Jacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Jacqueline Nguyen, Esq. Small Business and Tax Expert WriterJacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Written By Jacqueline Nguyen, Esq. Small Business and Tax Expert WriterJacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Jacqueline Nguyen, Esq. Small Business and Tax Expert WriterJacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Small Business and Tax Expert Writer Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
| Managing Editor, SMB
Updated: Jun 14, 2024, 4:55am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
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Utah is often considered one of the best states to start a business. Immense labor supply and a relatively unrestricted regulatory environment contribute to a growth-oriented environment for new businesses in Utah. Even in regulatory-friendly Utah, starting a new business can involve some proverbial (or literal) red tape. While the Utah state government does not require a specific business license for every business conducted in the state, a significant number of other licenses may be required before starting your Utah business.
A business license is an official document governing how your company operates in Utah. It certifies a company meets state standards for conducting business and it allows your company to operate legally in the state. The process of obtaining any Utah business license can be complex and requires steps on both the local and state levels, which may confuse new entrepreneurs unfamiliar with the process.
We’ve compiled a guide to the process of obtaining a Utah business license so anyone can begin an entrepreneurial journey through the canyons and over the rivers of Utah.
The short answer is yes, your business likely needs a business license in the state of Utah. There is not a statewide business operating license but the state government does issue a sales tax registration, commonly called a seller’s permit, which is required if you intend to sell or lease tangible property or services subject to sales tax. Your local city or county may also require other licenses or permits depending on your business activity or location.
A large number of Utah cities and counties will require businesses to obtain a general business operating license, though each city will have different rules or restrictions. In Salt Lake City, all businesses are required to have a city business license, which can be acquired by visiting the city website. Even Green River, with a population of only 856, requires each business operating within city limits to obtain a business license.
In Utah, many cities do not require a general business license but may require a specialty business license for any of a list of regulated professions. This is especially true for any businesses the state deems immoral or “vice.” Utah’s strong history of association with the Church of Latter-day Saints or Mormonism is often casually and historically viewed as a big part of the reason for these regulations.
We strongly encourage business owners to research the specific license regulations in the relevant cities of business operation to ensure compliance with all city or county laws.
Likely any kind of business you are operating in the state of Utah will be required to carry at least one or, more likely, multiple business licenses to legally operate. Determining which licenses are required for your business and which local, county or state agency you need to register those licenses with can be overwhelmingly confusing.
Check with your local city hall or county clerk regarding localized licenses and with any state agencies that may regulate your business to determine if you need any specialized licenses. A list of all Utah cities and counties can be found on the Utah state website. Few official online resources are available for assistance in figuring out which licenses you may need.
The most common type of business license you will need is a general business operating license, often called simply a “business license” or a “general license.” In some Utah cities, these may have other names but nearly every city will require businesses to obtain a license before beginning operation.
Some cities and unincorporated areas of counties may only require special licensing for certain regulated industries and forgo a general business license. For a full list of specialty industries, or to apply for your local business, you can head to your city or county clerk’s website. If the website is unable to answer your questions, you may need to call the county offices.
Additional permits or licenses are likely required either on a city or county level when you are starting a new business in Utah. Occupancy permits and home occupation permits are required for businesses in certain cities and any new construction or renovation will require a building permit from the planning department.
If your business serves food or provides accommodations, you will almost certainly require a permit from your local health department. This may be in addition to statewide licensing you must obtain for food service or public accommodations. These permits are not the same or included in a business license so you should research to see which, if any, you may need before starting your business.
All businesses in Utah are required to obtain a sales tax license, sometimes referred to as a seller’s permit, if engaged in business in Utah and intending to sell or lease tangible property ordinarily subject to sales tax. You can apply for this permit on the Utah Taxpayer Access Point web portal.
The influence of specific religions in Utah has often been blamed for the intense control Utah exercises over alcohol sales, distribution and manufacturing. These industries are regulated by the Utah state government. For more information about the special licensing required for businesses that sell or distribute alcohol, head to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The majority of small businesses will not need to obtain any federal licenses or permits but, if your business conducts any activities regulated on the federal level, you may need to apply for some or many sorts of federal licenses or permits. Common federal business licensing areas include:
