Lawrence, KS Business License Basics
If you have a business in Lawrence, KS you'll need a license to operate. There are many different types of Lawrence 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 need to 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 at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Lawrence, KS
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 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 – The majority of Lawrence 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. Kansas business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Lawrence governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some type of local business license in order to operate in Lawrence.
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 Lawrence Business License
The steps you have got to take to obtain a business license in Lawrence will vary depending on which type of business license you need to get. Regardless of what type of license you are hoping 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 ready to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners decide exactly what type of Lawrence 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 find out more.
Maintaining Your Lawrence Business Licenses
Once you get your Lawrence business licenses and permits you must still maintain them every year to keep them current. 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.
- Keep track of when licenses and permits must be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you intend to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.