Obtaining the necessary South Dakota business licenses and permits is a crucial step for entrepreneurs, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and can legally operate within the state. Our business license report can help you determine what licenses and permits you need to start a business in South Dakota.
If you’re in the early stages of starting your own business, there are certain things you should know. One such thing is knowing what licenses and permits are required to run your business.
Most South Dakota businesses will need to obtain some sort of license or permit to operate legally within the state. So, how do you determine what South Dakota business licenses and permits you need?
If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re not alone. Use this South Dakota licensing and permitting guide to learn more about what licenses and permits you may need and how our Business License Report service can help you get it done easily.
Before starting a business in South Dakota, you may need to obtain various licenses and permits in order to legally operate your business. But what exactly is a business license?
Business licenses exist at the federal, state, and local levels. Additionally, the requirements and fees for licenses and permits often vary based on your location, industry, and business activities.
Failing to obtain any required licenses or permits can result in severe consequences for your business. Thus, to better prevent any negative impacts on your business operations, it’s important to know and understand your legal requirements.
Because there are many factors that affect which licenses and permits you may need, there’s really no central database or authority where you can check for your particular licensing requirements. Thus, figuring out your requirements can take some time and research.
Fortunately, we are here to help. Whether you’re looking to form a South Dakota corporation or South Dakota limited liability company (LLC), we can guide you through every step of the process as you start, manage, and grow your business.
Some states require businesses to obtain a general business license before they can conduct any business activities whatsoever within the state. Although South Dakota doesn’t require general business licenses at the state level, be sure to check your local requirements as well. Some cities, counties, and municipalities may still require licensure to operate.
Additionally, it’s important to note that obtaining a business license isn’t the same as registering your business with the state. These are two separate and distinct steps to take in starting your South Dakota business. Registering your business with the state is what officially forms your entity.
Some entire industries are regulated by the federal government. If your business falls into any of these categories, you may need to obtain federal licenses in addition to state and local licenses and permits.
Below are some industries and business activities that are regulated by the federal government and require federal licenses or permits:
Regardless of whether or not your business operates in an industry regulated by the federal government, don’t forget that you also need to comply with your state and local licensing requirements.
Failure to comply with your state licensing requirements can result in penalties being imposed upon your business by various state agencies. Thus, it’s important to know what industries are regulated and subject to state licensing requirements.
In South Dakota, the following agencies regulate licensing for certain industries:
The required South Dakota state business licenses you need depend on the specific activities of your business.
Examples of licenses and permits that are required in South Dakota and regulated by the above agencies include:
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and there are many other state-regulated South Dakota business licenses and permits you may need to acquire. However, the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development has compiled a helpful list of licensing requirements to assist businesses in complying with their obligations.
In addition to federal and state requirements, you’ll need to comply with any applicable local licensing requirements as well. For example, in Sioux Falls, there are specific local licenses you must obtain at the city level related to:
Local licensing requirements can be vastly different depending on your particular location. Thus, it can be more difficult and time-consuming to find the information you need. The best way to determine your requirements is typically to check your local city and county websites, county clerk’s office, and local tax office.
In addition to requirements based on location, you may also be subject to licensing requirements based on your profession.
Members of certain industries must hold professional licenses in order to provide their services. Professionals with license requirements in South Dakota include:
State regulatory boards will regulate these professions, issue licenses to eligible members, and set forth the requirements for keeping your license active. If your profession does require licensure to operate your business, be sure to appropriately obtain and maintain such licensure.
Other potential business licenses and permits to be aware of include those related to:
If you’re not sure whether these licenses and permits are required in the course of your business, contact the appropriate state or local agency for more information.
If you plan to run a business out of your home, you’ll still need to comply with any applicable permit requirements. Sometimes, you may need to obtain what’s called a home-based business license.
The requirements for these types of home-based business licenses will depend on the city in which the business is located. For example, in Sioux Falls, you’ll need a zoning permit for home occupations. This permit will be effective for as long as the home occupation is at that location and doesn’t change in character.
In most cases, your business licenses and permits won’t last forever. In fact, many state business licenses need to be renewed each year.
Don’t let your business fall out of compliance with the state. Be sure to know when your licenses and permits expire to avoid penalties and negative repercussions for your business.
With so many licensing requirements and all the factors you must take into consideration, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry — we are here to help.
With our Business License Report, you can take the time and stress out of the process and more easily determine what licenses and permits you need. Our business partner does the research for you and uses your business location, industry, and business activities to identify the various local, state, and federal licensing requirements for your company.
Take control and feel confident that your business has the licenses and permits it needs to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Let us help you stay compliant and operate your business legally with our comprehensive Worry-Free Compliance service to help ensure your business remains legally up to date with state law.
There is no general business license requirement in South Dakota. Nevertheless, most businesses will require some sort of permitting or licensure to operate.
No. Any retailer in South Dakota that is engaged in selling, renting, or leasing products must have a sales tax license.
Yes, it’s legal to run a business from home in South Dakota. However, make sure to comply with any local permitting requirements before proceeding.
There is no specific license for online businesses. Nevertheless, check the local jurisdiction in which your business operates to determine what license the county or municipality requires.
Yes. To collect sales tax in South Dakota, you need a sales, use, and service tax license.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 700,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
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