Are you starting a small business? Congratulations! But before you can begin, you’ll need to obtain the right business licenses and permits. Depending on your industry, type of business, and location, there can be many different types of business licenses you need to obtain. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of business licenses you might need for your small business and what it takes to apply for them.
How to Get a Business License As a Sole Proprietor
If you are a sole proprietor looking to start your own small business, there are a few types of business licenses that you may need in order to legally operate.
From registering your business name and obtaining the necessary permits to filing local, state, and federal taxes, understanding the different types of business licenses is essential to make sure you are in compliance with the law.
Sole proprietor licenses are what most businesses will use, and they’re required to register with the government.
-A small business can obtain a sole proprietorship license by filling out the proper forms, which you can find at your local city hall office.
-You’ll need a personal identification number and two pieces of personal identification to prove your identity.
-If you plan on hiring employees, you’ll need to register as an employer.
-Some people choose to incorporate their company for extra security or for access to certain government grants or benefits that require incorporation. However, there are many costs associated with incorporation, so it’s worth it only if your company has significant assets or is looking for one of these specific benefits.
Partnership Business License
partnership business licenses, who needs it? Partnerships are the most common form of business. The partners may be corporations, other partnerships, or individuals. Partnership can be in many different forms: general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership and joint venture.
If a company is not a corporation then one partner must be designated as the managing partner and will generally have control over day-to-day operations.
Corporation Business License
corporation , partnership, and sole proprietorship. In a corporation, a person or group of people (shareholders) own the company, and appoint an individual (the president) to run it.
Partnerships are similar to corporations, in that they have shareholders who share responsibility for running the company; however partnerships are not considered separate legal entities like corporations are.
A sole proprietorship is owned by one person and there is no distinction between the business owner and the business itself; as such, there is no requirement for registration with any government entity.
LLC License
s-corp or LLC. You might want to set up an S-Corp for your small business if you are considering applying for federal loans or grants, or registering your company as a foreign entity in another country.
In most cases, the IRS will treat income and losses from the S-Corp as flowing through to the shareholders. The company does not pay taxes on its income but instead passes that responsibility on to the shareholders who report this information on their tax return each year.
What Are The Different Types of Business License?
What are the different types of business licenses? A start-up company needs a local business license to operate in that city. If they expand, they might need a county or state business license depending on where they operate.
Some businesses need special licenses or permits in order to sell their products, so it is important to know what licenses you will need before starting your small business.
Government agencies issue many different types of business licenses. It can be difficult to know where to start. Discover six different types of business licenses and find out where and how to get them.
1. Federal business licenses
In most cases, a federal license is not necessary. However, you might need a license from the relevant federal agency before you start up if you manufacture or sell goods that are subject to federal regulation.
Many of these permits are only available to bigger businesses. However, if you work in one of the following sectors, you might want to get in touch with the relevant government to find out more about federal company regulations.
- Agriculture: You could require a license from the US if you work with animals, animal products, plants, or biotechnology. Agriculture Department., Opens overlay
- You require a license from the Federal Communications Commission to transmit through satellite, radio, or television.
- Cargo: The Federal Maritime Commission, Opens overlay, requires a license from businesses that transport people or cargo internationally.
- Transportation: The U.S. may require licenses and permits from your company if it uses an enormous or overweight vehicle. Opens overlay for the Department of Transportation.
Go to the website of the relevant government to apply for a federal business license. Most have online applications, making it quick and easy to apply.
2. State business licenses
Even though not every company must register with the federal government, many do require state licenses. States grant operating permits to a variety of businesses, from building to pet care.
To find out if you require a license, contact your state’s Department of Commerce or Secretary of State’s office. Online resources that detail the prerequisites for state licenses are probably available from your state.
The paperwork for a state business license often includes questions like:
- Business filing: To get started, register your company with the department of commerce in your state. You might need to submit additional documentation if you want to form a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company (PDF).
- Taxpayer identification number: All applicants need a taxpayer identification number (TIN). If you have a partnership, an LLC or a corporation, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. If you’re a sole proprietor (PDF), you may be able to use your Social Security number (SSN) or apply for an EIN.
Annual fee: Each state has a fee structure for operational licenses, and most require you to renew your license every year
3. Local business licenses
You can occasionally also require a county or city business license. For instance, local authorities frequently grant licenses to establishments that offer food or drink.
Although city and county license regulations differ, the following local business licenses are typical:
- operating permits
- Building licenses
- permissions for land use and zoning
- Health permits and licenses
- Signage permits
Consult your city and county authorities or try calling your neighborhood Department of Commerce to learn if you need a local license.
4. Professional licenses
To work in particular sectors, many states additionally demand professional licenses and qualifications. These permits attest to the fact that you or your staff members are qualified for the position. The following professions frequently demand professional licenses:
- Accountants
- Doctors
- Electricians
- stylists for hair
- insurance brokers
- Mechanics
- Nurses
- Plumbers
- security personnel
- agents for real estate
A professional license may require more time to get than a business license and may require some or all of the following:
A bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree, or a professional certification may be required for some licenses.
Work experience: Before becoming certified, you may need to work for a year or longer in various professions.
Pass a test: To receive your license, you might need to take a common exam. It is possible to take written or practical exams.
Pay a fee: A professional license often has a two-year or longer term. Every time you renew your license, you might need to submit an application and pay a charge.
If you want to learn more about the regulations, contact your professional organization.
5. Sales tax licenses
Sales tax is levied on goods and some services by the majority of states and many cities. You should presumably charge sales tax and apply for a state tax license if you intend to sell things.
To find out if you require a sales tax certificate and how to submit an application, contact the tax authorities in your state. State tax licenses have a one-year expiration date, just like many other company permits. That implies that in order to keep yours current, you must renew it annually.
It might be difficult to keep track of recurrent tax payments. Manage your recurrences and outgoing payments with the aid of business banking services like QuickPay and wire transfers.
6. Home-based business licenses
If you work as a consultant or independent contractor, you can manage your small business from home. It’s simple to believe that starting this kind of business doesn’t require any specific documentation, but this isn’t the reality.
Certain home-based enterprises require permits for home occupations. This kind of license attests that your operation won’t disrupt nearby traffic or generate noise. Additionally, it promises that you won’t harm the environment. These permits are often provided by county and city offices, so contact one of them to obtain one.
What is a Common Business License ?
The most typical license for small firms is one for retail sales. You must apply for this kind of license if you wish to sell things. In Ontario, a retail sales license is required in order to offer products or services. The other forms are wholesale meat merchant licenses, dairy produce dealer licenses, food handler licenses, and marketing and processing licenses for agricultural products.
What Do You Need to Get a Business License ?
Be careful to ask your local government about the rules and restrictions as each city, state, and province has distinct license requirements.
It is typical to apply for both business permits and the expatriate quota at the same time since, aside from acquiring a business permit, any foreigner wishing to work in Nigeria must do so through a firm after applying for the expatriate quota in Nigeria.
Such a foreigner will subsequently be given a work permit, commonly known as a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC).
Conditions for Obtaining a Business License or Permit:
- a request letter for the Interior Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
- acquired a certificate of incorporation from CAC.
- a copy of the CAC forms displaying the share capital structure statements and information about the shareholders and directors
- Company’s bylaws and articles of incorporation
- Certificate of Tax Clearance for the registered company.
- evidence of purchasing a commercial location (Lease Agreement or C of O).
- Project Implementation Program (Business Plan) and Feasibility Report (shall be certified or registered with CAC)
- Where appropriate, a joint venture agreement between Nigerians and foreigners
- Information on the joint venture’s shareholding structure
- The Local Content Board’s blessing (NCDMB)
Can You Set up a Business With no Money?
Even if you have a successful business idea but no money to start it, you can still become an entrepreneur. There are numerous ways to launch a business without any funding. Most of the time, all you require is an entrepreneurial attitude, which includes perseverance, diligence, inventiveness, and a willingness to try new things.
This manual explains how to bootstrap your own company on a shoestring budget. The aim? You can first invest in expansion in order to start producing money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What business license do I need in Florida?
Florida doesn’t require or issue a state-wide business operating license.
Is an LLC a business license in Florida?
Getting an LLC license in Florida is a popular way to start a business.
Do I need a business license?
Almost every business needs some type of business license to operate legally in the state you are doing business in
Reference
- https://blog.hubspot.com-How to Get a Business License As a Sole
- https://www.chase.com-What are The Different Types of Business
- https://www.shopify.com-Can you set up a business with no money
