As e-commerce grows, many are wondering if you need a business license to sell online. You can find the licenses you need for transportation in your state here. If you buy materials or products for resale to your customers, you will also want to get a resellers permit, also called a resale certificate, to avoid paying sales tax on those purchases. All rights reserved. Alcohol: You need a business license from the federal government along with your state business license if youre selling alcohol as a part of your business. OK92033) Property & Casualty Licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Corporations tend to have a more fixed operating structure and may be better than LLCs for attracting outside investors. So if you are merely engaging in a hobby, you do not need a business license. Follow these steps to determine whether you need a license and to apply with your state if you do. The last figure is your profit if the item sells at your pricing. To do this, search your Secretary of State database and USPTO'strademark databasefor prior name registration. You may have to renew annually or every five years, for example. You wont be surprised to hear this: Your local jurisdiction will determine what kind of licenses you need to sell online. We have not reviewed all available products or offers. Specified FATCA exemption codes are not applicable as Mercari does not currently permit the use of non-US bank accounts. You can obtain an EIN through the IRS online. Some states do not issue a separate resellers permit, but rely on your sales tax identification number instead. They determined that online sellers, even without a physical presence in the state, must collect and remit sales tax in those states that require it. This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet. These are usually issued by your state government even though they fall under federal jurisdiction. If youre starting a restaurant, operating a cafe, or opening a fitness facilityanything that could possibly relate to peoples health, you'll need to pay close attention to any health licenses that are required to start your business. They also consider if you operate the activity like a business and depend on the income for your livelihood. What you should do is pay up for turbo tax self employed. Once you settle on a name, be sure no one else is using it. Talk with your lawyer or pay attention to the fine print on your business license and permits to figure out how often you have to apply or pay to renew them. Others just require periodic inspections and certificates of inspection to keep your business open. You need to apply for a business license from the Federal Marine Commission. If youre using a different name, youll also likely need your DBA license to execute certain contracts, such as opening a business bank account. How To Find The Cheapest Travel Insurance, legal requirements of starting a small business. Whether youre required to get any type of license to run your business depends on where you live (and where your business is based) and what kind of goods and services you sell. For instance, if youre in the business of selling liquor, firearms, gasoline, or lottery tickets, your state probably requires that you have another small business license to sell these types of products. Do I need a license for providing services online? You'll need this operational license to start your business, as well as have to maintain it with your state to continue to operate throughout the years. 1. Answer (1 of 2): In the US and Canada, you don't need a license to sell clothing online but you will likely need business license(s) depending on the size of your operation, whether you have a store and whether you ship out-of-state/country. On the other hand, being fully licensed and having all of your certifications in order demonstrates your professionalism and prepares your business to get out there and grow. Not only does getting a business license and several other required permits give your business credibility, but its also required to operate legally and establish your company. However, Etsy may handle the sales tax obligation for you. To sell your goods or services, you may be required to get one or more of these types of business licenses in your state: The process to get a business license varies by stateand its not required in every state for every type of business. Many state websites provide the opportunity to sign up for email notifications. For more information, please refer to this IRS publication, provided by the IRS. If you dont know where to start, your best bet is to go to your local city hall or courthouse to find the office where can obtain your license. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. After youve figured out which online business licenses and permits you need, youll follow the directions for each specific license. Do you need a business license to sell online? This is important because you want to be able to weigh your items in order to select the correct shipping label in Mercari. Costs range from $4.25 for an item less than a pound to $70 for items between 100-150 pounds. Christine Aebischer is an assistant assigning editor on the small-business team at NerdWallet who has covered business and personal finance for nearly a decade. A business license is a permit that allows your business to operate in your state or locality. A simple business structure where profits and losses are passed through to owners for tax purposes, but personal assets are protected from business liabilities (like debts or lawsuits). small business licenses can help you find and apply for a Home Occupation Permit specific to your state. Dont worryit could be possible to get a variance that lets you operate out of your home. The answer is more than likely, yes. Once you have fully registered, you should have an EIN that allows the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Usually issued by your local, county, or city government, a fire department permit enables you to be open to the public. Once you fill out and file your local business license application, the city zoning department usually checks to make sure that your. The employer identification number is something like a social security number for your business: It identifies you as a business and enables you to stay compliant with taxes and other regulations. However, keep in mind that despite the classification, you still pay taxes on any income. Environmental permits might regulate where you can produce and sell, air and water quality levels in your area, and waste removal requirements. All you need to do is create an account. Local governments are increasingly looking to protect their population and lands health by regulating small businesses in the area. Working with a business lawyer to determine and file the necessary licenses and paperwork. Use the number to open a business bank account, get lines of credit, or file business taxes. A business license is a document that gives legal approval to run a particular type of business in a certain location. Many businesses can operate without an operating license, so you may not have to pay anything. Depending on where your business operates and what kind of licensing you need, you could pay a fee in the area of $50 to $200. You'll also want to check licensing authority websites. In fact, filing for a small business license or permit can be one of the most important steps in getting your business set up. Not only does getting a. Choose a store that's right for you. To get an EIN, youll go through the IRS website. For example, Washington requires a state license for businesses doing $3,000 or more of business in the state. Contact a qualified business attorney to help you navigate the process of starting a business. The most common types of business licenses include: It is not mandatory to have an employee identification number or EIN to run a business. You may also need to register with the state unemployment department and workers compensation board, even if you dont require workers compensation insurance. To see if Etsy collects sales tax in the states you sell in, refer to theirWhere Etsy Collects and Remits State Sales Tax guide. | Last updated September 21, 2022. Firearms, ammunition, and explosives: If youre in a business that manufactures, deals, and imports firearms, ammunition, or explosives, you need different licensing before you start your business. In addition to these exciting to-dos, however, there are also the more tedious tasks that need to get done before your opening daydetermining your business budget, getting a business ID number, and of course, all of the other necessary paperwork. Out-of-state vendors may accept your home state resellers permit, or you may have to fill out a separate form using your tax identification number. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. You also can use the SBA's small business resource search tool to find local business requirements based on your area. individual v. business), Legal Name of Entity (if different from individual), Registered Business Name/Disregarded Entity Name/Doing Business As (DBA), if any. Discounts and tools for occasional sellers. In general, if you have employees or operate your business as a corporation or partnership, you need an EIN. Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. How to Apply for and Get a Business Loan in 5 Steps, Small-Business Grants: Where to Find Free Money, SBA Loan Overview: Types, Pros and Cons, How to Apply. Its always a good idea to consult with your business attorney during this process to ensure youre obtaining all of the necessary business licences for selling online. social security number, employer identification number), Tax Classification (Reporting status for income tax purposes). During the infancy of selling online, eCommerce business transactions flew freely under the radar. Many industries require special permits to operate. To determine the requirements for your state, you'll want to consult your state's government website. Transportation and logistics: This federally regulated business practice might apply to a number of different small business owners, so its worth paying attention to. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires certain foreign (non US) financial institutions to report all United States account holders that are specified as United States persons. The list of licenses for specific sellers could go beyond these industries for your state, so you'll need to check with your states government office to make sure you have the seller's licenses you need to start your business. So review the HOA guidelines for operating out of your home. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. There are also certain state/local laws regarding retur. Randa Kriss is a small-business writer at NerdWallet. Which types of business licenses you need depends on federal, state and local requirements and what kind of business you run. Starting a home-based business can be a great way to bolster your finances or find financial freedom. Etsy, Amazon, and other marketplace retailers don't require sellers to hold a business license. As a good rule of thumb, any business involving wildlife should check in with the U.S. The SBA's list of. In most cases, you will need a business license to sell crafts. An some say you have to have a reseller's license, so many since I'm selling on a platform that handles everything I don't need the license. We'll send you a reminder when it's time to submit your tax identification information. Selling goods online has never been more popular. We're here to help. Identification card for Tax Registration 7. Like an LLC, a corporation protects personal assets from business liabilities. This may seem like a lot of work, but licensing is just as fundamental to the success of your e-commerce business as product positioning and tracking the right e-commerce KPIs. This licensing all falls under the Gun Control Act, and you can learn what you need to secure from the, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, For a business in the wild or commercial fisheries or wildlife industry, you need to obtain certain environmental permits and licenses before you get going. Sole proprietors who dont have employees can use their Social Security Numbers instead of a tax ID number, but all other businesses need a federal employer ID number or FEIN. Others are silent on the specifics. The Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board provides excellent resources on sales tax permits for online sellers, including a helpful guide to remote seller laws in every state. What kinds of licenses do you need to run an online business? If your home state issues resellers permits, you can apply for one through your department of revenue. Do you need a business license to sell online if youre an existing brick-and-mortar store? Business license fees vary widely across states and industries. As you might expect, this differs from state to state as sales tax differs from state to state as well. Updated Aug. 5, 2022 - First published on May 18, 2022. Registration requires submitting an application to the state revenue department with basic information about your business such as federal tax identification numbers, office addresses, state of domicile, and revenues. You can use part of your name or describe your product in your business name. Legal first and last name (individuals) or legal name of entity, Tax Identification Number (e.g. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that more than $600 billion in goods were sold online in the U.S. in 2019, an increase of almost 15% over 2018, while traditional retail sales grew by only 3.4%. $21.95/ mo with annual subscription. When you complete the W-9 form, we will need your legal first and last name and SSN/ITIN, but you can also enter your doing business as (DBA) and EIN (which will be utilized instead of your SSN/ITIN). Or, if you intend to engage in a profit-making venture, you have a business. Do I file as self employed, business owner, reseller. For liability purposes, partners divvy up liability, and personal assets arent separated from the business. Likewise, if an online business operating out of the home requires zoning approval, registration is required. Essentially, this type of license is needed for state tracking purposes. An LLC requires registering with the state and filing the appropriate forms. In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. Its best to establish a business structure and business name before you apply for a business license. All Rights Reserved. This app sets itself apart by restricting in-person meetups and requiring that sellers ship the merchandise to buyers. You , may also need a license from a relevant state or federal regulatory agency to perform certain business activities, like agriculture or medicine. Maintaining a business license for your e-commerce business Most business licenses require renewal annually or biennially. And if you plan to remain an "on-the-side" seller, simply making some extra money here and there, certain states don't . Mining, drilling, and nuclear energy: If your business is involved in drilling natural gas, oil, or other natural resources, you probably need to have a drilling permit from the government to actually do so. Make sure you have information about your business entity type, any required inspections or permits that are specific to the products youre selling, the name youll be operating under and, in some cases, an EIN. If your online business operates within your home and the city requires a license for home-based businesses, a license will be required. In that role, he was responsible for writing, editing, and strategizing content geared toward small business owners. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, and the District of Columbia do not accept out-of-state resale certificates. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. A legal entity organized similar to a corporation, except profits cant be distributed to owners. Dana Miranda is a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF) who has been writing and editing since 2011, covering personal finance, careers and digital media. However, you cant operate your business in an area if its not zoned for your type of business. How to Apply for and Get a Business Loan in 5 Steps, Small-Business Grants: Where to Find Free Money, SBA Loan Overview: Types, Pros and Cons, How to Apply. Legally reviewed by Tim Kelly, J.D. Most businesses register their business name when they register their business with their state. In some instances, you may need to apply before you begin selling. You obtain these licenses through the relevant licensing board in your state. . If you have employees, you will need to register for employer withholding tax in the jurisdictions where they work. Among the 45 states with sales tax, all except Florida and Missouri now require online sellers to obtain a sellers permit or sales and use tax permit. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. For employment tax purposes, contract employees are generally not counted as employees. By Catherine Hodder, Esq. This might seem secondary, but youll need your earnings to go into a separate business account, since its crucial to separate your business and personal assets. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Etsy. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. A business operating license, also known as a business license, A sales tax license, which allows businesses to sell goods and services, A liquor license, which is necessary if your business sells or distributes alcohol, Specialty licenses, such as for accounting, massage therapy, plumbing or legal counsel. In general, however, you might need an occupational or professional state license if you're in one of the following professions: There are other professions, of course, that may be affected by occupational license requirementsonce again, you'll want to check the regulations in your state to ensure that you have the licenses you need to start a business in your profession. There may be an additional processing fee of $25 or so as well. So, therefore, the first thing to do is figure out if your Etsy activity is a business or a hobby. Some states specifically include software sales and downloads of applications among taxable goods. Youll need to present your case for business before your citys planning committee to get the variance. Previously, she was an editor at Fundera, where she developed service-driven content on topics such as business lending, software and insurance. , which enable you to sell online temporarily if thats all you need. Once youve determined what business licenses you need at the local level, the next step is to ask yourself: "Do I need a business license at the state level?" Business licenses can come from federal, state, or local governmentsand in some cases, your business may need licenses from all three entities. All rights reserved. What if my online business distributes software? To get a business license, you complete an application for a business license and pay a license fee. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. 1099-K Reporting and Disclosure Information. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. Environmental small business licenses and permits mostly fall at the state and federal government level, but its worth mentioning while were listing off your local licensing requirements as well. Various types of business licenses are issued by federal, state, county and municipal agencies. An LLC (limited liability company) is a business entity that determines how your business is structured for legal and tax purposes. In general, if you plan to sell goods or services for profit, you need a business license. Mercari Shops allows users to manage their items and stock completely from their smartphone. However, you may still be wondering what licenses are needed to start a business and how to determine which licenses you need. Wait to receive your license. Most local governments have health permits that small businesses in the area need to operate. . All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Business license requirements vary by jurisdiction for a home-based or online business. Unfortunately, knowing what type of license you need to operate in your state and in your specific industry isn't so simple. Youll want to check federally as well as on the state, county and town level. For example, to reduce the threat of identity theft. Rob is an SMB writer and editor based in New Jersey. If your businesss signage isnt up to your local governments requirementsand you don't have the necessary licensing and permitsyour business could suffer from some serious fines. Types of business licenses: State licenses and permits, Most states have offices that are made specifically for issuing state business licenses, but you can also refer to the, SBAs state business license office locator, However, an EIN is not required for all businesses. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Firearms, ammunition, and explosives: If youre in a business that manufactures, deals, and imports firearms, ammunition, or explosives, you need different licensing before you start your business. For example, some municipalities require home-based businesses to get a home occupation permit or certificate of occupancy. Consultants or freelancers might. If so, you're probably wondering if you need a business license to do it. Whether your business is a sole proprietorship or LLC can affect your license requirements, Nevada, for example, provides a limited exemption from its state license requirement for sole proprietors operating out of their homes. However, first, you should know what the laws say about selling online through Etsy. You can find out which licenses and permits you need through: You may have to file for licenses and permits with state, county and municipal agenciesfor example, a sales tax permit from the state, health permits through a department of health, and planning permits through the city. Find out what you need to know to get a business license to sell online. General partnerships use the partners last names as their official business name, and they may also have a dba. This includes manufacturing, transporting, wholesale, or importing to and from a retail business that sells alcohol. Consultants or freelancers might only need a Home Occupation Permit as their small business license. An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2). Issued to the individual or business entity listed on W-9 form, Includes unadjusted gross reportable payments, Includes number of transactions aggregated from each unadjusted gross reportable payment, Only issued if individual or entity met the 1099-K reporting threshold for the calendar year. A business licenses purpose may be to register your business with the government for tax purposes or to ensure you follow industry regulations. Again, different cities, counties and states will have different rules around whether or not a home occupation permit is required. An EIN is crucial for every business. One additional thing to note: In some states, such as California and Idaho, there are whats called temporary sellers permits, which enable you to sell online temporarily if thats all you need. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. by Elizabeth Gonzalez | Pre-qualified offers are not binding. The board also provides a streamlined sellers permit application covering 24 states. If single and made 12.4K (18.4K head of household, 24.4K joint) or less youre not required to report the income.If you chose to report the income the tax form you would use is a 1040 - under taxable earnings. If you are in a jurisdiction where your services are taxable, you can treat them like any other taxable good. Or buy from other sellers. This could refer to various elements of your signage: the size, location, visibility, lighting, and so on. I'm wondering how does selling on mercari work with fileing taxes. A Home Occupation Permit essentially just shows that by operating your business out of your home, you arent significantly adding traffic, noise, or harmful environmental conditions to your area. You also can use the. Transportation and logistics: This federally regulated business practice might apply to a number of different small business owners, so its worth paying attention to. While you can list items for free, once you sell an item Mercari takes 10% as their fee for facilitating the sale. States issue resellers certificates to avoid taxing the same goods twice, so they may be used only for goods you plan to sell and charge sales tax on. We should note, you might not need all of these licenses at the end of the day, however, it's worth going through all of these types, just in case. This is a fairly common license, especially for businesses that are shipping from home. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Yeah I do my own taxes for self-employment but not online sales it seems like with the online sells it's a lot different than running your own business. The important thing here is that you have a business license period, which enables you to sell your goods and also registers you to pay the taxes for which youre responsible. About the author: Randa Kriss is a small-business writer at NerdWallet. You might even want to put a note in your calendar for their dates of expiry so you dont let your licenses lapse. Requirements for online selling: 6 common types of business licenses and permits, Although there is a document called a business license, there are also several requirements for selling online that youll need to go through in order to begin your. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. On a business license application, you indicate your corporate status. Regulated activities may involve: professions such as accounting, real estate, and architecture; trades such as construction, transportation, and food preparation; and regulated goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. so its up to you entirely if you want to choose to pay taxes on anything less than that. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. The sellers permit registers your business to collect and remit state sales tax. In terms of soap businesses, this happens often if you sell online. individual v. business) For certain tax classified business entities, such information may also include: Legal Name of Entity (if different from individual) The information received from the Mercari verified W-9 form submission is used to distribute the 1099-K form to the correct individual, business entity, etc. You might not have known it, but some cities and counties have restrictions on what your businesss signage can look like. This is what many people mean when they say business license. This is a license that lets you do business in your state or locality. Its a good idea to check in with all of your local municipalities and the jurisdictions in which you do business. You might be opening a business in an area thats already been zoned for the type of business youre startingwhich means there's no need to worry about adding specific zoning and land use permits to the list of licenses you need to start your business. If you're unsure whether your business needs an EIN, you can consult the IRS guidelines on their website. Randa is based in New York City. Learn more about the. Many states have specific provisions for third-party sellers, also called marketplace facilitators, such as Etsy and Amazon. This: your local jurisdiction will determine what kind of licenses do you need a business license to sell.... Source of free legal information and resources on the small-business team at NerdWallet writer and based... # x27 ; re probably wondering if you plan to sell online to do is pay up for tax. Online, eCommerce business transactions flew freely under the radar provides a streamlined permit... To select the correct shipping label in Mercari names as their fee for the., even if you 're unsure whether your business as a corporation protects personal assets separated... In New Jersey the radar contact a qualified business attorney to help you navigate the process of starting home-based. A variance that lets you do business in your specific industry is so... Property & Casualty licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San,... That your business with the government for tax purposes, partners divvy up liability, and personal for... Published on may 18, 2022 knowing what type of business presented without.. Topics such as business lending, software and insurance registers your business for tax purposes this includes,! For providing services online shipping label in Mercari kinds of licenses you need to apply before you selling..., ease of use, customer service and other marketplace retailers don & # x27 ; time... Or, if you find and apply in just 2 minutes for employer withholding tax in the area to. Products and services are presented without warranty services are presented without warranty and they may also have a entity... Classification ( Reporting status for income tax purposes or to ensure you follow industry regulations Property & licenses! They may also have a business license is a business or a hobby you... To state as sales tax differs from state to state as well up,..., please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions, eCommerce business transactions freely. An LLC ( limited liability company ) is a permit that allows the IRS website and what kind business! For business before your citys planning committee to get a business license to sell online temporarily if thats you! She developed service-driven content on topics such as Etsy and Amazon, for example attorney to you. Partnerships use the SBA 's small business licenses you need a business license and pay a for... To make sure that your document that gives legal approval to run a particular type of business you.... On a business license to sell online if youre an existing brick-and-mortar store for,! Etsy may handle the sales tax identification information costs range from $ for! ; t require sellers to hold a business lawyer to determine whether you a. Hear this: your local, county and town level a better experience business lending, software insurance... A hobby, you cant operate your business as a good idea to check licensing authority websites health permits small! Businesses register their business with their state operate without an operating license, you need! Item less than that have not reviewed all available products or offers others just require inspections! Here to read our full review for free, once you fill out and file the necessary licenses paperwork. License for home-based businesses, this differs from state to state as sales tax differs from state to state well! Specified FATCA exemption codes are not binding operate the activity like a.. Ecommerce business transactions flew freely under the radar in order to select the correct shipping in... Read our do you need a business license to sell on mercari review for free and apply in just 2 minutes business operating out the... And water quality levels in your state 's government website small-business team NerdWallet. Require periodic inspections and certificates of inspection to keep its information accurate and up to date Jersey... Marine Commission or describe your product in your state or locality have specific provisions for third-party,! First thing to do this, search your Secretary of state database and USPTO'strademark databasefor prior name.... Idea to check licensing authority websites with a business license, so dont. Whether or not a home Occupation permit is required a home-based business can be great. Workers compensation board, even if you are merely engaging in a certain.. Great way to bolster your finances or find financial freedom businesses doing $ 3,000 or more of business run. Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is member... At your pricing to identify your business in the jurisdictions where they.. Also called marketplace facilitators, such as business lending, software and insurance doing $ or! Help you navigate the process of starting a home-based business can be a great way to bolster your or..., CA 94105 state issues resellers permits, you & # x27 s! Way to bolster your finances or find financial freedom as e-commerce grows, many are wondering if you to. Resource search tool to find the Cheapest Travel insurance, legal requirements of starting a business structure and may an... Unfortunately, knowing what type of license is a small-business writer at NerdWallet as Mercari does not currently permit use... 2022 - first published on may 18, 2022 counties have restrictions what! By Elizabeth Gonzalez | Pre-qualified offers are not binding IRS guidelines on their.! Partnerships use the partners last names as their official business name without an operating,. Start taking part in conversations the variance, if you are merely in! Expect, this differs from state to state as well as on the income for your circumstances their... This differs from state to state as sales tax differs from state to as. Our partners who compensate us various elements of your name or describe your product in your business.. Requirements and what kind of business license you need a business entity that how. Start taking part in conversations department of revenue require home-based businesses, this card is so good that experts! Or operate your business open they fall under federal jurisdiction should have an EIN, you complete an application a!, registration is required software sales and downloads of applications among taxable goods transactions flew under... You to be able to weigh your items in order to select the correct shipping label in Mercari,. Have fully registered, you indicate your corporate status keep in mind that the..., or file business taxes other taxable good and waste removal requirements an assistant assigning editor on income... Irs guidelines on their website be required run an online business exemption codes are not binding or certificate occupancy... Gives legal approval to run an online business vary widely across states and.... To keep your business in your calendar for their dates of expiry so dont... An application for a home Occupation permit is required or offers assigning editor the! This is a small-business writer at NerdWallet, so you may need to know to get a Occupation! Law affects your life create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.! X27 ; re probably wondering if you have a more fixed operating structure and may be an additional processing of! So simple an item Mercari takes 10 % as their fee for facilitating the sale separate resellers permit, rely. Annually or biennially small business licenses purpose may be an additional processing fee of $ 25 or as... And requiring that sellers ship the merchandise to buyers out if your online business operating out your! Example, some municipalities require home-based businesses to get the variance during the infancy of online... Not currently permit the use of non-US bank accounts differs from state state! Last name ( individuals ) or legal name of entity, tax identification number ( e.g, different cities counties! A fire department permit enables you to sell crafts, visibility, lighting, so! May still be wondering what licenses are needed to start a business license to sell online contact TransUnion.... A member of the products and services are presented without warranty especially for doing... Common license, you have employees or operate your business open role, he was responsible for writing,,. And requiring that sellers ship the merchandise to buyers some states do not need a business.! You also can use part of your home sell crafts do business IRS,! Out if your home and the city requires a state license for your livelihood a! Once you have employees, you cant operate your business to operate just require periodic inspections and certificates inspection! Especially for businesses that are shipping from home full review for free, once you fill out and your! Re probably wondering if you dont let your licenses lapse online temporarily if all! Permit or certificate of occupancy license from the business, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, Francisco... Your online business, even if you have employees or operate your business open our take! Use the number to open a business lawyer to determine and file the necessary licenses and you... A good idea to check in with all of your name or describe your product your. With their state name, and other category-specific attributes, knowing what type of business in a profit-making,. Requirements of starting a small business license a subsidiary of NerdWallet planning committee to get variance! Your pricing to sell online ll send you a reminder when it & x27! Processing fee of $ 25 or so as well licenses and paperwork an existing brick-and-mortar?. Use of non-US bank accounts Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Etsy how does selling Mercari! Working with a better experience you to sell online types of business in a profit-making venture, you your...