ACQUIRING BUSINESS LICENSES & PERMITSThe type of business you wish to start, as well as the location of that business, will determine which licenses and permits you will require in order to be in compliance with City, State and Federal Law. For example, the members of certain professions, attorneys, doctors, accountants, and many contractors are required to have professional licenses to practice. However, other businesses may require licenses and permits in order to operate in compliance with all applicable laws. The guide below, adapted from a form provided by the City of Tucson, is merely a general list of issues for consideration, and locations of information to assist you in beginning the often confusing process of acquiring the proper paperwork for your new business. As stated by the City of Tucson, the following checklist will be applicable to the majority of businesses seeking Occupational, Business Privilege or Liquor Licenses to operate within the City of Tucson. For further information on your business’ specific needs, contact:
If your business is located within the city limits of Tucson, or does business within the city limits, you will require a City Business License;
If your business is operated out of your home located within the city limits, you will need a permit for Home Occupation;
If any construction or tenant improvement is required at the business site, you will need a plan review, permit and certificate of occupancy;
If your business location has not previously been used for your type of business, you may need plan review, permit and certificate of occupancy;
To determine whether your business must conform with an area plan, parking or zoning requirements:
If you intend to serve or sell liquor, you will need a State liquor license;
If you intend to prepare or sell food you will need to comply with health code regulations and get the appropriate permits and licenses;
If you intend to engage in manufacturing you will need to comply with government environmental regulations;
If you intend to have employees you will need to complete appropriate tax and insurance forms;
If you will be selling items, you will require State sales tax, use tax, withholding tax, wholesale tobacco tax or other tax compliance identification numbers and information;
If you intend to act as a general or sub-contractor, you will need appropriate licensing and permits;
If you will be retailing, wholesaling, brokering, auctioning, manufacturing/distributing, titling, transporting or recycling vehicles:
If you need commercial drivers license information, title and registration or insurance information:
If you will be using or storing hazardous materials:
If you intend to form the business as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership, you will need to comply with statutory regulations and filings;
If you intend to open a business bank account, you will need an Employer Identification Number (which is required in many cases even if you business will not be hiring employees);
If you require Federal tax forms or information:
If you require property tax information:
If you would like to protect your trade name, "doing business as" name or company slogan, you will need to complete an Application for Trade Name, Trademark, or complete a Certificate of Fictitious Name;
If you intend to install a sign on or in front of your place of business:
Unless otherwise prohibited by Tucson City Ordinance, an Occupational Business License, Business Privilege License and Liquor License may be issued before all of the above steps have been completed.
DisclaimerThis fact sheet is meant only as a general description of the current laws as of the date of the writing. They are not exhaustive and are intended to be only an overview. Many issues may appear simpler than they are, and one should always contact an attorney to obtain a complete, accurate interpretation of the law given the individual circumstances. Thompson Klausner Law Group, p.c. makes no representations as to how the law would affect a particular situation and intends only to illustrate areas of concern and give information. ©2000, Thompson Law Group, P.C. Lisa C. Thompson, Esq. |