"Do I Need A Business License?"

“Do I Need A Business License?”

One of the most frequent questions our office receives regarding starting a business in Colorado is, “Do I need a business license?” Unlike some places, the State of Colorado does not have a general “business license.” However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your business won’t need a license of some kind. The State of Colorado regulates some, but not all, professions, occupations, and industries. The agency that does this is called the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Their website has a searchable list of professions and industries regulated by the State of Colorado.

After checking with DORA, there are a few more places to check online: DORA’s list of “Other Licenses & Regulatory Resources” and The Occupational License Database. It’s also a good idea to check with your local city and county to see if there are any local licenses, permits, or tax requirements they might have! When in doubt, always ask when it comes to questions about licensing or permits. If you have any questions contact DORA.

Finally, with all of this talk about licensing, do not confuse a general “business license” with a Sales Tax License. In Colorado, if you are selling tangible goods, you are required to collect State Sales Tax and will need a Sales Tax License. You can apply for a Sales Tax License via the Colorado Department of Revenue.

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