Registration and Licensure
Registration and Licensure
Ensure your business is registered and has the correct legal licenses.
Legal Formation
When you register your business, you’ll have to select a legal formation for your business.
To fully understand each legal formation, you’ll need to research each type of entity and the pros and cons. It's crucial to choose based on your business needs and personal preferences.
Select Your Business Structure opens in a new tab- Utah.gov/business
Understand the types of organizational structures you can choose as a small business, including profit corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, business trusts, and collection agencies.
Get your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
The OneStop Business Registration will ask for your Federal Employer Identification, so you’ll need to complete this step while you register with the state.
It’s very important that small businesses obtain an FEIN. Sometimes, business owners will try to use their social security number to apply for business funding, government grants, and other business programs. Many of these databases are not secure enough to receive social security numbers. Small businesses are much safer when they use their FEIN for business applications.
How to Apply for an FEIN opens in a new tab - IRS
Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service. Beware of websites on the Internet that charge for this free service.
State Business Registration
First, you’ll need to register your business with the state of Utah.
Utah’s “OneStop Business Registration” opens in a new tab allows business owners to conveniently register their new businesses with three state agencies at one time. Register here and you’ll have registered with Utah State Tax Commission, Utah Department of Commerce, and Utah Department of Workforce Services.
The Business Registration application will ask a lot of questions. Here are a few you’ll want to research ahead of time.
- Your business name.
- Legal Structure: Lean more about legal structures here.
- Federal Employer Identification Number
If you have any questions, reach out to the Department of Commerce Division of Corporations and Commercial Code opens in a new tab. They are the state entity that oversees business licenses.
How to Register a Business opens in a new tab - Utah Department of Commerce
Apply for appropriate business license
To determine the business license you need in Utah, consult the Utah One Stop Business Registration website and the local municipality where you plan to operate. They provide guidance on required licenses based on your business type and location. This ensures you have the right permits for legal operation, avoiding potential issues down the road.
Division of Professional Licensing opens in a new tab - Utah Department of Commerce
Strengthening trust in Utah's professional workforce through effective licensing, balanced regulation, and consumer engagement to facilitate informed decisions
Apply for your local business license
You’ll also need to register for a local business license.
To register for a local business license in Utah, visit the city or county website where your business is located. Look for the business licensing section, fill out the required forms, and pay any necessary fees. This is essential for legal operation, but the specific process can vary, so check your local municipality's website for detailed instructions.
Business Licensing opens in a new tab - Department of Commerce
After you register your business with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, you then need to get a business license from the city, town, or county where your business is located or operating… Here are links to the business licensing websites for counties, cities, and towns in Utah.
