Start a Business in Birmingham

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 Occupational tax on gross receipts

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Overview

Starting a business in Birmingham requires a Business License through the Revenue Division. Base fee: Occupational tax on gross receipts. Alagoas has growing tourism along Caribbean-like coastline. Maceió is main economic center. Sugar cane and chemical industries.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: Occupational tax on gross receipts depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Revenue Division

Phone: 205-254-2198

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Alabama business privilege tax at state level

⚠ Jefferson County has separate business license requirement

⚠ City occupational tax may apply

⚠ Dual city + county licensing common in Alabama

⚠ Alabama requires a Business Privilege License Tax filing annually with the Department of Revenue

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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