VT Business License Basics
If you own a business in Vermont you are required to have a license to operate. There are various types of Vermont 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 comprehend the licensing rules in Vermont and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Vermont
Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in any 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 – Nearly all Vermont businesses will need to obtain some type of state business license in order to legally operate. At the very least a business will need to get a professional or occupational license. Vermont business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Vermont governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some kind of local business license to be able to operate in Vermont.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide array of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Vermont Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Vermont will vary depending on which type of business license you need to get. Regardless of what type of license you are trying to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply details 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 figure out exactly what type of Vermont 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 learn more.
Maintaining Your Vermont Business License
Once you get your Vermont business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended if you wish to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Track 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 be sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.