Retail licenses

There is no way to list all required permits, as the laws and regulations vary from place to place and from industry to industry. Check with local officials to find out what permits, if any, your retail business needs. Here are a few common permits to consider:. Before you open your doors to customers, be sure you've done the necessary research on retail business licenses and permits you need. Start filing the paperwork as soon as possible, expect delays, and provide all the necessary information to avoid any problems opening your business.

Consult with a business lawyer if you have any unusual circumstances or need further clarification on obtaining retailing licenses and permits.

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I Accept Show Purposes. As a general rule, anyone who sells tangible personal property is a retailer as far as retail license laws are concerned. Whether you open a brick-and-mortar store, sell your homemade jewelry at flea markets or make your sales online, you need to get your retail license before you start selling. Some states also require a retail license from companies that sell services. You need a license for every state where you have a physical presence, such as a store or a kiosk.

If you do all your selling over the internet, you may still need a retail license for states to which you ship. When you research your state's retail license rules, don't forget to read any information on exemptions. In California, for instance, if you don't make at least three sales in 12 months, you don't need a seller's permit. Likewise, if you sell at flea markets just once a quarter in South Carolina, you may not need a retail license. States also offer special licensing for special cases, such as selling at trade fairs or selling at a temporary location for a month or so.

Your state should have an online portal you can use to apply for your license. It may also give you the option to print out and download your application and then mail it in. Typical information you'll have to provide includes:. You'll have to pay the state fee along with the license.

If you have any back tax debt you owe the state, the department of revenue will probably require you to pay that before issuing your license. Getting your retail license from the state may not be the end of the paperwork.

There are other types of licenses you may need before you open your doors. For instance, most cities and counties across the country require businesses in their jurisdiction to take out a business license.

This is simply a permit authorizing you to operate within city or county limits. In Atlanta, for example, your business license application includes:. Fraser Sherman has written about every aspect of business: how to start one, how to keep one in the black, the best business structure, the details of financial statements. He's also run a couple of small businesses of his own. He lives in Durham NC with his awesome wife and two wonderful dogs.

His website is frasersherman. Share It.