Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Kimberlee Leonard Small Business Expert WriterKimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Written By Kimberlee Leonard Small Business Expert WriterKimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Kimberlee Leonard Small Business Expert WriterKimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.
Small Business Expert Writer Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Written By Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Rob Watts Managing Editor, SMBWith over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Managing Editor, SMB Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Updated: May 1, 2024, 6:44pm
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Pennsylvania is home to more than 1.1 million small businesses that employ nearly half of the Commonwealth’s private workforce. These companies account for 99.6% of the businesses in the Commonwealth, playing a vital role in the economy. When starting a new business, you’ll need to know what business licenses are required. This guide will review the types of licenses required and how to get a business license in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania requires businesses to obtain the proper licenses and permits prior to rendering services or engaging in business activities. Many businesses will need to complete a PA Business Entity Registration with the Department of Revenue, which creates an account that allows the business to establish other accounts and licenses.
The most common license needed is a sales tax license. This license is required for a business that sells taxable goods and services, including online digital products. The sales tax license allows a business to collect and pay the required 6% sales tax.
Other licenses, such as professional licenses managed by the Pennsylvania Department of State, may be required. These licenses are required for certain service professionals, including:
You may also need licensing if your company works in regulated industries such as selling food or alcoholic beverages.
A business license is needed prior to the start of business operations if required for your industry, profession or location. This means that you cannot even market your products or services if you don’t have a valid license in place.
The PA Business Entity Registration is completed by filing a form PA-100 through the Department of Revenue. This form is the central registration for multiple state tax accounts that include:
All businesses that sell taxable items or perform taxable services must obtain a sales tax license. Services that are subject to the sales tax include:
It can take up to ten business days to receive the licensing approval.
Before you can get other types of business licenses, you need to complete the Pennsylvania Business Entity Registration Form. This is a general registration that establishes your business entity with the Commonwealth. With this registration, you are able to get other required licenses that include: