Want to sell online in New York State? Learn how to get your business license
Whether or not your business needs a license is determined by the type of business you operate. All enterprises that sell goods will need to get a certificate of permission to collect sales tax. Certain businesses need state licensing and depending on the services provided, your company may require multiple licenses. New York’s Online Permit Assistance and Licensing system can tell you what state licenses your company could require.
Before doing business in New York, all firms must first register with the state. You must register your firm with the New York Department of State if it is a corporation or a limited liability company. You must register your business with the county clerk in the county where your business is situated if you are a sole proprietor or a partnership.
All enterprises must also comply with state tax laws in addition to registration. The nature of your business and the services you provide will determine your tax obligations. If you have employees, you must additionally register for unemployment insurance with the New York Department of Labor and acquire workers’ compensation insurance, as required by state law.
Are there any local licensing requirements in New York?
In order to operate in New York, many cities and municipalities need enterprises to register and get business licenses. Licensing standards, on the other hand, vary by area. The Department of Consumer Affairs in New York City, for example, requires licenses for fifty-five distinct professional categories, but Buffalo only requires eighteen. Home occupation permits are also required in some localities for firms that operate from home offices. Always check with your local municipal government to learn about your area’s particular company license requirements.
You can check New York business license requirements to obtain the licenses and permits for your business on the License Search website.
What information will I need to provide for a business license application?
Depending on the type of license you are asking for, you will be asked for different information. Most applications, however, require at least the following:
- Your company’s name
- Your company’s address and phone number
- The names of the company’s owners or officials
- The owner’s address and phone number
- The number of workers
- The owner’s social security number or a federal employer identification number (EIN) obtained from the IRS
- Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- Driver’s license number.
You may also be required to produce evidence of identification and documents demonstrating that you have satisfied all other state and city business criteria when applying for a local business permit.
How much does it cost to get a business license in New York?
NY business licenses range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Here are some examples of costs as of the date of this article to give you an idea:
A barber’ exam costs $60
A nail technician test costs $15, and a license costs $40
A massage therapist costs $108.
Each license also has its own period. Some permits must be renewed on a yearly basis, while others are only valid for four years. Thankfully, renewing is sometimes less expensive than purchasing a new one.
New York business insurance
Accidents, third-party damage, and other expenses may be covered by business insurance. Some company licenses in New York may mandate a specified level of insurance coverage.
Even if your business isn’t required to carry insurance, it’s a good idea to do so. When renting office space or creating trust with new clients, having a policy might be beneficial. Not to mention how your policy might protect your company’s finance in the event of a lawsuit.
