Start a Business in Colorado Springs

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $25–$150

Skip the research

Get your full roadmap instantly

Overview

Starting a business in Colorado Springs requires a Business License through the Sales Tax & Licensing Division. Base fee: $25–$150. No general state business license. Colorado has 70+ home-rule cities that collect their own sales tax separately from state. State license does NOT cover home-rule cities.

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: $25–$150 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$25–$150

Restaurant$50–$300

Contact

Sales Tax & Licensing Division

Phone: 719-385-5903

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Home-rule city — collects own sales tax

⚠ El Paso County (CO) — not TX El Paso County

⚠ Military base proximity (Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever)

⚠ State sales tax license does NOT cover Colorado Springs

⚠ Colorado uses a destination-based sales tax system — verify the combined rate for your specific address

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

Get your full permit roadmap

Everything in the right order with links, fees, and timelines.

Get My Roadmap → $29

Read our complete Colorado Springs business license guide →