A Checklist for Licenses and Permits Needed to Start a Business

You may need to obtain several licenses and permits from the Federal, State or local authorities if you are trying to start a business. Even for a small business the licensing vary according to the jurisdiction, you need to contact the local or state government officials to know the specific license that is necessary for your business.

Below is the checklist of all the licenses or permits you may need to obtain before opening your business in the United States.

Licenses Required for a Business

1. Basic Business License: License for managing the business from a particular location or a city or county.

2. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): You need to get the EIN from the state government to keep track of the taxation and revenues of the business.

3. Special State Issued Licenses: There are some special permits issued by the state governments for some businesses like

• Liquor or Alchohol
• Lottery Tickets
• Gasoline
• Firearms

4. Special State Issued Professional Licenses: Special Permits for services that include

• Medical Care
• Auto Repair
• Real Estate Sales
• Tax Services
• Sale of Insurance
• Cosmetology Services
• Legal Representations

5. Special Federal Licensing: The following businesses requires Federal Business License

• Investment Advising
• Drug Manufacturing
• Meat Products Preparation
• Broadcasting
• Ground Transportation
• Manufacturing of Tobacco, Alchohol, Firearms or selling of firearms.

6. Sales Tax License

If you are dealing with selling of goods and services and you are located in a state that charges Sales Tax, then you need to take sales tax license along with the other licenses. Do check with your state to determine if your products are taxable or not.

Permits Required for a Business

1. Fictitious Business Name Permit: You need to take a permit from the officials for “Doing Business As (DBA).” It is required for all types of businesses.

2. Land Use Permit: Land Permit is to obtained by manufacturing and home-based operating businesses.

3. A permit from the Health Department: If your business is a manufacturer of food, then you need to get a permit from the local health department and also requires an annual inspection. Food trucks, restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturers need health permits.

4. Fire Permit: If you are using any flammable objects in your manufacturing or business, then you need to take the fire permit from the government.

5. Permit to keep Sign Boards: If you wish to put a sign up for your business, then you need to take permission from the county/city zoning departments.

6. Home Occupation Permits: If you are running a home based business, then you need to take permit for the home-based work. Additional permits are required for services like child care facility.

Conclusion

If you are planning to launch your own business, then you need to complete all the licensing and permits work well before the launch. If your business is already running, then you need to take care of the license periods and apply for the overlooked licenses and permits. Operating without the correct license or permits can lead to the imposition of huge fines or even the shutdown of your business.

Are you planning to start a new business and looking for a one-stop company that serves all your licensing and permit needs? Contact Bizlic (Corp-n-Biz Recorders) that provides license services to open, close and maintain businesses of all types and sizes. Call us today at 1.818.243.1987 to discuss more details!