This section will highlight the necessary steps to start applying for city business licenses.
- I: What Should I Do First?
Register your Business with the WV State Tax Department
Any person who is engaging in any business activity in the state of WV must register with the WV State Tax Department before commencing business activities in the State. This includes, but is not limited to, any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, estate, trust, business trust, receiver, syndicate, club, society or other group or combination acting as unit, body politic or political subdivision. A business activity is all purposeful revenue-generating activity engaged in or caused to be engaged in with the object of gain or economic benefit, either direct or indirect.
Questions about registering your business with the WV State Tax Department need to be directed to the following:
- Online: http://www.state.wv.us/taxdiv
- Phone: (800) WVA-TAXS (1-800-982-8297)
- Local Office:
- North Central Regional Office
- Huntington Banks Office Building
- 230 West Pike Street
- Clarksburg, WV 26301
- (304)627-2109
Locating Your Business
After finding a potential site, zoning regulations require that your business activity be permitted at your chosen location. You can find maps with zoning information for all of the City of Fairmont on our website or by contacting our Planning Department as follows:
- Local Office:
- City of Fairmont - City Hall
- 200 Jackson Street
- Suite 301
- Fairmont, WV 26554
- Phone: (304)366-6211 Ext. 318
- Zoning Maps
Receiving your Federal Employer Idenfitication Number (FEIN)
You are required by Federal Law to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
Questions about applying for a FEIN need to be directed to the following:
- Online: http://www.irs.gov/
- Phone: (800)829-4933
- Local Office:
- IRS
- 11 Chenoweth Drive
- Suite 2
- Bridgeport, WV 26330
- (304)842-5871
- II: What is the Application Process?
The Application
New Applications for a business license should be made in person at:
- City of Fairmont - City Hall
- 200 Jackson Street
- Suit 301
- Fairmont, WV 26554
- (304)366-6211
Applicants must have:
- A driver’s license, state identification card, or another official Photo ID
- A Federal Tax Employment Identification Number (FEIN)
- A WV State Sales Tax Number
- A WV ABCA License (For Wine/Liquor/Beer Applicants)
To apply for a business license, please complete a “Application for Business License” detailing your business activity, location, ownership details and other relevant information. We will use this information provided to create a business account and a customized license for your business.
- III: What Are My Business License Fees?
Business License Fees
At the time of application, you will be accessed a Business License Fee based on your type of business. For a new business, license fees for the current billing period must be paid at the time the application is filed.
A list of Business License Fees can be found here.
- IV: Will I need a Building Inspection?
Building Inspections
A Building Inspection will be scheduled upon submission of a Business License Application. A building inspection is required for specific businesses that have been determined to have a potential impact on public safety or community welfare. Once scheduled, our City Inspection Department will visit the business establishment, meet the business owner and conduct and explain the results of their inspection.
All contractors doing jobs in the City of Fairmont over $2,500 must obtain a City Business License. If the contracting job is under $2,500, only a General Handyman License is needed.
Your business license must be renewed annually before July 1. Approximately 45 days before the expiration date of your license certificate, you will be mailed a renewal package. If there have been changes to your business, such as change of location, change of business, change of officer/owner, you must indicate this in writing. If you fail to receive a renewal package, please contact the Business License Clerk at (304) 366-6211.
Business License renewal periods run from July 1 through June 30. Once the renewal is paid, the new license will be mailed.
This section is still under construction...
- Address:
- City of Fairmont - City Hall
- 200 Jackson Street
- Suite 301
- Fairmont, WV 26554
- Phone: (304)366-6211 Ext. 330
- Email:
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