Most of these businesses are in entertainment, transportation, health or food industries. For example, the city of Cincinnati requires several different types of businesses to obtain a business license before conducting business. In Ohio, you may also need certain licenses or permits from your local government depending on your business activities or the location where your business is based. A vendor license authorizes Ohio businesses to collect the appropriate sales and use taxes on tangible items and taxable services. Additionally, any business selling or leasing tangible property or services ordinarily subject to retail sales tax will be required to obtain what’s called a vendor license.

While, on the state level, Ohio does not require a general business operating license, a number of professions and industries need to acquire specific licenses or permits. If you start your business in Ohio, you will likely need to obtain a few business licenses or permits to legally operate your business. When Do You Need a Business License in Ohio? These licenses may be generic business licenses or they might be industry or profession specific. Most businesses will be required to obtain a vendor license, sometimes also called a seller’s permit, if selling tangible goods or taxable services.īusinesses may also be required to obtain licenses on the local level, managed by either city or county governments in the jurisdiction(s) where the business operates. However, nearly all businesses in Ohio will need to acquire at least one, if not multiple business licenses before opening the doors. Along with most states, Ohio does not have one comprehensive state business license.

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