Idaho Business License

Idaho Department of Commerce: On the Idaho state government web site, there are pages of information that are helpful for new business owners. The state is not providing information on how to do things such as writing a business plan. Instead, they are providing information on how to find the information you need to write a business plan, conduct marketing research, how to form and expand your business and how to promote it.

Idaho Small Business Development Center: One of the best resources for new business owners in Idaho is the IdahoSmall Business Development Center (SBDC). The Small Business Development Center is actually comprised of six regional offices that are affiliated with an Idaho college or university. Much of the assistance at the SBDC centers is absolutely free. One can consult with the SBDC, take an elearning course or listen to podcasts. They have been helping small businesses in Idaho since 1986. They have a track record of helping clients achieve five times greater sales growth than businesses that do not seek their help.

A really exciting offering from the SBDC is their  Business Accelerator program. Businesses chosen for the program are provided spaces they can lease in either Boise or Nampa. There are leased spaces offered that are either industrial headquarters or office spaces. Businesses in the program have access to a consultant, the availability to work with other businesses in the program and ongoing trainings to build business skills.

Companies accepted into the program begin with a 30-day lease that provides them the industrial and/or office space, internet access, utilities and a mailbox. Businesses are allowed to grow and expand within the program for around three years.

Boise Small Business Administration Office: The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) also has an office in Idaho in the state capital of Boise. There is a business guide that takes you through the major steps of starting a small business. There is information on government loans and grants for your small business. There is also a lot of information on how to compete for and win government contracts. There is a learning center with free, online courses to help you start and grow your business. There are also regular small business events.

State Registration: You will need to begin on the state of Idaho web page regarding business licenses. The state of Idaho does not have a business license, yet all businesses must register with the Idaho Secretary of State, listing their business name and type of business. If you do not know the different entity types for businesses within the state of Idaho, there is a good explanation here.

Industry-Specific Licensing and Permits: Then, you need to proceed to the Idaho Business Wizard, which will help you determine if your business needs a special permit or license, based upon your industry. The resulting checklist will direct you to the proper agency that supplies the license or permit.

City and Local Business Licenses: Most of the major cities within Idaho require a city license in order to operate a business. You will need to contact the locality's clerk's office in order to find out if you need a business license and how to obtain it. Here is a list of the city clerk's offices, and here are the county clerk's offices.

Professional Licensing: If you or your employees require professional licensing, such as lawyers, teachers, accountants, doctors and nurses, you can find the pertinent licensing information mid-way down on the state's Business Licensing page.

Sales Tax Permit: Business owners that sell products or offer some types of services are required by the state to have a Sales and Use Tax permit. In order to obtain this form, you must fill out Form IBR-1. That also registers your business if you have employees.

For Employers: As mentioned above, the Form IBR-1 will register your business as a state employer. This will provide you a state withholding and unemployment insurance tax account.

For Home-Based Businesses: The state of Idaho has quite a number of rules and some guidance that relates to home-based businesses. The information is found mid-way down the FAQs page relating to starting businesses. There are some special considerations to take into account when a business is operated in one's residence.

Filing Records for Corporations and Other Business Entities: If you have a corporation or LLC, you must file records with the Idaho Secretary of State's office in order to have your business entity recognized to do business within the state. The form that allows you to make such a filing is a PDF that can be filled in and submitted online. If you prefer to fill out the form by hand, there is a $20 convenience fee that you must submit in addition to the form's required fees.

Doing Business As (DBA): If you would like to use a name for your business that is not your own given name, you will need to register that name with the state. They prefer to use the term, "Assumed Business Name" or ABN. The law has recently been changed. The Secretary of State's office requires that all fictitious names be registered in the state, not the counties. Thus, business owners who had previously registered the fictitious names in the counties are now required to file with the state. The good news is that the filing is one time and does not need to be renewed. The filing can be done online. The bad news is that, if you and another company file the same name, both will be registered. This filing provides no protection to you that the fictitious name is original within the state. A FAQ on fictitious business names in Idaho is here.

Trademarks and Service Marks: You can also register a trademark or service mark for use in the state of Idaho. Each trade or service mark requires a separate application and fee. These marks, words and symbols are used to make your products or services be uniquely identified. This is a separate process from federal trademark registration. Also, as in the case of the fictitious name registration, you are not guaranteed that your trademark will be considered unique in the state. The registration is basically a notice to other businesses that you intend to use that trade or service mark. There is a Trade and Service Mark FAQs section to consult.