What Permits and Licenses Do I Need to Start a Business in Illinois?

 Posted on January 21, 2021 in DuPage County Business Law Attorney

When you decide to start a business, you will experience many challenges and important decisions early on, from securing funding, to attracting clients, to determining the type of business entity you should establish. As you go through the process, you should be sure not to overlook the importance of obtaining the permits and licenses your business will need to operate in compliance with the laws and regulations for your area. A business law attorney can help you identify the permits and licenses you will need and guide you through the process of getting them.

Common Business Permits and Licenses

Different permits and licenses are necessary depending on your business’s location, industry, and the products or services you provide. There are likely others that your business will need to pursue, but some of the most common examples include:

• Building permits: When deciding on a location for your business, you may need to obtain a building permit for the new construction of a building or addition or the remodeling of an existing space. Specific building permit requirements can vary from county to county, but in general, you will need to ensure that your space meets health and safety requirements and that your type of business is acceptable for the location’s zoning requirements.
• Sales tax permits: If your business will sell tangible products or certain kinds of services in Illinois, you will need to register through the Illinois Department of Revenue to obtain a sales tax permit. Your registration must include any location from which you will sell, and if you expect to have significant sales outside of Illinois, you may need to apply for a permit in other states as well.
• Liquor licenses: If your business will sell, produce, or distribute alcoholic beverages, you will likely need to obtain liquor licenses with multiple entities. Alcohol sellers, such as restaurants, bars, and liquor stores, will need a local license for the municipality in which they are located, and alcohol producers and distributors will need a federal permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. All alcohol businesses in Illinois will also need to obtain a state license through the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

Contact a DuPage County Business Law Attorney

If you know that your new business will need any of these permits or licenses, or if you need help understanding and obtaining any additional licenses, The Illinois Law Office of Stock, Carlson & Duff LLC can assist you. We are committed to helping Illinois entrepreneurs achieve their business goals while maintaining appropriate legal standards. Contact a Wheaton business law attorney today at 630-665-2500.

Sources:

https://www2.illinois.gov/business/registration-licenses-permits#k=#s=49

https://www.dupageco.org/building/

https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/research/publications/pubs/Documents/pub-113.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/services/ILCC/Liquor%20License%20Forms%20and%20Applications