What is a purchase exemption certificate?

This is a certificate that allows you to purchase items from the wholesaler without paying sales tax, but only if you have a valid reason. For example, if you resell everything you buy, you would have a resale exemption. If you manufacture items, you can use a manufacturing exemption (if your state has one). Keep in mind that you can't fill out the form if you don't have a valid reason. Then, you'll have to pay sales tax when you buy stuff from them.