Business Licenses and Permits

If only it were as simple as turning on the lights and posting an “Open for Business” sign. Unfortunately, sometimes there is red tape and you have to obtain a number of permits or licenses to legally operate your business. Our team of business professionals can help you figure out which permits or licenses you need and help you with the applications for each one at the federal, state and local levels. We can help with all of your needs -- whether it’s sales tax permits, you operate in regulated fields, or you need health or safety permits, let us handle the paperwork.

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Swyft Filings is committed to providing accurate, reliable information to help you make informed decisions for your business. That's why our content is written and edited by professional editors, writers, and subject matter experts. Learn more about how Swyft Filings works, our editorial team and standards, what our customers think of us, and more on our trust page.

How it Works

Let us help you find and apply for the licenses and permits you need to start your business.

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1. Apply without errors

Your work starts and ends with a simple questionnaire. We’ll take the rest from there - 100% accuracy guaranteed.

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2. Collect Sales Tax

A seller’s permit lets you legally collect sales tax, meeting mandatory obligations for businesses selling tangible goods and certain services.

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3. Focus on growth

With a seller’s permit, you can stop worrying about tax issues and put that energy into your passion.

Why You Should Let Swyft Filings Research And Obtain Your Permits And Licenses

Our knowledgeable staff has years of experience handling every type of filing for customers of all sizes. Do what you love, let us handle the paperwork‎.

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Experienced Professionals

Swyft Filings knows exactly what licenses and permits you might need and where to look. Let us do the leg work so you don’t have to worry about it.

Fast & Reliable Service

Swyft Filings knows exactly what licenses you might need and where to look. Let us do the leg work, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Avoid the Headaches

Each city, county and state often employs slightly different requirements. Rather than research and figure out exactly what seller’s permits you may need for each agency, let our professionals handle it for you.

Focus on Your Passion - Your Business

Set up our service and forget it. We’ll gather some basic information from you and take care of it.

Testimonials

We Take Care of Business, Your Business

• 300,000+ businesses created since 2015

• 36,000+ five-star reviews

• Personalized customer service specific to your needs

Swyft Filings helped us create our corporation and take care of time-consuming administrative tasks that can distract us from our mission. We are grateful for their commitment to assisting businesses like ours.
Bill Beverly
Bill BeverlyCo-Owner, Evolectric
The Swyft Filings team answered all of our questions so promptly and satisfied all the legal documents we needed to get up and running as quickly as possible. It was a huge stress-reliever, and we would recommend your services over and over again.
Kimberly and Caila Brigandi
Kimberly and Caila BrigandiCo-Owners, Gandi Girls Boutique
As small business owners, we often feel insignificant to those outside of our demographic. When a company like Swyft Filings steps up to help small businesses — it makes a huge difference!
Tobe Carberry
Tobe CarberryOwner, Haven4Hoops
Having a partner like Swyft makes that part of starting your business easy and provides a level of comfort in navigating the state and federal filings. So if there are any issues with your filings, Swyft is on top of it and working with you to navigate solutions.
James Adams
James AdamsCo-Owner, Pearland House Concerts

Business Licenses and Permits FAQs

Still have questions? Call 877-777-0450 or Live Chat with us for real-time support.

What licenses are needed?

Many businesses will need to obtain at least one license (often several) before they can legally begin their normal daily operations. These licenses can come from either the state, federal, or local government, but they are important regardless of what agency requires them. Federal licenses are usually only imposed by the SEC on large, publicly traded companies or by certain federal bureaus on smaller organizations that deal in highly regulated products (alcohol, tobacco, and firearms). Many states also require specific licenses that only apply to certain types of organizations. Many service businesses, and those who work in them, need state-level licenses to legally operate. The purpose of many of these licenses ensures that these professionals and organizations meet all required certification and training requirements. These types of licenses are required for organizations such as medical practices, food service establishments, and cosmetology related businesses.

What are zoning laws?

Some businesses are also subject to zoning restrictions that are designed to restrict specific types of organizations from operating in certain areas. Zoning problems are typically only an issue for businesses such as liquor and tobacco shops, firearm dealers, nightclubs, and home-based companies. The reason for these permits is to restrict certain activities from occurring in areas where they could likely interfere with the public good.

How does Swyft Filings determine your license and permit needs?

It is determinate on a number of factors such as your business address, county, industry, etc.

What types of permits are needed?

Permits are different from licenses in that they signify your organization’s compliance with a specific local ordinance. Their purpose is to ensure that your business is operating safely and in accordance with community appearance bylaws. Common forms of permits are local health department permits, signage permits, and fire department safety permits.

Business Licenses and Permits Resources

The world of business licenses and permits can be confusing. Our business professionals bring their expertise to the process on our end, but you can increase your knowledge with the guides, articles, and case studies available in our Resource Center.

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Do what you love. We'll handle the paperwork.

Trusted by over 300,000 businesses since 2015. Start your business with confidence. Affordable. Fast. Simple.

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