Business Licenses, Permits, and Business Names
Don't know Where To Start?
Click Here to Take a Short Quiz
In Short:
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO START ANY BUSINESS
- Even home businesses, online business, internet business, and ebay
business are legally required to get an assumed business name, also called a
trade name, and a business tax registration, business license.
- If you sell online or from anywhere items that are tangible ( you
can touch) , taxable ( all tangible items are tangible), you will need a
wholesale retail buyers license.
- Also, because you need to pay employment taxes to both the federal and
state government, if you wil hire employees, you will need a federal
employer Number, also called an IRS number and a State Employer Number, also
called a State EIN.
- Finally, all businesses including home and online businesses need to get
a business license or home occupation permit.
Click Here to Take a Short Quiz
It will tell you what you need so you can start your business today!
Business Licenses & Permits
Local Licenses and Permits
State Licenses and Permits
Federal Licenses and Permits Where do I go to get a license?
Business Name or DBA (Doing Business As)
Do I need to have a DBA?
What are the benefits to filing a DBA?
How do I go about getting a DBA?
Getting a Business Checking Account Under Your Business Name
How Do I Trademark My Business Name?
Wholesale or Retail License
What is a Wholesale or Retail License ?
Where do I get a Wholesale or Retail License ?
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Why Do I Need an EIN?
How do I apply for an EIN?
Useful Links
Business License and Permits Checklist
Business Plan
Quiz
All of your licenses, permits, and business names can be handled by our filing
service (including establishing your business and brand names) and you don't
require the help of a lawyer. So before you start, it’s a good idea to get all
your basic information so you can apply online. If you’re not sure about
needing help on an issue,
ask us about it first. Your small investment in
taking the time to talk to us now can help you avoid later much bigger legal
problems later on.
Licenses & Permits
Do I need any licenses?
The answer is yes. Without a business license or a DBA you may be conducting
business illegally. Just about all businesses need a state, county or city
license depending on the type of business or its location. There may be local,
county, state, and or federal licensing requirements depending on the type of
business you are in. The fees associated with getting a license from us are far
less than hiring an attorney or even using competing services.
Local Licenses and Permits:
Your licensing requirements and will vary. You may need a permit
before you can open for business. In some cases, after or before you obtain
your business license, the space you own or lease is going to be inspected
to determine if it is properly zoned for specific type of business you are
going into.
You may need a special license if you’re conducting business
out of your house, a beauty salon for example requires a state license in
addition to local permits.
State Licenses:
There are certain businesses and professions that
require a state license. State licenses are often required for the following
occupations:
- Accountants
- Building contractors
- Appraisers
- Cosmetologists
- Auctioneers
- Private investigators
- Real Estate agents
Your state may require you to have
special licenses if you sell certain products such as firearms, gasoline,
liquor, lottery tickets, etc.
Federal Licenses and Permits:
For your small businesses, federal licensing is probably not a requirement.
In businesses that are regulated by the government, federal licensing is
required. Here are some examples:
- Broadcasting
- Manufacturing tobacco alcohol, or firearms
- Drug manufacturing
- Preparation of meat products
- Ground transportation
- Selling firearms
- Investment advising
Where do I get a license?
The best place to start is to click here to take a
small test to see if you actually need one. Talk to one of our clerks,
who should be able to tell you how to get a business license. You can also
phone our clerks with questions.
How about if I am working from home?
- We will Investigate business license requirements covering small or home
based businesses. Some residential neighborhoods have strict zoning
restrictions that may prevent you from doing business out of your home. In
many areas, attitudes toward home based businesses are becoming more
acceptable.
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