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Questions & Answers
What defines a business?
"Business" means any commercial enterprise, trade, occupation, profession, or activity engaged in, conducted, advertised, or offered to the public to be a business by any person, their agent, or employee for the purpose of any gain, benefit or advantage, either direct or indirect, with the principal objective of livelihood and/or profit.
What is a business license and do I need one?
A business license is a fee for doing business within the City or county in which Municipal Code requires that you obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within the area even if your business is located OUTSIDE the area or you have a business license from another city or county. If you commence, carry on, or engage in any business, either permanently or temporarily, within the limits of the any city or county, you are required to maintain a valid unexpired business license.
Who is required to have a license?
Any person, organization, company, entity, or corporation who conducts business within any City, and in/or around Clark County must obtain a business license on or before the date the business commences. Conducting business without a license can result in penalties, correction notices, citations or court action.
How long is a license good for?
Most are valid for six months. Some are semi-annual or annual depending on category of business.
If I purchase a business, am I able to use the business license from the previous owner?
No. A business license is issued to a particular person, firm, or corporation at a particular location and can only be used by the person or entity listed as owner on the license. As a new owner, you will either need to apply for a completely new license, or have the licensed transferred in the appropriate municipality, depending on where the business is located and/or conducts business.
If I want to operate a business in all areas, will just one license work?
No. Each city and Clark County has its own business licensing requirements. It is important to know that most municipalities have business license ordinances. Each one has it’s own fees, structure, requirements and ordinances.
How long will it take to get my business license?
The process for obtaining either a home based business license or a license for a business location usually takes a short time, assuming all paperwork is in order. If any paperwork or documentation is not in order, you will be required to “start over”, and thereby delay the opening of your business.
For commercial-based businesses, specific inspections are required once an application is submitted with the appropriate fees. Generally, this usually takes only a couple of weeks. After any required inspections have been completed and “signed off”, the license will be issued and mailed to you.
Home-based businesses require similar paperwork, yet most inspections are waived. However, the business operation must meet with local zoning ordinances and may require homeowner association or landlord approval.
Some licenses require background investigations and council or commission approval. This process can take up to five or six months, depending on the privileged license you are applying for. All paperwork must be in order, or it will be returned, thusly delaying the process even longer.
Do I need a D.B.A. (Doing Business As) or Fictitious Business Name?
If your business name is anything other than your legal name or entity name, a Fictitious Firm Name Certificate must be obtained. This usually must be done prior to your applying for a business license, and opening any bank accounts.
I did not see my question, now what?
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