There are a lot of little things to get right when setting up a business. One of those things is figuring out what business licenses your business needs. While Arizona does not require a general license to do business at the state level, many cities in Arizona do.

Here are some of the cities in Arizona you should know about (this is not a comprehensive list): 

1. Mesa: Effective January 3, 2022, Mesa requires all businesses located in Mesa to obtain a general business license, renewed yearly.  For more information about requirements and exemptions you can click here.
2. Gilbert: Gilbert requires a general business license, renewed yearly. For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here.
3. Tempe: Tempe does not require a general business license, but does have other requirements. For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here. 
4. Queen Creek: Queen Creek requires a general business license, renewed yearly.  For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here.
5. Scottsdale: Scottsdale requires a general business license, renewed yearly. For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here. 
6. Chandler: Chandler requires a general business license, renewed annually.  For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here. 
7. Phoenix:  Phoenix does not have a general business license requirement.  Like many other cities however, it does require a business license in order to operate certain types of businesses in their city.  For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here.
8. Paradise Valley: Paradise Valley requires a general business license, renewed annually. For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here. 
9. Cave Creek: Cave Creek requires a general business license, renewed yearly. For more information about requirements and exemptions, you can click here. 

The application fees range from $25-$100 annually. If you operate without a license in a city that requires one, you could be guilty of a criminal misdemeanor and assessed late fees and other charges by the city.  

A few other things should be noted:

• This is not a comprehensive list of cities that require a business license.
• Several of these cities in Arizona also require sales tax licenses and licenses for operating specific types of businesses within their city limits (in some instances even temporary event based businesses).
• Businesses operating in certain industries in Arizona are required to carry specific types of licenses in order to operate in Arizona (for example, contractors need to get a contractor’s license, real estate agents need to obtain a real estate license, lawyers need to have a law license, etc.).
• This article is does not cover the requirements of every business to obtain other state or federal tax licenses. There are many things to consider when starting or operating a business! 

Contact Counxel Legal Firm 

We are here to simplify your legal experience. Let us help you get your business up to speed with its licensing requirements. Give us a call at 480-536-6122 or email us at intake@wordpress-457010-3165254.cloudwaysapps.com to see how we can help you. 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. Use of and access to this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Counxel Legal Firm. Please contact intake@wordpress-457010-3165254.cloudwaysapps.com or 480-536-6122 to request specific information for your situation. All legal matters must be reviewed for conflict checks 

*Conveniently located off the 101 Freeway and the US 60 in the middle of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek!