Beckley, WV Business License Basics
If you own a business in Beckley, WV you are required to have a license to operate. There are various types of Beckley 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 West Virginia and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Beckley, WV
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 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 activity
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – The majority of Beckley businesses will have to obtain some type of state business license to be able to legally operate. At the minimum a business will need to get a professional or occupational license. West Virginia business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Beckley governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some kind of local business license in order to operate in Beckley.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide array of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get Beckley Business License
The steps you have got to take to obtain a business license in Beckley will vary depending on what sort of business license you need. No matter what type of license you are hoping 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 decide exactly what type of Beckley 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 get more info.
Maintaining Your Beckley Business Licenses
Once you get your Beckley business licenses and permits you must still maintain them every year to keep them current. The guidelines below are recommended in order 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 want to change or expand your business make sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.