Colorado Business License

State of Colorado Business Licensing

The main state-level permit or license in Colorado is the sales tax license, sometimes called a seller’s permit.

You must obtain a sales tax license if you:

• Are engaged in business in Colorado
• Intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax.

If your business is not located in Colorado but does more than $100,000 of annual sales in the state, it must register for a sales tax license as an out-of-state retailer.

Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue to obtain a sales tax license.

In addition to the sales tax license, some professions are required to obtain specific licenses. Check the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website for more information.

Local Colorado Business Licensing

In Colorado, you may need other licenses or permits from your local government depending on your business activity or location.

For example, a hotel in the City of Denver must obtain a local-level lodging facility license in order to do business.

Contact your local Colorado county or city office for more information.

Steps for Obtaining a Business License in Colorado

Sales Tax License

If your company has one business location in the state, you can apply for a Colorado sales tax license online, by mail, or in person. If you have more than one location, you must apply by mail or in person.

What is a business license?

A business license is a permit issued to businesses by a government office that allows the business to operate in a particular area. They can be issued by federal, state, or local governments. There are typically different licensing requirements for different businesses and different locations.

What are the types of business licenses?

There are many types of business licenses. These include licenses at the local, state, and federal levels, licenses related to sales tax and other taxes, and specific licenses for various professions. There are also environmental licenses, zoning permits, and more.

Is there a national business license?

Most businesses don’t need a federal business license, but some industries, including broadcasting, investment advising, and drug manufacturing, do have federal regulations and licenses.

Is an EIN the same as a business license?

No. An employer identification number (EIN) is issued by the IRS to identify and keep track of businesses, but it does not license them to operate.

Is an LLC considered a business license?

No. An LLC is a type of business structure. While you are required to register as an LLC, it is not a business license.

Who needs a business license in Colorado?

Any business in Colorado that sells taxable goods or services needs a sales tax license.

There are additional licensing requirements for businesses in certain professions or locations.

What licenses do I need to open a business in Colorado?

Most businesses in Colorado need a sales tax license, or seller’s permit. Businesses in some professions or locations will need additional licenses.

What is a seller’s permit?

A seller’s permit is the common name for a license or permit that allows you to sell products or services. In Colorado, it is called a sales tax license.

How much does a business license cost in Colorado?

There is a $50 deposit for the retail sales tax license, which will be refunded once the business has paid $50 in taxes. The cost for other licenses varies.

How do I get a Colorado business license?

If your company has one business location in the state, you can apply for a Colorado sales tax license online, by mail, or in person. If you have more than one location, you must apply by mail or in person. Processes for obtaining other licenses vary.

Do I have to renew my business license?

Colorado state sales tax licenses are valid for two years, expiring at the end of every odd year. Each physical location must have its own license and pay a $16 renewal fee. Renewal requirements for other licenses vary.