Are you thinking about starting a business to sell your goods or services in Springfield? If so, you’ll need a City of Springfield business license. The City Code requires you to obtain the license at least two weeks prior to starting business.
Both home-based and and commercial-based businesses are required to obtain a business license. Additionally, if the base of operations is outside city limits, but you conduct business inside Springfield, you are likely required to obtain a business license. Note that businesses operating as a merchant at a location within Greene County are also required to obtain a Greene County Merchant license.
There are nearly 200 categories of business license in Springfield, assigned based upon the type of product or service on offer. There are many similarities between license categories. However, license fees and supplemental requirements depend on the business activity and location. Here’s what to know about getting licensed.
How do I apply for a Springfield business license?
There are a number of ways you can apply for a City of Springfield business license. The application may vary based on your business activity. To help you choose which application you should complete, the city tells potential business owners to ask themselves the following questions:
- Will I work out of a commercial location inside Springfield city limits?
- Will I use my home address as my business address?
- Do I offer services or solicit inside Springfield city limits, but my base of operations is outside Springfield?
- Is my only method of operation participating in groups sales events, craft fairs, or farmers markets?
- Is my only business activity limited to a booth I rent at a local flea market?
Once you have the answers to those questions, you’re ready to start on your application. Pick the application that best describes your business (whether that’s residential, commercial, outside Springfield, temporary, or for an event like a craft fair).
Applications can be submitted online or mailed to the License Division at P.O. Box 8368, Springfield, MO 65801. They can also be delivered by hand to the Licensing Divison at 840 N Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO.
What is needed for a City of Springfield business license?
The application consists of questions about your business name, ownership, address, and activity. Depending on the type of business, there may be industry-specific regulations.
Bond and insurance requirements
Many decisions regarding bonding and insurance are left to the discretion of the business owner. However, the City Code cites bonding and insurance as a license requirement for some industries.
The following license categories are among those that must provide proof of bond and/or insurance prior to obtaining a license, according to the city: auction houses, auto auctions, auto dealers, auto repossession agents, electrical contractors, coupon sales, house movers, magazine and book solicitors, pest control, sanitary waste haulers, and tree surgeons.
Additionally, Missouri State Statute notes that any contractor, house mover, or well driller carrying a workers’ compensation policy is required to submit proof of such as a requirement for the license. Contractors, house movers, and well drillers who are not required to carry workers’ compensation must sign a notarized exemption statement provided by the License Division.
If your business is required to submit proof of bond or insurance and you have questions about the requirements, contact the License Division.
Missouri Retail Sales Tax License
Those who are required by state statute to have a sales tax license must provide proof of their sales tax number and a copy of the certificate to the License Division as a part of their business license application.
For information regarding Missouri sales tax, as well as other Missouri taxes, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
‘Food establishments’ and health inspections
If your business activity involves operating a “food establishment, proof of a health/food permit is required prior to the license being issued. Food permits are issued by the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.
Find more information on the Health Department’s website, including the definition of “food establishment” as well as information regarding the process.
More: Here’s what you need to know about getting a food permit in Springfield, Greene County
Building Development and zoning approval
If you operate your business from a commercial location inside Springfield, your business license application packet will include a page for zoning approval.
The zoning approval application asks questions about the activity at the business address. The form is reviewed by the Department of Building Development Services (BDS) to ensure the use is appropriate for the location’s zoning.
A building permit may be required if:
- Your business is currently or will soon be under construction;
- You are planning to remodel;
- You are planning to change a structural or mechanical system of a building.
If you operate your business from home inside Springfield, your business license application packet will include a “Home Occupation Questionnaire,” in addition to the zoning approval. The City of Springfield Zoning Code does allow some types of businesses to operate from a residential address, so long as the business is conducted lawfully and does not produce a nuisance.
For information about building permits or certificates of occupancy, visit the city’s Building and Zoning webpage.
What is needed to renew an existing City of Springfield business license?
Although your business license expires December 31, you have until January 31 to renew your license without penalty. Note: This does not apply to liquor licenses, which must renew by December 31.
If your business license category begins with an F2, your license fee is a flat rate. Your renewal packet will be mailed out no later than November 30 each year.
If your business license category begins with an F1 or F3, your license fee is based upon your total gross receipts for the year. Your renewal packet will be mailed out no later than December 31 each year.
You may email your completed renewal form to busrenewal@springfieldmo.gov. The city will call for payment with a credit or debit card. You can also mail your renewal form to License Divison, P.O. Box 8368, Springfield, MO 65801 or hand-deliver it to the office at 840 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO.