The state of Alabama requires any person, corporation or firm that engages in any trade, business or vocation for profit to obtain a business license from the state, county or both. Depending on the nature of your business and the city in which you live, you may have to apply and pay the requisite fee for more than one license.
Step 1
Contact your county's licensing department or probate judge to obtain any required forms and find out the office's business hours.
Step 2
Collect all the information necessary for your new license registration. Be sure to have the name of the company, owner's name, physical building and billing addresses, office and home phone numbers, social security number and the type of business to the county office.
Step 3
Provide the representative at the office with a detailed description of your business and pay the requisite privilege license fee. According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, the fee may vary depending on the type of license, the population of the area where business is conducted and the volume of business.
Step 4
Repeat steps 1 to 3 for every county where you plan to conduct business.
Step 5
Contact the city or municipal tax office where the business is located to obtain any local tax or business licenses you may need.
Step 6
Visit the Alabama Department of Revenue webpage to register for a state sales tax identification number. If your business sells tangible items or property, or if your business operates an entertainment or amusement venue, you will have to collect sales tax.
Step 7
Renew your business licenses when they expire at the end of the fiscal year on October 1st. Contact your local county office between October 1st and October 31st for renewal information.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your local community college for classes or seminars for business owners.
- You may or may not receive a license renewal notice upon expiration of your license.
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