KS Business License Basics
If you own a business in Kansas then you need a license to operate. There are many different types of Kansas 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 must be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t know the licensing rules in Kansas and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Kansas
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'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 activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Nearly all Kansas businesses will need to obtain some sort of state business license to be able to legally operate. At the very least a business will have to get a professional or occupational license. Kansas business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Kansas governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good type of local business license in order to operate in Kansas.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain kind of business within an industry. Permits have a wide variety of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Kansas Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Kansas will vary depending on what sort of business license you have to get. No matter what type of license you are trying to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply detailed information about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you will 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 Kansas business licenses they need to 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 find out more.
Maintaining Your Kansas Business License
Once you get your Kansas 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.
- Keep track of 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.