How to Obtain a Business License for a Painter in Knoxville, TN

Start a painting business in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Starting a painting business requires little start-up money. The business can be operated at home, eliminating the need to purchase or lease space. Also, you can operate the business part time. As your business grows, you can hire subcontractors. Starting any business is risky, but if you have the heart and are willing to work hard, obtain a business license. In Knoxville, Tennessee, you must obtain a city and county business license. The application can be downloaded from the city of Knoxville's website.

Instructions

1. Contact the City of Knoxville zoning office to verify if it is legal to start a business in your home. You must have approval from the Department of Development, Inspections Bureau before starting any business in Knoxville.

2. Apply for a new business by selecting the "New Business" box.

3. Enter your business' contact information. Include your business' name, physical address and mailing address, if there is one. The physical address can't be a P.O. Box number. Also, include your business' telephone number, fax number, a contact person's name and email address.

4. Select the business structure. A sole proprietorship is owned by one individual. A partnership has one or more owners. A corporation and limited liability company protects owners' assets in the event of a lawsuit. Select if your business is owned by you and your spouse. Choose other if your structure is something different. State that you are a painter. Consult a business attorney or a certified public accountant to help determine which business structure is best for you.

5. Enter your business' opening date and all identification and federal numbers.

6. Enter the business owners, officers and partners information. Include an attachment if there are more than two owners.

7. Sign the business license application if all of the information you submitted is true to the best of your knowledge and belief. The person who signs the form must be one of the owners you included on the application.

Tips & Warnings

• The business license application fee is $15.

• Painter's business licenses expire on Sept. 30. A 60-day grace period is given for tax purposes and renewing a license. Interest begins to accrue Dec. 1. Send tax, interest and license payments by cash, personal check or money order the City County Building, 400 Main Street, Room 450,Knoxville, TN 37902. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

References

• City of Knoxville, Tennessee: Business License / Tax Office
• City of Knoxville Application for Business Tax License: Department of Finance Revenue Office Business Tax Division
• Starting a Painting Business: Ten Reasons to Start a Painting Business

Resources

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Starting and Managing a Business
• IRS.gov: How to Apply for an EIN
• American Contractors Exam Services: Tennessee Contractor Licenses (TN)