Arizona small business license

Small Business Menu. Business Licensing One of the most common questions individuals ask when starting a business is, "Where do I get an Arizona business license? For questions about whether or not your business activity is subject to transaction privilege sales or use tax, check with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

There is not a "blanket state license" that allows you to "opt out" of obtaining any local licenses which may be required. You may wish to consult with your attorney.

Federal - Examples of regulated industries include: agriculture; alcohol; appliances; automobiles; aviation; clothing and textiles; finance; firearms, ammunition and explosives; fish and wildlife; franchises, business opportunities, and investments; funerals; human resources; jewelry; mining and drilling; non-profits; radio and television broadcasting; real estate and mortgages; tobacco; transportation and logistics, etc.

Visit the U. Their Business Guides by Industry allows you to explore information about a variety of industries and find invaluable information targeted to your specific line of business. The county health departments issue permits to - and perform inspections on - businesses like food establishments, pet shops, public accommodations, public and semi-public swimming pools, mobile food vendors, and trailer parks. The county regulates water, wastewater and solid waste related activities.

In addition, industry associations may be aware of governmental requirements for your industry. You may need to obtain one or more state licenses or permits, or complete one or more kinds of state registration, as part of the start-up process. Here's a quick look at some of the main informational resources available and a few of the steps you may need to take. This includes guidance on how to start and grow your business in Arizona.

The U. The office's website lists upcoming events, resources, and news for small businesses. The website has information on small business events and how to get one-on-one business counseling. Not every Arizona business needs a license. However, many types of business either can or must get one or more licenses or permits. Different licenses are issued by different state agencies. The license is required for businesses that will sell products or engage in certain types of activities.

The TPT license is similar to what in other states would be called a sales tax license. Apart from a TPT license, some businesses may be required to obtain what are broadly known as regulatory licenses and permits.

These are licenses and permits for certain regulated business activities. Regulatory licenses and permits might cover, for example, activities affecting the environment or health and safety. Apart from state licenses, some required licenses and permits are issued locally. The requirements vary depending on the city, town, or county involved. The City of Tucson, for example, has its own business license requirements. You can find more details by checking the website for the city and county where you'll operate your business.

Some businesses may be exempt from local licensing requirements under state or federal law. In addition to the foregoing licenses and permits, some people will need professional or occupational licenses, which are discussed below. Beyond obtaining required licenses or permits, some legal forms of business, such as corporations and limited liability companies LLCs , are required to file records with the state. If you're a member of any one of many professions and occupations, you'll need to be licensed by the State of Arizona.

Unlike other states, Arizona's state government currently does not have a website with a list of licensed professions and occupations and links to their respective regulatory boards and licensing requirements.

Therefore, you'll need to do an Internet search for the profession or occupation in which you're interested. Many small businesses don't simply operate under the names of their owners. Instead, they operate under a business name. In addition, some businesses, such as corporations and LLCs, may originally register with the state under one name sometimes called the registered name, actual name, or true name , but later choose to operate under another name.

Depending on where you're doing business and how your business is structured, this alternative business name technically may be known as an assumed name, a fictitious name, a trade name, or a DBA for "doing business as".

The filing, however, is not legally required. Example: Felipe originally organized his car repair business as an Arizona corporation named Phil's Phoenix Garage, Inc. There are separate legal definitions for trademarks, service marks, and trade names. However, speaking very generally, trademarks, service marks, and trade names are used to uniquely identify goods products , services, or a business.

This includes distinguishing a product, service, or business from potential competitors. Arizona makes a point of stating that registering a trade name does not give exclusive rights to the registration holder.