Start a Business in Denver

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $25–$500

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Overview

Starting a business in Denver requires a Denver Business License + Tax Accounts through the Department of Excise and Licenses (regulated industries) + Treasury Division (taxes). Base fee: $25–$500. 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

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

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

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $25–$500 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$25–$500
Restaurant$100–$1,000+

County Health Department

Denver Public Health (Denver County)

(720) 913-1311

https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Public-Health

Contact

Department of Excise and Licenses (regulated industries) + Treasury Division (taxes)

Phone: 720-913-9400

201 W Colfax Ave, Dept 1010, Denver, CO 80202

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ HOME-RULE CITY — collects own sales tax separately from state
⚠ State sales tax license does NOT cover Denver — need separate city tax account
⚠ Occupational Privilege Tax (head tax) on both employers and employees monthly
⚠ Self-employed owners pay OPT even with no employees
⚠ No universal city business license — only regulated industries need one
⚠ Cannabis licensing is dual state + city track

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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