Apply For A Business License Shreveport, Louisiana
How do I open a business in Shreveport?
If you are in a hurry to commence business, you may acquire a temporary occupational or business license. In the City of Shreveport, the term “occupational” is synonymous with “business.” However, it is crucial to know that the temporary license only is valid for duration of 30 days. You should send a check for $50 made payable to the City of Shreveport to the address below. At this time, the City of Shreveport requires that you update your license with them and pay the remainder of the fee if there will be any more required. Importantly, the $50 or the actual fee which is determined by the City at your request is due at the time that you submit your occupational license application. Additionally, a Certificate of Occupancy, a Caddo-Shreveport Use and Sales Tax Number and State and Federal Tax Identification Numbers are required to solidify the business application process.
Can I apply for a Shreveport business or occupational license online?
No. At this time, the business or occupational license application is available online but cannot be submitted via the internet. To download the occupational license application visit Shreveport Occupational License Tax. You may print the application, complete it, and then either remit it in person or at the Revenue Office:
City of Shreveport
Revenue Division
Customer Service
Government Plaza
505 Travis Street, Suite 120
Ground Floor Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 673-5500
You can also send a written request for an application to:
City of Shreveport
Department of Finance, Revenue Division
Post Office 30168
Shreveport, LA 71130-0002
To have an application faxed to you, call (318) 673-5500. Once completed, applications can be faxed to: (318) 673-5504.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy?
The Certificate of Occupancy is available on the City of Shreveport’s website: Shreveport Occupancy. For all businesses, the Certificate of Occupancy is required to be renewed every 24 months. For commercial businesses within city limits, there is a fee for the inspection of the property. For residential businesses, it is a different fee. For all businesses located in the Parish confines, there is no fee for either commercial or residential. You can find the list of fees on their website.
How can I receive a Caddo-Shreveport Sales and Use Tax Number?
You can register through the mail or in person. Registration is required by law for all persons engaged in business activity. Currently, the registration form is not available online. You will need to contact (318) 865-3312 to request the form. There is no fee required to register your business. Go to 3300 Dee Street, Shreveport, LA 71105 to register or mail your completed registration form to: Caddo-Shreveport Sales and Use Tax Commission, P.O. Box 104, Shreveport, LA 71161.
What information is required for the business license application in Shreveport?
The information that is required is the type of business (whether new or existing or purchased as already established), applicant’s name, business name, business location, business telephone number, business activity, Certificate of Occupancy Number, Caddo-Shreveport Use and Sales Tax Number, State and Federal Tax Numbers, corporate officer’s information, owner’s information, applicable social security numbers, location of business records, and signature.
How do I know if my business type requires a license in Shreveport?
All businesses unless exempt by law are required to obtain occupational licenses. Usually, only non-profit organizations or state and federal facilities are exempt. Contact the City directly for further details on whether or not you will be required to obtain business licensing.
What monetary cost should I expect to obtain a Shreveport occupational license?
For each business type, there is a minimum tax requirement and a maximum that can be levied. You can find a list of the minimum and maximum fees you will have to pay depending on your business online at Occupational License Tax.
In order to begin business, you are required to first pay the tax that ranges in the above categories. You may speak with the City of Shreveport’s Finance Department, Revenue Division at (318) 673-5500 for a determination on the precise tax amount your particular business situation will require. If you simply wish the temporary fee and pay the remainder later, if any, you may pay $50 and remit it to the City of Shreveport. The determination of which tax you will ultimately have is based on a percentage (which varies depending on the business category) of the annual gross receipts.
City of Shreveport
Revenue Division
Customer Service
505 Travis Street, Suite 120
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 673-5500
What do I do for a Shreveport home-based business?
The process is the same as for any other business types except for the Certificate of Occupancy. The application is called the home occupation application and can be obtained at Shreveport Certificate of Occupancy under Home-Based Business.
What about alcohol beverage or sexually-orientated permits?
All businesses that plan to either serve alcohol at their establishment, have a sexually-orientated atmosphere, or both are absolutely mandated to first contact the Shreveport Police Department prior to beginning business. You can call (318) 673-7300 or go to the Shreveport Police Station at 1234 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101.
Do you need more information about an occupational license?
The City of Shreveport has created a set of requirements called Guidelines for Opening a Business in Shreveport. You may obtain this guide online at Shreveport City. You may also visit the City of Shreveport’s website Shreveport Revenue for more information.
City of Shreveport
Revenue Division
Customer Service
505 Travis Street, Suite 120
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 673-5500
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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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.