How to Obtain a Business License in New York

A business license allows you to apply for grants and loans.

The state of New York requires business owners to obtain a business license. Depending on the type of business you operate, a business license may be required by the federal government as well. Your state business license is the primary document needed for tax purposes and to conduct basic business operations. Obtaining a business license also allows you to apply for grants, loans and other assistance.

Things You'll Need

• Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)
• Building Permit (if remodeling or building a commercial space)
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Fire and Police Department Permit (for a business that attracts large amount of customers)
• Health Department Permit (if business involves preparation and sale of food)
• Home Occupation Permit (home-based business)
• Sales Tax License/Sellers Permit (selling products or services)
• State Identification Number or tax registration number
• Zoning and Land Use Permit

Instructions

1. 

   If your business has employees, obtain an Employee Identification Number.

   If your business will have employees or is a partnership or corporation, contact the IRS at 800-829-4933 to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Also, if you have employees, you will need to obtain unemployment insurance tax.

2. Apply for local permits and licenses from your local government. See the "Things You'll Need" section of this article for the licenses and permits required. All paperwork can be acquired from the Department of Taxation and Finance.

3. Register with the following agency if your business is a corporation, nonprofit or Limited Liability Company (LLC):

   Department of State’s Division of Corporations

   One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue

   6th Floor

   Albany, NY 12231

   If your business is a sole proprietorship, there is no need to register with the state. If you are operating as a sole proprietorship ,you must use your real name. If you would like to use a different name, file for a "fictitious name filing," also known as Doing Business As or DBA.

4. Keep records of employment taxes if your business is a corporation, nonprofit or LLC. The information you will need to retain for tax and insurance purposes includes:

   Withholding Income Taxes

   Federal Income Tax Withholding (Form W-4)

   Federal Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2)

   State Taxes

5. Fill all documents out completely, sign and file for your New York business license by either mailing or filing in person to:

   Department of Taxation and Finance

   42 Broadway

   New York NY 10007

References

• SCORE
• Department of Taxation and Finance