How to Activate a License for a Small Office Business
- 1). Identify your small office business's compliance needs and requirements by researching the federal and state business licensing requirements. Most of this information is available online. You'll need a federal and/or state license or permit if your business is involved in activities that are regulated by federal or state agencies. Many business are required to activate at least a local county or city business permit.
- 2). Register your small office business on the federal and state level by determining the legal structure of your business (corporation or other structure), registering your business name (usually with your state's Secretary of State) and obtaining your federal tax identification number (through the Internal Revenue Service).
- 3). Register with the Departments of Revenue in the states you conduct business, if needed. Apply for any necessary state tax identification numbers, such as sales tax numbers, you need to open your small business office.
- 4). Contact the Business Licensing Department that handles licensing for your city and county. The website link for locating city and county license and permit requirements and offices is below in the reference section.
Also, be sure to find out specifically what permits and licenses you need in the states where you do business. Each state's definition of "business presence" may change periodically. - 5). Request help for application assistance if you need it. The Business License information centers in most states are available to provide support.
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