Start a Business in Columbus

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $0–$100

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Overview

Starting a business in Columbus requires a No general city business license through the Department of Building & Zoning Services. Base fee: $0–$100. No general state business license. Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) is unique to Ohio.

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: $0–$100 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$0–$100

Restaurant$50–$300

Contact

Department of Building & Zoning Services

Phone: 614-645-7671

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Ohio Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) at state level

⚠ Columbus city income tax on businesses and employees

⚠ Franklin County Public Health for food permits

⚠ State capital — government contractor considerations

⚠ Ohio requires a Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) registration for businesses with gross receipts over $150,000

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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Read our complete Columbus business license guide →