Where can I get a Baton Rouge business license application?

You can download the application from the City of Baton Rouge’s website at City of Baton Rouge. You can then send the completed application to City-Parish Finance Department, Revenue Division, 222 State Louis Street, Governmental Building, Room 404, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. You may also deliver the application in person if you prefer.

What will I need to complete the business license application process for Baton Rouge?
 
You will need:

1. Louisiana Tax Number and Federal  I.D. Number
2. Description of business
3. NAIC Number
4. Legal name of business
5. Trade name of business
6. Physical location, address, and telephone for business
7. Date business commences
8. Owner’s personal information such as social security number, personal address, and telephone
9. Manager’s information, address, and telephone number
10. Copy of a valid photo identification, either DMV-issued ID or driver’s license
11. Signature

Do I need to register my Baton Rouge business?

Yes. All who wish to engage in any business activity whatsoever are required to register their business with the City of Baton Rouge. This includes any person or individual, partnership, corporation, legal entity, fiduciary, enterprise, association, or any entity involved with any trade, profession, job, occupation, or any other entrepreneurial activity, whether temporary, seasonal, or as a permanent fixture in the community. You can register your business online at City of Baton Rouge Registration.

Is there a checklist for starting a new small business in Baton Rouge?

Yes. For the ease of its citizens, the City of Baton Rouge has created a step-by-step checklist to ensure that all aspects of what is required to obtain a business license and to start a business are fulfilled. The checklist is found at City of Baton Rouge checklist.

What is the cost to receive a Baton Rouge business license?

The annual tax varies depending upon your business classification. For the majority of businesses, the tax is levied on 1% of the annual gross receipts and sales. There are, however, some exceptions. For instance, distributors of gas, electric or water are assessed 5% of annual gross receipts and sales. Also, there are some businesses that are charged a flat rate fee annually. One example would be a circus or a merry-go-round which is charged a flat fee of $20.00. However, most flat fee businesses are levied $100, $200, or $250. For a complete list of business classifications please visit the City of Baton Rouge’s website at City of Baton Rouge.

Additionally, the Baton Rouge Revenue Division requires that along with the Occupational Tax there is an Occupational License Fee of $25 to $50 annually. For the determination of what the license fee will cost, please call (225) 389-3084. For the most part, if the business opens prior to June 30 of the current year, then the fee that will be due is $50. If the date surpasses July 1 then the fee is $25.

Do I need to register my new business with the State of Louisiana?

Yes. In addition to registering your business with the City of Baton Rouge, you must also register your new business with the State. The reason for contacting the State of Louisiana is to obtain sales tax registration, state I.D. number and state income tax withholding.

Who must apply for a business license or occupational license in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

Everyone who will have any entrepreneurial exchanges must apply, even those who will have transient merchant services, temporary services, and those who purchase an already-functioning business. Non-profit organizations must also apply.

Is there a different application for home-based businesses in Baton Rouge?

No. The application is the same as for everyone else. At the end of the application there is a list of businesses, professions, and occupations in which you can select the “home-based business” option. Ensure that you also register your business with the City of Baton Rouge.

Do you still have questions?

In regards to starting a new business, completing the application process or local tax matters, call the Baton Rouge Revenue Division at (225) 389-3084. You can also visit the City-Parish Finance Department, Revenue Division, located at 222 State Louis Street, Governmental Building, Room 404, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit their website for further details: http://brgov.com/Dept/finance/businessregistration.htm.

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Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.