Do you own a business operating in the state of New York? If so, you may need to acquire licenses and permits to ensure that your company operates in a compliant fashion.
But how do you determine which permits and licenses you need (if any), and where do you acquire them? In this guide to New York business licenses and permits, we’ll answer all the tough questions about this process.
Guru Tip: If you haven't yet started an LLC and want help getting business licenses and permits, some LLC filing services can help you take care of those requirements as part of their packages. ZenBusiness and Incfile being the two most popular.
Are There Federal Licenses That My Business Needs?
First off, let’s discuss the matter of federal licenses and permits. There are many business activities that are regulated by various federal agencies, from agriculture to transportation and logistics. We recommend taking a look at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to federal licenses and permits to make sure you’ve got your bases covered.
In addition, most businesses should acquire a federal tax ID number, also known as an EIN (employer identification number). This is essentially a social security number for your business, and it enables you to hire employees, pay business taxes, open business bank accounts, and more. You can acquire an EIN from the IRS for free.
What State-Level Licenses and Permits Apply in New York?
The state of New York does not require businesses to obtain a general business license in order to operate. However, many businesses will still need to obtain some form of professional or environmental licensing.
Thankfully, New York Business Express is designed to help businesses start and expand in the state of New York. It provides useful information on state licensing requirements, as well as a checklist for new businesses.
New York also makes it easy to apply for professional licenses. These licenses cover occupations ranging from cosmetology to home inspection. You can apply for any of these licenses right here.
Finally, certain business activities that impact the environment will also require special permits. Consult the Department of Environmental Conservation website to learn more.
Which Tax Registrations are Required for New York Businesses?
In addition to occupational licenses and permits, there are a number of state-level tax registrations, which are based on the industry you operate in and which business structure your company uses.
Corporations are subject to the Corporation Franchise Tax, while most other businesses are subject to a “filing fee,” which acts as a general tax on business.
The Department of Taxation and Finance also manages taxes for industries ranging from auto repair to tattoo artists. You can learn more about these industry-specific tax regulations right here.
Are There Local Licenses, Permits, or Registrations in New York?
The answer to this question obviously depends on where in New York you’re operating your business, but there are indeed quite a few licenses, permits, and tax registrations required by New York localities.
Depending on your location, your business might be subject to certain city or county licensing requirements. You will need to contact your local city or county clerk for more information.
Additionally, some cities provide business resource websites for local businesses, including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers.
If we were to break down the exact rules and regulations regarding permitting in every locality in the state of New York, this article would become excessively lengthy. With that in mind, we’ll simply say that every business owner should check with their local government to determine whether there are licenses, permits, or tax registrations required to operate in compliant fashion.
Can I Hire Someone to Research Licenses and Permits for My Business?
If this process sounds like a bit of a hassle, that’s because it certainly can be. If you would rather hire a reputable business services provider to handle this for you, that is always an option.
Companies like Incfile can research the necessary licenses and permits for your company on the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. They will then send you the applications you need to acquire these permits and licenses, meaning all you need to do is fill them out and mail them in.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the question of which licenses and permits your business might require to operate in the state of New York. Instead, it’s important that you know how to access the resources to determine which permits your company needs to operate in a compliant fashion.
We hope this article helped you to do just that, and we wish you good fortune in your business future!