How to Get a Small Business License in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For those looking to start a small business in Philadelphia, PA, all requests for licensing must be made with the Department of Licenses and Inspections. This particular department is responsible for issuing all city permits and licenses associated with commercial enterprise activity. The L & I department will advise you on all licensing requirements for your specific business, along with issuing all documentation upon approval.
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Things You'll Need
- Application packet for small business license
- Pennsylvania sales and tax number
- Valid EIN
Instructions
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Contact the licensing department at 215-686-2490 and request advice on all licenses and permits needed to obtain a small business license for your enterprise and for operation. You will need to provide the representative with your name and address, the location of your business and provide them with details about the type of business you will be running. The representative will in turn, up-date you on all licenses and permits required, advise you on the cost of each license and permit, as well as all approvals required by other departments such as the Health Department for an eating establishment, for example.
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Request an application packet to be sent to include all paperwork for your business, such as the required license and permit forms. Your packet will also include the application for your Philadelphia business tax number and all instructions for filling out the paperwork in your application packet.
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Seek the approval of all permits and licenses as required to obtain your business license. The information packet you receive by mail will detail all license and permits for which your must apply. Apply for all required permits as instructed, before completing the rest of your packet.
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Fill out the application for your business tax number in its entirety, once you have received all contingent permits and licenses. Be sure to sign and date the application.
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Fill out the Business Privilege License (BPL) form, detailing all requested information. Be sure to sign and date this form as well.
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Write a check or money order for the amount of the business license for payment remittance. The amount will be listed on the application for your business privilege license, or you can call the Department of Licensing and Inspections to confirm the fees.
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Organize all documentation, including the completed applications, all documentation of required permits and secondary license approvals, along with your check or money order for licensing fees.
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Send the packet by postal mail to the Department of Licensing and Inspections address listed on your business license application form.
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Wait for your approval. Generally, it takes the Department of Licensing and Inspections approximately one to three business days, contingent upon securing all required approvals beforehand, and all your information being filled out correctly and adequately on your applications.
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Tips & Warnings
The Business Privilege License is issued more often in the city of Philadelphia than any other license. Any business operating within the city limits, whether or not they have a physical address, will require this license. This license is issued one time and can be used at multiple locations.
Some businesses are required the have just the Business Privilege License, while others will need a combination of licenses to operate. Follow the instructions provided by the Department of Licensing and Inspections closely to help ensure a smooth application process.
You will need a Pennsylvania sales and tax number, as well as an EIN (Employer Identification Number) issued by the IRS before you can apply for a business license in the City of Philadelphia. Be sure to secure these before requesting your business license (see Resources).
References
Resources
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