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In the U.S. almost every city, county and state
governments require business owners to obtain business
licenses and permits. In some cases, the federal government
may also require you to get special licenses or permits,
depending on the type of business or your business location
business.
Municipal Business Licenses
Ninety-nine percent of all businesses need a county or
city license. This is a general license that allows you, as
the business owner, the freedom of operating a
business. Fees and costs for a business license are normally
nominal and these kinds of licenses are easy to obtain,
though application processes may vary.
Here is how to get a municipal business license:
- You may need a fictitious name certificate and an
Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Search this site to determine the kind of license
you need and obtain necessary business license online
application form.
- Submit the online application and pay the fee at
the payment page. (In some cases, some governments
require that the filing must be done in person).
- Normally, after a year, you need to file renewals.
Business licenses usually must be renewed annually and
the government notifies you by sending you a simple bill
to pay in advance for your annual business tax.
State Business Licenses
State law requires businesses that provide certain products
or services to get a state license. For example, the most
common state licenses are professional licenses required for
doctors, lawyers, hairdressers, realtors, auto mechanics,
private investigators, building contractors and others who
need to pass a state exam. State licenses are also required
of businesses that must meet certain state legal
requirements, such as pet clinics, restaurants and other
establishments that serve alcohol.
To obtain a state license:
- First search this site to see if your particular
business requires a state license.
- Get to the license requirement information and
online application for your type of business.
- Submit the online application and we will file it,
help you file it or direct you with information.
Sales Tax Licenses
Most states require a sales tax license or seller's permit
for all retail businesses. This allows you to buy wholesale
and charge sales tax to customers on items purchased.
Subsequently, you need to pay these taxes to your state and
that is where you use your Sales Tax License or Sellers
Permit.
Federal Licenses
Certain highly regulated industries, such as firms providing
investment advice, interstate-trucking companies, businesses
involved with meat preparation, and those that sell heavily
regulated products such as firearms are required to get a
federal license. Your business may require more than one
business license and the order which to obtain them may be
complicated. For example, you may to form an LLC
first, then obtain a wholesale license, and finally get a
federal license. It is not always that way but this is
a close example.
Permits
Many A permit is a term given to licenses given for
certain businesses that need to meet safety, helth, and
building structure requirements. If you meet these
requirements, you are issued a permit to pursue the business
activity.
Local permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. Failure
to have the proper permits may prevent your business from
opening, and could result in fines or even being shut down.
Usually it is best to first research the kinds of permits
your business will need and find out what the regulating
agency requires. This helps ensure that you are in
compliance with regulations and avoid costly delays and
expenses related to re-tooling your business after the fact.
Types of Permits
Types of permits your business may need include:
- Reseller's Permit
If you'll be purchasing wholesale merchandise for resale
as retail, all states except OR, NH, and AK will
require you to register for a reseller's permit or sales
tax permit.
- Home Occupation Permit
If your business is home-based, many governments
require that you obtain a home occupation permit. There
may be a cost or fee associated with it but also there
may be a requirement that you do it in person and or
bring the building plans with
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BUSINESS LICENSE INFORMATION
