Ogden, UT Business License Basics
If you own a business in Ogden, UT then you need a license to operate. There are many different types of Ogden 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 understand the licensing rules in Utah and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Ogden, UT
Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates 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 – Many Ogden businesses must obtain some sort of state business license so as to legally operate. At the very least a business should get a professional or occupational license. Utah business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Ogden 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 Ogden.
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 Ogden Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Ogden will vary depending on what sort of business license you need. It doesn't matter what type of license you are hoping 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 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 Ogden business licenses they should 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 find out more.
Maintaining Your Ogden Business Licenses
Once you get your Ogden business licenses and permits you must still maintain them every year to keep them current. 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.
- 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 to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.