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Where To Find Business Licenses & Permits

As a retailer or wholesaler, there are many details involved in setting up and maintaining your business. Among them include the often tedious tasks of applying for and obtaining business licenses and permits. To help kick start your search in finding out where to get these necessary details, below is a list to guide you.

Business Name Registration – www. State’s Name. gov (example – www.California.gov)

Unless you use your personal name, you will need to register your business name for tax purposes, business purposes and more. Each state has their own unique guidelines, so make sure you check your specific state’s details to ensure you take care of the necessary steps.

Employer Identification Numberwww.IRS.gov

Your employer identification number, often referred to as EIN, is an essential ID to have as a business owner. There is no cost involved in applying for this number and it will be used on many of your applications for other permits and licenses. Also known as your Federal Tax Identification Number, most vendors / wholesalers will need this number to work with retailers.

Business Licenses – www. State’s Name. gov (example – www.Illinois.gov)

Once on the website, you should then go to your County or City Clerk’s Office page to obtain the details you need for your specific business location. Every business owner will need to refer to these details to ensure they get the necessary business licenses required by their state.

Resale Certificate – www. State’s Name.gov (example – www.wisconsin.gov

Once you are on the state’s website, visit the page for the Department of Revenue. It’s possible it may be under another page within the state’s website, as well, since not all states require this license and each state has a different name for it. This license, when necessary per state, is what will allow you to buy and sell goods for your business, as well as it is what will keep you from paying taxes on most of your purchases.

Professional Licenses – Websites vary according to state. Refer to State’s Department of Licensing.

If your business needs licenses to practice, sell or perform a specific responsibility, such as for hairdressers or massage therapists, then you will need to acquire additional licensing. Each state varies as to their rules and regulations for each profession and licenses necessary, as well as where to obtain these details will vary. Looking up your state’s Department of Licensing information should point you in the right direction. Some states simply list these permits under “Applications”.

Other permits and licenses may be necessary for your business. If you sell alcohol, are planning special events, want signage outside your storefront, have zoning issues, are planning for construction or intend to put an alarm system in may require additional licensing and / or permits depending on your location. There are other situations in which  permits or licenses may be necessary, so make sure to check with your state guidelines. Fines can be hefty when storeowners dismiss the necessary requirements that their state and / or local county require, so make sure to research what your local business licenses and permits are.

To further support you in your planning, you may want to refer to your local alderman’s office, county clerk’s office or chamber of commerce organization. Often these resources have step by step guides to support small businesses looking to open within their  respective communities. Just remember to keep a checklist of what you have to do, what you’ve done and all other steps necessary because as any business owner will tell you, the list gets very long!


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