Where to obtain a business license

Your business meets Nexus threshold reporting requirements. How to apply Start a scenario using the Business Licensing Wizard. You will have the option to Apply Now using our secure online system, or expand the By Mail to download and complete all the forms listed.

Apply online applications will take approximately 10 business days to process. If you have city or state endorsements, it may take an additional weeks to receive your business license due to approval time.

Create an online account in our secure My DOR system. This account will also be used to file your taxes and make changes to your business. By mail complete the Business License Application, along with any additional forms, and payment to the address on the form.

Mailed applications can take up to six weeks to process. There are additional fees for each additional endorsement. See our city and state endorsements for fees and descriptions. What happens next? After your application is approved, you will receive information from some or all of the following agencies: Department of Revenue You will need to file an excise tax return monthly, quarterly, or annually, even if you have no business to report for a period.

The department will assign you a filing frequency when you apply. You will receive a Unified Business Identifier UBI number that you will need to use when you file your taxes or make changes to your business. You will receive your business license, with any endorsements listed. Do not begin any business activity until you receive this license.

Post the license at each business location. Federal, state, and local requirements You should also see if there are any other state or local agencies you need to contact. Check the complete list of licenses at Department of Licensing. Contractors — check out additional requirements and information about your licensing process. Some states make provisions for performing these functions directly online, but will generally require you to create an account before being able to do so.

You will generally be required to provide the following information about your business, in addition to other information specific to the type of business you are operating: Type of business Business address Name of business owner Contact information Federal ID number Number of employees. Part 2. File your forms. Either using the online forms, or US mail, file your forms with your city's finance department.

Your city's website will contain the proper contact information for form submission. Pay the filing fee. Each city has its own requirements regarding the filing fee that goes with your business license. Wait to receive your license. The time it takes to process your license will vary, depending on the type of business entity you are creating. For example, a DBA might take just a couple days, whereas a corporation could take up to 2 weeks. Each state will vary.

You may need to pick up your license in person and provide identification to prove you are the business owner. You may need to get fingerprinted, unless the city already has your fingerprints on file.

Follow the ordinances that pertain to your business. Once you start operating, it's important to follow the rules laid out by your city for the type of business you're operating. For example, if you opened a restaurant, be sure to get the required permits, liquor license and health inspections. You'll also need to renew your business license according to your city's laws. In some cities you will need to display your business license in your business location. You'll need to report any major changes to the facts on your business license application promptly.

Madison Boehm. Make sure that your business name isn't already trademarked by another company. You don't want to be competing with another company that shares your name! Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. It really depends on where you live. For instance, the cost of opening a business in Florida would be completely different from opening a business in Delaware, since each state has a different cost structure. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0. A handyman license would be the most appropriate.

Go to your local tax office to inquire. Not Helpful 9 Helpful No, just follow the steps in the article. No degree is required. Not Helpful 18 Helpful The state may charge a general licensing fee for businesses not exempt from state business licensing requirements. Not Helpful 13 Helpful Go to your town hall, and request information from the permit office. Yes, there are no prohibitions against felons, people on probation or any other type or restriction on opening a legal business.

The only restriction in opening any legal business within the U. Not Helpful 6 Helpful I'm starting a cleaning business and passing out flyers. I have no employees, just me to start. I do not have an office. Can I use my home address for being a sole proprietor? Your home address is fine if you're operating your business out of your house. Not Helpful 5 Helpful Not Helpful 24 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

Once you have your business started, you need to collect taxes for the state in which you live. You are supposed to report income generated within the state and to pay sales taxes on it. When you register, they usually send the information on how to report taxes. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0.

You Might Also Like How to. How to. Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus. Expert Interview. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: August 31, Categories: Business Licenses. Article Summary X To obtain a license for your business, first visit the U.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Informed me on where to go to get the forms and packets that I need to file, where to file them, and the basic overview about what information I am going to have to have. Gave me a general idea of the costs and fees to file and to get started. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Shannon Stahl May 31,