Business Licenses & Permits FAQ's#
Determine which required licenses and permits you need to operate your business based on industry type.
Can't find what you're looking for on this page? The City Sales Tax Department can be of assistance by phone at 970-221-6780 or by email at salestax@fcgov.com.
- Do I need a Sales & Use Tax License with the City?highlight_off
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All Brick and Mortar, Home-Based Businesses, and Service-Based Businesses (i.e. a contractor that works/performs services in Fort Collins regardless if they live or have a business located in Fort Collins) are required to have a Sales & Use Tax License with the City.
The City of Fort Collins uses a Sales & Use Tax License as a business license.
- How do I apply for new licenses, renew, make payments?highlight_off
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- Apply for new licenses
- File Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax returns
- Make payments
- Manage your account, and more!
All online!
- Do I need to register my business with the State?highlight_off
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You must register and file your business with the State of Colorado.
Apply for State business licenses including:
- Sales Tax
- Wage
- Withholding
- Unemployment
- Insurance Accounts
- Do I need to register my business with the Federal Government?highlight_off
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All forms of structure, except sole proprietors with no employees, must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), which is also your federal tax ID number.
Internal Revenue Service
800-829-1040 Irs.gov - What are the Health Requirements to run my business?highlight_off
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The Larimer County Health Department can provide industry-specific health requirements (i.e. restaurants, child care providers, etc.)
- How do I get a Background Check and Fingerprinted?highlight_off
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Background Checks: If you are applying for a license that requires a background check as part of your application or have general questions about the background check process, please review the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety's Requirements & Guide.
Fingerprinting: If you are applying for a license that requires fingerprints as part of your application or have general questions about the fingerprinting process, please review the Colorado Department of Revenue's Fingerprint Requirements & Guide.
- How do I apply for a Bingo & Raffle License?highlight_off
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The Colorado Secretary of State Office can help you apply or renew your license and understand State rules.
- What Child Care Licenses do I need?highlight_off
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The Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Child Care can provide guidance on becoming a licensed child care provider.
The Larimer County Health Department requires a Plan Review Application for child care providers & schools to stay within health compliance.
- How do I apply for a Contractor License?highlight_off
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The City Building Services Department can help you determine which type of license class fits you best and how to apply and renew your license.
- How do I sell at Farmers' Markets?highlight_off
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To sell goods and services at a Fort Collins Farmers' Market, a Sales & Use Tax License is required by the City.
You will need to sign up as a vendor with the specific market you hope to sell at, that information can be found on individual market's websites.
- How do I start a Home-Based Business?highlight_off
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All home-based businesses require a:
The City Zoning Services Department can provide more guidance on the process.
- What licenses do I need to sell Liquor?highlight_off
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Businesses are required to apply for both a Liquor License and a Liquor Occupation License.
The City of Fort Collins Clerk's Office can assist with:
- New Liquor License Applications
- Renewals
- Transfer of Ownership
- Modification of Premise
- And much more
The City's Sales Tax Department provides the Liquor Occupation Tax License, which is required in addition to a liquor license.
Colorado liquor and beer retail licenses are issued by both the City and State licensing authorities. The State of Colorado Department of Revenue requires retailers to first obtain license approval at the local government level.
- How do I apply for a Marijuana License?highlight_off
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The City of Fort Collins Clerk's Office can assist with:
- New Applications for both Medical Marijuana & Retail Marijuana
- Questions regarding growing marijuana for personal use
- Marijuana enforcement
- And much more
- How do I become an Outdoor/Mobile Vendor?highlight_off
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Learn which type of outdoor vendor license you would apply for, when and where you can vend in the City, and much more.
- How to apply for a Short-Term Rental License?highlight_off
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The Sales Tax Department can help you get start, apply for a Short-Term Rental License (STR), and understand where STR's are allowed in the City.
- Do I need a Solicitation Permit with the City?highlight_off
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All commercial solicitors (i.e. pest control, roofing companies, etc.) must apply for and receive a solicitation permit from the City before you begin soliciting within Fort Collins.
- How do I apply for a Special Events Permit?highlight_off
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The City of Fort Collins requires a temporary sales tax license for participants in special events (i.e. NewWestFest, etc). A separate temporary sales tax license is needed for each event. However, if you have a permanent City of Fort Collins sales tax license you can report your sales from the special event(s) on your regular sales tax return.
If you are vending at a special event, please follow these steps:
- Download a blank temporary sales tax license form
- Fill out completely the top portion of the form.
- Display the form in your booth at the event.
- I still need help. Who can I talk to?highlight_off
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The City Sales Tax Department can be of assistance by phone at 970-221-6780 or by email at salestax@fcgov.com.