Running a business without a license is breaking the law. In most states, it’s also illegal for you to operate without having obtained all the proper permits and licenses. But there are ways around this problem: operating without a business license may not be as bad as it seems at first glance. For example, hiring an accountant or attorney might not be necessary if your business involves only one or two employees. But if your company has more than five employees or involves large amounts of money moving through its accounts every month (such as banks), hiring someone who can help protect against lawsuits is worth their time and fees!
There are many things you need to consider when starting a business, and getting your business license is important. Here’s why.
Operating without a business license is breaking the law
You might think running a business without a license is another way to save money, but it’s not. Operating without a business license is illegal and can lead to severe consequences if you’re caught. The law doesn’t allow you to operate your business without having the proper licensing and permits, including any bar, restaurant, or retail shop. If caught operating illegally, the penalties can include fines up to $5K and jail time!
Government fines are expensive
A business license’s cost depends on the business you’re starting. For example, if your new venture involves selling food or beverages, it will be more expensive than having an online retail store selling items off the shelf. A business license is an investment in your future as an entrepreneur and can help protect you from lawsuits and fines if something goes wrong. It also helps prove that your company exists legally so that customers know what rights they have if something goes wrong with their purchase or service experience.
Fines and penalties
If caught operating without a business license, you can expect fines of up to $2,500. If the violation is severe enough and involves the intent of deceiving or defrauding customers, your fine may be as much as $10,000. If your operation continues after receiving notice of these violations and penalties have been issued (and they did not correct their behavior), the State Board of Equalization may impose an additional tax assessment on top of all other penalties.
Business closure
If you are found to be operating without a business license, the government can shut down your business. This process is called closure, and it happens when a government regulator takes action against an organization for not having correct paperwork or for other reasons. If this happens, it may take several months for the government to shut down your company and collect fines from you. If the closure of your business involves unpaid taxes or fines that were not paid on time, then these debts will be used as collateral against any future loans that may arise from banks or other financial institutions.
Arrests
A business owner’s arrest can be a last resort. It’s expensive and time-consuming and can lead to lawsuits, fines, and other complications. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to opt out of receiving the license. Arrests are never worth it if you go against the law by operating outside your state’s regulation. If you’re caught with illegally obtained goods or services that have been used for commercial purposes (such as selling drugs), then you could face felony charges as well as jail time.
Inability to bid on opportunities
It might be difficult to bid on opportunities if you’re not a licensed business. You may not be able to get the contract or do the work because of this. You also may not be able to collect payment if you win one of these bids because regulations require businesses with licenses to follow. If you’re a licensed business, it can be challenging to compete against unlicensed companies. Some laws require licensed firms to follow specific rules and regulations that non-licensed businesses don’t have to follow. It can make it harder for licensed companies to compete because they need their money and resources to comply with the law.
Easy to obtain a business license
Getting a business license for most businesses is easy if you’re already familiar with the process. You can apply through the website or by mail. The website allows for online filing and approval; however, if you want to apply in person or by phone, you must use their paper forms and submit them to the appropriate department office in person or by mail. If your application is faxed or mailed, they will not accept it without written proof that they were sent by certified mail (postage-paid).
FAQs
How much does a business license cost?
On average, obtaining a business license costs between $50 and a few hundred dollars.
How long does it take to obtain a business license?
Getting a business license generally takes somewhere from a few days to months.
How costly can operating without a business license be?
If caught operating without a business license, you can expect fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 and above. It can also lead to the closure of businesses and arrests.
Conclusion
We hope that by reading this article, you will better understand what it takes to get a business license and why you should get one. Remember that there are many reasons why someone might decide not to obtain one but operating without a business license can be costly and result in fines and penalties. You should consult an attorney before taking any action because every situation is different, and some laws are more stringent than others, depending on your business location.