Tax-Exempt Purchases for Nonprofits and Government Agencies

Buying for a nonprofit or a government agency? We work with many nonprofit organizations across New York City. If your organization or agency is exempt from New York State sales tax, send us the right document and we'll set up tax-free purchasing. Every request is reviewed and approved by our team before tax is removed.

Nonprofit organizations

Schools, houses of worship, charities and other organizations with a New York State sales tax exemption.

What we need

  • A completed and signed New York State Form ST-119.1 (Exempt Purchase Certificate)
  • Your organization's NYS exempt organization number (the 6-digit number on your Form ST-119, not your federal EIN)
  • The email address your organization will use to shop with us

Federal 501(c)(3) status on its own doesn't exempt purchases from New York sales tax. You'll need your New York State exempt organization certificate.

How it works

  1. Email your ST-119.1 to sales@urbangardennyc.com.
  2. We review it and, once approved, set up your account as tax-exempt. We'll email you when it's done.
  3. Log in with that email when you check out, and sales tax won't be charged.

Government agencies

New York State agencies, New York City and other New York counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts, and U.S. federal agencies. Agencies of other states don't qualify for the New York exemption.

What we need

  • A government purchase order, or a contract signed by an authorized government official, showing your agency is the buyer
  • New York State employees buying on official business can use Form AC-946

Government agencies don't use Form ST-119.1.

How it works

  1. Email your purchase order and what you need to sales@urbangardennyc.com, or call us at 646-389-4299.
  2. We review it and, once approved, prepare your order and invoice without sales tax.
  3. Pay with agency funds, by check (with prior approval), ACH or wire, or as your purchase order allows.

Our tax-exempt policy

  • We review every certificate, purchase order and supporting document before we remove sales tax.
  • We keep a copy of your documents on file.
  • We may ask for updated or additional documents at any time, for example when your organization's status changes or the tax rules change.
  • We reserve the right to decline any tax-exempt request, for any reason.

Good to know

  • Purchases must be paid by the organization or agency. Orders paid with a personal card are taxed.
  • Ordering a large quantity or need an invoice? Call us at 646-389-4299 and we'll set up your order.
  • Shopping in our garden center? Let us know at checkout and we'll look up your certificate or purchase order.
  • Organization based outside New York? Contact us at sales@urbangardennyc.com before you order, and we'll review your documents and set you up.

Questions? Call us at 646-389-4299.