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Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need licenses for my business?

   More than likely, you need licenses to legally run your business and meet all local, county, state, and federal requirements. The exact number of licenses you need depends on your industry and location.

2. When do I need a business license?

   You should get all required licenses before you start operating your business or open your doors to the public. Otherwise, you could face fines and other penalties. Once you have your licenses, it's important to display them properly, make copies for your records, and keep track of renewal dates.

3. Who issues business licenses?

   They're issued by all levels of government—city, county, state, and federal—so you might need to apply with various agencies and departments. Our partner, Business Licenses, makes that part easy by finding all of the licenses you need at every governmental level.

4. Why are business licenses required?

   There are three main reasons. Licenses help protect the public's health and safety, track a business's finances for tax purposes, and identify businesses so they can be held accountable for their actions.

5. What are some common licenses, permits, and tax registrations?

   Here are some that businesses often need: home occupation permit, zoning permit, building permit, Health Department permit, sales tax license, seller's permit, Fire and Police Department permit, and withholding tax registration.