Business Licenses
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Information about the requirements of business ownership within the City of Yuma limits.
Last Updated:
12/17/2008We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the City of Yuma and inform you of the requirements of business ownership inside the City limits. The following information is generalized and is intended to give you some basic information. There may, however, be more specific information for your particular type of business. Please feel free to contact our Business License Office for additional information by calling (928) 373-5074.
The City of Yuma Business License and Sales Tax Office is located within Yuma City Hall at One City Plaza. The business license office is available for business from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (on open Fridays until 4:30 pm). City Hall office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm and Friday from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm. We are closed every other Friday and also on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. We can answer your questions regarding business licensing with the City and we can also assist you, either directly or with contact information, on many sales tax related questions.
License Application
You may request a business license application in person, by mail, or by fax (completed applications cannot be returned by fax), there are two types of applications that can be downloaded
You can also download the instructions "pdf" format. Both pages one (1) and two (2) of the application are to be completed and signed by the owner. The third page (if required) is for City use. The fourth page is for your information.
Is Your Business Located Within the City Limits of Yuma?
If your business location is inside the City limits of Yuma, you must take the application to the City of Yuma’s Department of Community Development for review by the Planning & Zoning Department. The staff in this department will review the application and determine if the application can be approved or disapproved based upon its location and your type of business. Their job is to make sure that your business will comply with City zoning regulations both in commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. Please refer to the final page of the application for more detailed information about the approval process. Business locations outside of the City limits do not require these approvals. Food related businesses are required to see the Yuma County Health Department or provide a copy of their health license.
Do You Have A Home Business?
It should be noted that many people are unaware that even small, home-based businesses located inside the City or those that come into the City to conduct business are required to be licensed before conducting business. Temporary (or itinerant) businesses, adult oriented, special events, carnivals, door-to-door sales, and non-profit organizations have regulations that pertain to them specifically. The Business License Office has information regarding those types of activities.
After Approval
After approval is obtained, the application is to be returned to the Business License Office and the appropriate fee will be required before processing. You will receive a receipt for your payment, which will allow you to begin operating your business immediately if necessary. We will mail your actual business license and license number 10 to 14 days after we have received your completed application and fee. The license must be displayed so that it can be easily seen at your business location.
License Fees
The license fees are dependent upon the type or classification of your business. Our most common license fees range from $40 to $120 per calendar year and all license fees are non-refundable. Your business classification may or may not fall under the range listed here. Please check with our office to determine the correct amount due with your application.
Still Have Questions?
Questions regarding the best way to operate your business should be directed to a certified public accountant, tax specialist, or an attorney who specializes in business and tax matters. Our office is not qualified to give you specific information on how to run your business but there are several resources available to you in the community.
Listed below is contact information for some agencies, that you may find helpful:
- Arizona Department of Revenue: Licensing and Registration Section
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (928) 344-6990
- Arizona Liquor Licenses & Control
- Arizona Secretary of State (602) 542-4285
Contact to register a business name. - Arizona Department of Commerce Small Business Services Section (800) 542-5684
Provides the "Guide to Establishing and Operating a Business" - Yuma County Health Department (928) 329-2235
- Internal Revenue Service - Resource publications (800) 829-3676
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- A.W.C. Small Business Development Center (928) 341-1650
- Yuma County Chamber of Commerce
Hopefully, the information provided will help you in getting your business off to a great start. If our office can be of any help to you in the future, do not hesitate to contact the City of Yuma Business License and Sales Tax Office.
