Washington, UT Business License Basics
If you own a business in Washington, UT you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of Washington 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 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 Washington, 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 one of these federally regulated activities you will have 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 Washington businesses will have to obtain some type of state business license in order 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 Washington governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some kind of local business license to be able to operate in Washington.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get Washington Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Washington will vary depending on what sort of business license you need. Regardless of what type of license you are attempting 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 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 Washington 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 find out more.
Maintaining Your Washington Business Licenses
Once you get your Washington business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly 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 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.