Obtaining a Business License in New York City
The licenses and permits you need to start up and operate a business in New York City depend on the type of business you plan to operate. Licensing is administered by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. The NYC Business Express is a one-stop website that simplifies the process for starting a business in New York City. On this website you can find information on licensing requirements and can apply online.
The EasyStart option provides information on licensing requirements for starting and operating common types of businesses in New York City. There may be city, state and federal licensing and permit requirements, depending on your business. The NYC Business Express provides links to the corresponding information under each type of business. You can use the Requirements Wizard to customize your own scenario and find out the requirements. The Requirements Index gives an alphabetical list of topics to choose from.
Or if you click on Apply Online, under DCA Applications you can click on the type of business license you need and you will see general information, links to additional information, the prerequisites for the license, the process steps to apply for the license online or offline, operating requirements, and the fees for the license.
According to NYC Business Express, if you apply for a license online you have to complete and submit your application in one sitting. The application cannot be saved. So you should review the requirements and have all the information available before starting the application. You will also need a printer to print the confirmation page when you are finished. And you will need a credit card to pay the license fee online.
In order to meet the requirements for obtaining a license for your particular type of business you may have to go to other sources and there are prompts in the NYC Business Express to direct you. For example, if you sell products or provide services that are subject to New York sales tax you will need to apply for a sales tax Certificate of Authority. You can apply online on New York State's Online Permit Assistance and Licensing website.
If you are a sole proprietor doing business under a fictitious name, you need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name or "Doing Business As" Certificate with the county. You can find information on applying under Certificate of Assumed Name / Doing Business As for Sole Proprietorships.
If you are a sole proprietor you may be able to operate your business using your social security number. But if you have employees, or operate your business as a partnership, limited liability company or corporation, you will need a federal employer identification number. You can apply online on the IRS website.
If you set up your business as a limited partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, you need to register your business entity with the New York Secretary of State. You can find the applicable forms and requirements under Corporation/Business Entity Filings on the New York Secretary of State website.
Sources:
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online, IRS
Business, New York City
Certificate of Assumed Name / Doing Business As for Sole Proprietorships, NYC Business Express
Corporation/Business Entity Filings, New York Secretary of State
Online Permit Assistance and Licensing, New York StatePublished by Kevin Hagen
Born in Minnesota, USA in 1955; studied Business Administration - Accounting, graduating in 1977 and obtaining CPA license. Worked in corporate accounting environments, eventually becoming a technical trans... View profile
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