IN Business License Basics
If you own a business in Indiana you'll need a license to operate. There are many different types of Indiana 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 required 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 know the licensing rules in Indiana and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Indiana
Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in one of these federally regulated activities you will need to get a federal business license.
Activities that will 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 activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Many Indiana businesses will have to obtain some kind of state business license so as to legally operate. At the minimum a business will need to get a professional or occupational license. Indiana business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Indiana governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some sort of local business license to be able to operate in Indiana.
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 Indiana Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Indiana will vary depending on which kind of business license you need. Regardless of 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 determine exactly what type of Indiana 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 best place to get more info.
Maintaining Your Indiana Business License
Once you get your Indiana business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after year to keep them current. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Monitor when licenses and permits have to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you would like to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.