The City of St. Louis License Collector issues business licenses. A City business license is generally required for most businesses to operate in the City, even if not physically located within the City limits. The License Collector issues business licenses for a variety of business types.
The Business Assistance Center can help coordinate your business license and other required city licensing and permit applications.
In order to get a City of St. Louis business license, first determine what category into which your business falls. A few professions, such as physicians and attorneys, are exempt.
Most businesses need a Graduated Business License (GBL), which is based on the number of employees. The term of the annual license runs from June 1 through May 31. The Graduated Business License must be renewed each year and the license tax paid before June 1 to avoid any penalties provided by law. You must obtain a Graduated Business License before commencing business activity.
To avoid penalties the Graduated Business License application and payment must be received by the License Collector’s Office before June 1 of the license year. Further, all city taxes must be paid in full before a new business license will be issued.
Certain categories of businesses must pay specific license fees. For example:
Entertainment / Exhibition (Amusement) Tax
Parking Gross Receipts Tax
Hotel / Motel Tax
Liquor Tax
Cigarette Tax
Vending Decal Tax
Restaurant Gross Receipts Tax
Taxi Cab Licenses
Peddler / Vendor License
Check with the License Collector for more details if you intend on operating any of these types of businesses.