Kennebunk, ME Business License Basics
If you have a business in Kennebunk, ME you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of Kennebunk 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 need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t know the licensing rules in Maine and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Kennebunk, ME
Federal Business Licenses – The federal 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 activity
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Nearly all Kennebunk 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. Maine business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Kennebunk governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some type of local business license to be able to operate in Kennebunk.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide variety of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get Kennebunk Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Kennebunk will vary depending on what sort of business license you need to get. It doesn't 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'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 Kennebunk business licenses they need to get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need assistance with licensing, the SBA is the best place to get more info.
Maintaining Your Kennebunk Business Licenses
Once you get your Kennebunk business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after year to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended if you want 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 intend to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.