Salt Lake City, UT Business License Basics
If you own a business in Salt Lake City, UT you are required to have a license to operate. There are many different types of Salt Lake City 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 comprehend 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 Salt Lake City, UT
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in any 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 – The majority of Salt Lake City businesses will have to obtain some kind 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 Salt Lake City governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good type of local business license in order to operate in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Salt Lake City will vary depending on what sort of business license you need. 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'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 determine exactly what type of Salt Lake City business licenses they need to get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need guidance on licensing, the SBA is the perfect place to learn more.
Maintaining Your Salt Lake City Business Licenses
Once you get your Salt Lake City business licenses and permits you must still maintain them every 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.
- 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 to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.