CT Business License Basics
If you have a business in Connecticut you are required to have a license to operate. There are many different types of Connecticut business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be expected to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that has to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t comprehend the licensing rules in Connecticut and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Connecticut
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates in any one of these federally regulated activities you will have to get a federal business license.
Activities that'll be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activity
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Many Connecticut businesses must obtain some type of state business license so as to legally operate. At the very least a business should get a professional or occupational license. Connecticut business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Connecticut governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good sort of local business license in order to operate in Connecticut.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Connecticut Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Connecticut will vary depending on which type of business license you have to get. It doesn't matter what type of license you are hoping to get you will have to fill out application form(s) and supply details about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners figure out exactly what type of Connecticut business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need help with licensing, the SBA is the perfect place to learn more.
Maintaining Your Connecticut Business License
Once you get your Connecticut business licenses and permits you must still maintain them every year to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Track when licenses and permits need to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you intend to change or expand your business make sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.