How to Get a Colorado Business License
If you want to start a business in the state of Colorado, there are a few things you will have to do before you can open for business. You will need to obtain things like a federal tax identification number if you will have employees, or a sales tax number if you are going to sell items. Business licenses are also required for most businesses within each county and city. However, not all counties are the same. Some counties do not require business licenses for certain operations, such as non-profits or consultants, while other counties, like Larimer, only require a license for two types of businesses, liquor and trash-hauling. Obtaining a license in your town or county is a simple process.
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Instructions
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Log on to the website of the city where you want to locate your business or call the City Clerk's office and see if a license is required for your type of business. If it is, find the link to download a business license application. If there is no on line link to download the application, go to the town hall, City Clerk's office or Tax office to pick up an application. The county you are in might also require a business license. Check with the County Tax Office to see if one is needed.
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Fill out the business license application fully including business information, contact information and number of employees. A federal tax identification number is not required to obtain the license, but will be needed before you open if you have employees. You can apply for the federal ID number at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website or by calling 800-829-4933, by faxing form SS-4 to 859-669-5760 or by mailing the form in to the IRS.
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
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Mail the business license application back to the address on the form or bring it to the location where you picked it up. Include the license application fee with the form. In Colorado, business license fees are based on the type of business you are planning to run as well as the number of employees. If you mail it in, you will need to wait for the license to be sent to you, which can take a week or more. If you go to the office, you might receive the license right away.
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Tips & Warnings
Certain types of professional businesses will require other licensing to operate within the state. These are not business licenses, but professional licenses that the state requires in order to watch over how the individuals conduct themselves and make sure they operate under the standards set by the state. Some workers or businesses that might fall into this category are doctors, contractors, daycares and lawyers. These licenses can typically be applied for through your county government as well.
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