License and Permits to Operate a Business
There are many laws that apply to owning and operating a business. There are Federal laws including the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. There are State laws including the different legal entities you can choose and the selling, sales and use taxes and distribution of alcohol. You then have local laws that are enforced at the County or Parish level that cover licenses and permits to operate certain types of businesses.
To make sure you comply with the local licenses and permits where you live, either go online and find your local county website and check out what you require for what reasons or go in and speak to one of their advisors at their front counters. Face to face is probably the best way to go as you can ask questions and get clear answers on what you need to do, when you need to do them, the costs and many other pieces of information.
If you are required to obtain a license or permit, there will inevitably be forms to complete and a process to follow. While you are at the front counter you can get the forms and understand the process you need to follow to make sure the paperwork is filed correctly.
What type of licenses or permits are required? You may be surprised, hence the reason I recommend you go and speak to someone in person. Because of a license requirement you may decide not to offer that product or service. Some obvious examples of licenses and permits include selling tobacco, firearms, alcohol and food (restaurants and cafes etc.) Some lesser known examples include a permit to conduct a public dance, daycare or child care service, palm reading or fortune telling, dismantle autos, arcade and gaming centers.
Owning and operating a business is all about minimizing risk. Do your research properly the first time and follow the law with what you need and should not be doing so you can focus on the very reason you went into business in the first place and that was to make a profit.
If you would like more information about selling a business, buying a business, buying a franchise or a related service such as valuing a business, please visit my webpage Services and choose from the drop down menu the information you would like.
For more immediate help, you are welcome to send an email to Andrew Rogerson or give me a call on 916 570-2674.