Salem, VA Business License Basics
If you own a business in Salem, VA you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of Salem 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 Virginia and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Salem, VA
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. 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 activity
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – The majority of Salem businesses will have to obtain some kind of state business license in order to legally operate. At the minimum a business will have to get a professional or occupational license. Virginia business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Salem 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 Salem.
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 Salem Business License
The steps you have got to take to obtain a business license in Salem will vary depending on which type of business license you need. No matter what type of license you are attempting to get you will have to fill out application form(s) and supply details 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 determine exactly what type of Salem 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 Salem Business Licenses
Once you get your Salem business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after 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.
- Track 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.