End Goal: Understand all the licenses that are required to start your business #
Professional Licenses: #
Your business may need a professional license. States require various licenses based on industries. Be certain to obtain all necessary licenses under your state requirements.
Sales Tax Permit: #
Sales tax is collected when a business sells their product to the end consumer. It is collected by the business and then paid to the government. Every state is different and within each state sales tax rates can be different from county to county and city to city. Additionally, some states require sales tax to be collected on certain services.
Business Permits: #
Some states and municipalities require you to have a business license or permit to operate.
Certificate of Occupancy – If you have a building where people come to shop you may be required to get a certificate of occupancy. This is typically done by the fire marshal.
Health Permits: #
Anyone serving food to the public usually has to have a health permit. The health permit is done by city or county.
Additional permits: #
While your specific case is likely covered with any licenses mentioned above, you should make sure any other licenses that are needed are obtained. Some more examples are below.
- “Liquor License”
- Solicitation License
