Licenses permits for smal

Nearly every company needs one—even home-based small businesses. Depending on the company type and industry, you may need a local, state, or federal small business license. However, keep in mind that state and local ordinances vary.

Businesses that may not need a small business license include:. You could also consult a professional accountant or business attorney to confirm you meet all legal requirements before you open for business. The Secretary of State can provide the necessary information to apply online to do business as a corporation or limited liability company LLC. Smaller startups may prefer to register as a sole proprietor instead of as a corporation or LLC.

Your company will need an EIN to file taxes. And along with your DBA or incorporation, you can apply for the proper small business licenses once you have one. There are local, county, state, and federal small business licenses and permits. Your startup may need local permits and licenses to operate. Refer to the U. Some local small business permits and licenses your startup may need include:. Start by inquiring about a business license. You can ask for guidance on whether you need other permits once your business type has been appropriately classified.

Your state will require you to have several different types of licenses and permits, depending on what kind of business you are starting, whether you have employees and if you are selling products or services. Here are the three most common licenses and permits are required by states:. Professional licenses. All states license professionals and those who work in personal services, like nail technicians, cosmetologists, and massage therapists. People in these professions must get a state license before they can begin to practice :.

If you need a state license, search for your state's board of professional practice or similar title. Sales Tax Permit. If you are selling taxable products or services, you will need to apply for a seller's permit in your state. You may also need this permit if you are selling online. Registering as an Employer. States require employers to register with them as employers, for state tax purposes.

Specifically, you must comply with state regulations for unemployment tax and for worker's compensation. Each city and county has specific permits that must be approved. Whether your business must have a permit depends on your business type and location. For example, a home-based business must usually obtain a variance from the municipality to do business in a residential area.

Zoning permits are also discussed in this article. Each town, city, and county also has special kinds of licenses to do business in their domain. Special events where businesses are present like craft fairs or farmer's markets usually require a permit, as do certain types of items sold liquor licenses, for example. Check with your local business office to see what types of licenses or permits might be required. Here are the specific departments where you can get information about local licenses and permits:.

Planning and Development - If you think you might need a zoning variance. Building Department - If you are planning on doing construction work on your business location that needs a building permit. Contractors are supposed to do this for you, but you may need to verify. Public Health Department - Food-related businesses need health and safety inspections. Whether you are buying an existing building or building your own, you should check on your city's requirements for building and zoning.

Zoning regulates the usage of land. For changes to a building or a new building, you will need a permit that allows construction to begin and an occupancy permit that allows you to take possession of the building. Your contractor should be able to help with these permits.

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Small Business Starting a Business. By Alyssa Gregory. Learn about our editorial policies.