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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason why some businesses require federal licenses and/or permits to operate?
What is the primary reason why some businesses require federal licenses and/or permits to operate?
Which of the following types of businesses typically require professional and occupational licenses and permits?
Which of the following types of businesses typically require professional and occupational licenses and permits?
What is one of the main purposes of registering a business with the state?
What is one of the main purposes of registering a business with the state?
Which category of licenses and permits is required for businesses that sell goods and services?
Which category of licenses and permits is required for businesses that sell goods and services?
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What type of license or permit is required to operate a child care center?
What type of license or permit is required to operate a child care center?
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Why do businesses need to obtain licenses and permits?
Why do businesses need to obtain licenses and permits?
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What is an example of a business that may require a federal license or permit?
What is an example of a business that may require a federal license or permit?
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What is the purpose of obtaining a sales tax permit?
What is the purpose of obtaining a sales tax permit?
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What type of permit is required if you are building or remodeling?
What type of permit is required if you are building or remodeling?
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What is the purpose of a fictitious business name permit?
What is the purpose of a fictitious business name permit?
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What is required for businesses that do not have employees, except for sole proprietorships?
What is required for businesses that do not have employees, except for sole proprietorships?
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What is the easiest way to obtain an EIN?
What is the easiest way to obtain an EIN?
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What is the simplest form of business entity?
What is the simplest form of business entity?
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What is a characteristic of a sole proprietorship?
What is a characteristic of a sole proprietorship?
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What type of permit may be required to erect a sign?
What type of permit may be required to erect a sign?
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What is required for businesses that prepare food?
What is required for businesses that prepare food?
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What is a major advantage of a limited liability company?
What is a major advantage of a limited liability company?
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What is a disadvantage of a limited liability company?
What is a disadvantage of a limited liability company?
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How are profits taxed in a limited liability company?
How are profits taxed in a limited liability company?
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What is a benefit of the flexibility in taxation of a limited liability company?
What is a benefit of the flexibility in taxation of a limited liability company?
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Why is there a lack of legal precedent for limited liability companies?
Why is there a lack of legal precedent for limited liability companies?
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What is a franchise tax, as it relates to limited liability companies?
What is a franchise tax, as it relates to limited liability companies?
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Why might limited liability companies face more complex tax accounting?
Why might limited liability companies face more complex tax accounting?
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What is a limitation of a limited liability company's liability protection?
What is a limitation of a limited liability company's liability protection?
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Study Notes
Obtaining Business Licenses and Permits
- Businesses may need local, state, and/or federal licenses and permits to operate.
- Examples of businesses that require federal licenses and/or permits include those that sell or provide alcohol, firearms, animal transport across state lines, commercial fisheries, preparation of meat products, and radio and television broadcasting.
State Licenses and Permits
- Three categories of licenses and permits may be needed:
- Business Registration Requirements: Some states require all new businesses to register with the state.
- Sales Tax Permits: Most states and communities require businesses that sell goods and some services to collect sales tax and submit it to the state authorities.
- Professional and Occupational Licenses and Permits: Examples include barbers, nurses, tattoo artists, and real estate agents who need to pass a state exam and maintain a professional license to conduct business.
Local Licenses and Permits
- Two categories of licenses and permits may be needed:
- Licenses to operate a certain type of business, such as child care, barber shops, automotive repair, and hotels and motels.
- Permits for engaging in certain activities, such as building permits, health permits, and signage permits.
Additional Requirements
- Fictitious Business Name Permit (dba): Needed if the business operates under a fictitious name.
- Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN): Required for businesses except sole proprietorships with no employees.
Choosing a Form of Business Ownership
- Four common legal entities:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Corporation
- Limited Liability Company
Sole Proprietorship
- A sole proprietorship involves one person, and the person and the business are essentially the same.
- It is a popular choice for start-up firms.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Combines the limited liability advantage of a corporation with the tax advantages of a partnership.
- Does not pay taxes; profits and losses are passed through to the tax returns of the owners.
Advantages of a Limited Liability Company
- Members are liable for debts and obligations only up to the amount of their investment.
- Unlimited shareholders are allowed.
- Can elect to be taxed as a sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation, or corporation, providing flexibility.
- No double taxation, as profits are taxed only at the shareholder level.
Disadvantages of a Limited Liability Company
- Setting up and maintaining an LLC is more difficult and expensive.
- Tax accounting can be complicated.
- Regulations governing LLCs vary by state.
- Limited legal precedent available for owners to anticipate how legal disputes might affect their business.
- Some states levy a franchise tax on LLCs, which is essentially a fee for the benefit of limited liability.
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Description
This quiz covers the different types of licenses and permits required for businesses to operate, including local, state, and federal licenses and permits.