do you need a business license to sell on etsy - Etsyhunt

do you need a business license to sell on etsy

Question

do you need a business license to sell on etsy

As a new Etsy seller, I am wondering if I need a business license to sell on Etsy. I have heard that some states require a business license for online sales, but I am not sure if this applies to Etsy. I would like to know if I need a business license to sell on Etsy and if so, what kind of license I need.

Upvote: 
317
  Published Date: 
3 answers

Answer 1

You
do
not need
a
business
license
to
sell
on
Etsy, but
you
may
need
a
license or permit
from municipal, county, state, or federal
agencies
regulating
businesses.The
first
thing
you
need
to
do is figure
out if your
Etsy
activity is a
business or a
hobby.If
you
have
a
business, you
need
a
business
license.If
you
are
engaging in a
hobby, you
don’t.The
IRS
has
nine
factors in determining if your
activity is a
hobby or a
business.For
example, they
look
at
the
time and effort
you
spend
on
the
activity.They
also
consider if you
operate
the
activity
like
a
business and depend
on
the
income
for your livelihood.If you profit from your activity in at least three of the most recent five tax years, the IRS considers that a business.Or, if you intend to engage in a profit-making venture, you have a business.The advantage of having a business is that you can write off business expenses from your Etsy profits.But the drawback is that you need to apply for a business license.

Upvote:
25
  Published Date: 

Answer 2

You do not need a business license to sell on Etsy, but you may need a license or permit from municipal, county, state, or federal agencies regulating businesses. The requirements vary depending on your location, so it’s best to check with your local government to see what licenses or permits you need. Some states require a sales tax permit, while others require a general business license. You may also need a zoning permit if you are operating your business from your home. It’s important to note that if you are selling food or other regulated items, you may need additional licenses or permits. It’s always best to check with your local government to ensure that you are in compliance with all regulations.

Upvote:
16
  Published Date: 

Answer 3

You
do
not need
a
business
license
to
sell
on
Etsy, but
you
may
need
a
license or permit
from municipal, county, state, or federal
agencies
regulating
businesses.The
requirements
vary
depending
on
your
location, so
it’s
best
to
check
with your local government to see what licenses or permits you need.Some states require a sales tax permit, while others require a general business license.You may also need a zoning permit if you are operating your business from your home.It’s important to note that if you are selling food or other regulated items, you may need additional licenses or permits.It’s always best to check with your local government to ensure that you are in compliance with all regulations.

Upvote:
10
  Published Date: 


* You can contact us if you want submit your question

Experience Hassle-free Selling on Etsy with EtsyHunt!