Scarborough, ME Business License Basics
If you have a business in Scarborough, ME you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of Scarborough 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 must 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 Scarborough, ME
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. 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 have 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 Scarborough businesses will need to obtain some kind of state business license to be able to legally operate. At the very least a business should get a professional or occupational license. Maine business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Scarborough governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good sort of local business license in order to operate in Scarborough.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain kind of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get Scarborough Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Scarborough will vary depending on what sort of business license you need. No matter what type of license you are trying to get you will have 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 Scarborough business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need guidance on licensing, the SBA is the best place to learn more.
Maintaining Your Scarborough Business Licenses
Once you get your Scarborough 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.
- Track 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.