How to Get a Business License ID
One of the first, not so exciting challenges faced by new entrepreneurs is that of having to secure the necessary business licenses and federal ID number. What follows is a list of some of the generic business license requirements. However, to determine which apply to your new business, you should conduct research from government resources, such as Business.gov, which may allow you to link to the one-stop business licensing resource in your state. Some of these licenses can be applied for online while others will require contacting your state's regulatory agency.
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Instructions
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Secure your federal employer identification number (EIN). This ID number is likely a necessity regardless of the type of business you are starting. This number should be applied for before you open up your business bank account. If you open up a business bank account without this number, then your business income could become confused with your personal income, which can lead to tax difficulties in the future. For information about applying for the EIN visit the website of the Internal Revenue Service which is listed in the resources section below. You should be able to apply for the EIN online.
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File incorporation, LLC, or trade name requests with your state government. This request can be filed with your State's Secretary of State office and officially memorializes the existence of your new business as well as declaring the legal form by which it will exist.
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Apply for a sales tax permit number. This can probably be applied for through your state's taxing authority, such as the state tax commission. This permit should only be necessary in the event you plan to sell merchandise which must be taxed by the state.
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Obtain the necessary professional licensing from your state's occupational regulatory authorities. These agencies enforce the law and propagate rules which govern your industry. As an example, in the state of Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation regulates an incredibly diverse array of industries such as talent agencies, tow trucks, used auto part recyclers, staff leasing services, and cosmetologists.
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Register to pay necessary taxes. It may be necessary to register with your state tax commission or other state authorities in order to pay taxes such as a corporation income tax, franchise tax, inventory tax, and unemployment taxes.
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Check on local licensing. You should also check with your local government entities to ensure that you apply for applicable local licenses. For instance, the City of Seattle licenses or permits items such food and beverage businesses, property usage, special events and vehicles and vessels.
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