Long Island Injury Lawyer

Business Licenses

Posted on 02. Mar, 2010 by Admin in Injury Lawyer

Before starting any business, it is required for business owners to obtain business licenses. And depending on your business, the federal government may also require you to secure special licenses. Failure to conform to the law by not filing for the right licenses can get you in big trouble. Before establishing a business, you should understand some of the common licenses required and pay attention to your town, city, and county regulations.

Business Licenses

• General Business License – This is a license that has to be mandatorily obtained. This grants a business owner the privilege of operating a business within a certain city and/or county jurisdiction.
• State Business Licenses – In many states, people in certain occupation must have licenses or occupational permits. Some examples are the licenses required for doctors, lawyers, building contractors and others who must meet state licensing requirement meaning they have to pass state examinations before they can conduct business. Some businesses like restaurants that serve alcohol, also require a state license. These businesses must meet certain state standards or codes. Each state has different agencies regulating these types of businesses.
• Sales Tax Licenses – This license will allow you to charge sales tax to customers on purchased goods and other services. Sales taxes vary by state and are imposed at the retail level.
• Federal Licenses – For a very few businesses, federal licensing is required. Federal licensing is required if the business is highly regulated by the government. Some examples are: radio and TV stations, investment advisory services, interstate-trucking companies, businesses involved with meat preparation, and those that sell heavily regulated products such as firearms. The Federal Trade Commission can tell you if your business requires a federal license.

Added Tip

If you or someone you know is starting your own business and need assistance with the required license, consider consulting an attorney to either advise you on or handle the entire application process for you. Your business may require more than one business license. Make sure you understand which licenses you must have, as well as the order in which you need to obtain them.

Additional Legal Resource: South Florida Business Lawyer Ned Kimmelman.

This article is for information purposes only and not intended to replace legal advice.

Tags: business licenses, federal licenses, general business licenses, sales tax licenses, South Florida Business Lawyer, state business licenses