FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who must register their business?
All businesses in Utah are required by law to register with the Utah Department of Commerce either as a DBA (doing business as), corporation, Limited Liability Company or limited partnership. Businesses are also required to obtain an business license from the city or county which they are located.

Why are businesses required to register?
Registration is required so that a comprehensive state registry of all business and corporate information is available for public reference. This information is vital to an orderly legal system and marketplace. Without it, the public or other businesses may have no way of knowing the persons with whom they are doing business.

Where do you register your business name?
You can register your business name by contacting:

Utah Division of Commerce
160 E 300 S, 2nd Floor
Salt Lake City UT 84101
801-530-4849 – phone
www.commerce.state.ut.us

Where do you get a Utah Sales Tax number? If applicable, you can get a sales tax number by contacting:

Utah State Tax Commission
210 N 1950 W
Salt Lake City UT 83143
801-297-2200 – phone
800-662-4335 – toll free

Who must license their business?
By law, all businesses are required to license with the local municipality in which they are doing business. General standards exist for licensure, but each city also has unique requirements and procedures.

 Why are municipal business licenses required?
Local licensing insures that businesses are safe to the public and given the protections under th law to which a licensees business is entitled. A business may be inspected and required to fulfill local zoning, building, safety and health requirements before receiving a license.

 What is a business license and do I need one?
A business license is where the City of Holladay grants permission to engage in a business activity at a specific location within the City. The definition of a business includes every trade, occupation, profession or activity engaged in.

Where do I go to get a business license? Applications can be picked up at City Hall – 4707 S Holladay Blvd during normal business hours.

How long does it take to receive a business license?
Most business licenses can be issued within 30 days. Approval is needed from the following:

Planning & Zoning
Building
Salt Lake County Fire Department
Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Salt Lake County Health Department

How much does it cost?
There is a non-refundable $100 base fee for most licenses plus a $6 fee for each employee. Disproportionate fees vary and are assessed based on the type of business. Business fees are billed annually.

What types of business licenses require a background check?
Background checks are required for the following businesses: beer and liquor, solicitors, dancers, sexually oriented businesses & employees, and day care providers. Background checks are provide by:

Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 W 5400 S Kearns UT

Can I operate a business from my home?
If your business meets the conditions it could be approved. (Link to conditions for Home Occ)

Questions? Contact Pat Hanson or Joy Jensen at 527-3890 or
phanson@cityofholladay.com