicable state and local tax rules

• Some products, services, or destinations may still be taxable, even for tax-exempt organizations, depending on local regulations.

If you see tax being charged on an order you believe should be exempt, please double-check:

1. That you are logged in under the correct company account
2. That your shipping address falls within the jurisdiction where your exemption has been approved
3. That your exemption has been fully approved and is still valid

If everything looks correct and tax still appears incorrectly, please contact us before completing your order.

Important Notes & Limitations

• Tax exemption is not automatic and must be requested and approved through the Avalara-powered application.
• We may periodically require updated certificates or documentation to keep your exemption active.
• If your organization’s status changes (for example, you no longer qualify for exemption, change company name, or move jurisdictions), you are responsible for notifying us and updating your information.
• Marine Parts Source does not provide legal or tax advice. For questions about your eligibility or how tax laws apply to you, please consult a qualified tax professional.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance with:

• Creating or converting a company account
• Finding the tax exemption section in My Account
• Completing the Avalara application
• Understanding how your tax exemption appears at checkout

please contact us. We’re happy to help make the process as smooth as possible.