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Various types of licenses are required in order to conduct business. Federal laws establish certain guidelines. State laws establish guidelines on occupational matters and retail licensing. Local laws determine business occupancy guidelines. However, not all businesses require the same licenses. These are the major licenses and registration types that may impact your business:

Local:

The first requirement is a business license. Business licenses are issued by the city or county in which the business is located, and for businesses conducting business within the city or county limits. These licenses can be obtained through the city/county hall. The fee for a business license is based upon the projected sales and category of business. A business license must be secured for the city where your business is physically located and for each city in which you conduct business.

An additional license, which may be required, is a certificate of occupancy. This license is issued by both city and county governments. The purpose of this license is to enable city or county government to enforce zoning laws and make sure that the building meets all building codes. You will need to contact your local city or county government to determine if a certificate of occupancy is required.

State:

Your business must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and Taxation. Form SCTC-111, available from the SCDR&T, is used to register your business. This form is also used to obtain a retail license and a withholding number (if you will have employees).

A retail license must be obtained for any business that will sell a product to the end user.

Usually service firms are not required to obtain a retail license unless they also sell products.

Federal:

Your business must have a federal identification number (federal tax number). If your business will be a sole proprietorship and you will not have employees, you may use your Social Security number for this purpose. Form SS-4, available from the IRS, is used to obtain this number. You may also call the IRS at (404) 455-2360 to obtain the number by phone.

Environmental Issues:

Being aware of various environmental issues is extremely important in operating your business. Local, State, and Federal environmental guidelines may have an affect on your business' operations. Solid waste, hazardous waste, and air quality control, are some of the areas business owners need to be familiar with. As you are developing your business you should implement pollution prevention and waste minimization into your business planning process.

Questions to be considered could include:

* What is the environment history of your business?

* What type of waste does your business generate?

* How do you dispose of your waste?

* Do you need any environmental permits?

* Are you developing a system that encourages efficient materials

use, reuse, and recycling?

* Do you have information about waste exchange programs, buying

recycled materials, available technical assistance, or environmental technologies that are available to you in pollution and waste minimization?

Identify your company's waste stream. The Small Business Development Center in your area can provide you with resources and assistance in environmental planning.

There may be other licenses that affect your particular business (Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Health Department, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health & Environmental Control, as well as professional licensing boards). You should check with your industry association to determine if other licenses apply to your business. For names, addresses and phone numbers of various government agencies, see the blue pages of the phone book.