Guide to Operating a Business
To start a business in Independence, you are required to have
an occupation license and, if your business includes retail
sales, a State of Missouri Sales Tax Number. In addition, you
will need to have utilities connected for your place of business.
This brochure explains the process of opening a business in
Independence.
Location
The first step in opening a business is to obtain a location.
Please check with the Community Development Department to assure
the property is appropriately zoned for your intended business
use. Zoning laws restrict the use of property and may limit the
use of the location you have selected. To contact the Community
Development Department regarding zoning laws, call 325-7421.
Missouri Sales Tax Number
If your business will be involved in direct sales of
merchandise to the public, you are required by both State and
City laws to have a Missouri Sales Tax Number. You may obtain an
application for your Missouri Sales Tax Number at the Missouri
Office Building, 615 East 13th Street, Room 127, Kansas City,
Missouri, or by calling 889-2944.
City Occupation License
Each business operating or providing a service in
Independence, Missouri, is required to have a City Occupation
License. The occupation license is required before you can begin
operating. To avoid delays in the opening of your business you
should apply for your occupation license as soon as you secure a
location, since it may require from two to six weeks to obtain
your license. The initial occupation license fee is based on the
estimated annual gross revenue to be generated by the business.
The fee for an occupation license is as follows: for gross annual
receipts of $25,000 or less, the fee is $25.00; for gross
receipts over $25,000, the fee is $25.00 plus $0.29 for each
$1,000 or part thereof over $25,000. You should submit your
completed application for an occupation license to the City's
Finance Department, License Division, on the second floor of City
Hall using the forms provided by the City.
Inspection and Review
Upon receipt of your application, the City will begin a review
process including the inspection of the business location and a
background check of the business owners. A request for inspection
will be sent to each City department that is affected. Your
business will be inspected by the Fire Department for compliance
with the City Code. If the business involves the sale or
preparation of food, the Health Department will also make an
inspection of the premises. The Community Development Department,
which includes Zoning and Building Inspection, and the Water
Pollution Control Department will review the application and may
perform an on-site inspection, if necessary. If the application
is approved, your City Occupation License will be mailed to you
within four to five days. If your application is denied, you will
be notified within thirty days with an explanation.
The inspection and review process is provided to assure City
Code compliance and public safety. Should a Code correction be
required, you will be notified by the appropriate City
department. All corrections must be made before the occupation
license can be issued. It is important that you be aware of all
inspecting department approvals or correction notices before you
begin to make any required corrections. Knowing what has been
approved and what needs to be corrected before you begin can save
time and help you obtain your occupation license more quickly.
Corrective Notice Questions
If you have any questions concerning correction notices for
City Code compliance, please contact the following department as
applicable:
Fire Prevention: 325-7122
Building Inspection: 325-7401
License Division: 325-7079
Zoning Division: 325-7421
Health Department: 325-7194
Water Poll. Control: 325-7711
If you need assistance or have questions concerning the
occupation license process, please contact the License Division
at City Hall, second floor, or call 325-7079.
Utility Connections
You may apply for utility connections or obtain information
for utilities from the following:
Electric, Water, Sewer
Electric, water and sanitary sewer service is provided by the
City of Independence. You may contact Customer Service at 111 E.
Maple (325-7930), or at 11610 E. Truman (325-7700).
Natural Gas
Natural gas is provided by Missouri Gas Energy. They can be
contacted at 756-5252.
Telephone
Independence is served by Southwestern Bell Telephone and
United Telephone of Missouri. Southwestern Bell can be contacted
toll free by calling 1-800-400-9050. United Telephone can be
contacted toll free by calling 1-800-788-7084.
State and Federal Requirements
Fictitious Name Registration
Registration of a fictitious name may be made with the
Missouri Secretary of State, State Office Building, 615 East 13th
Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or you may call 889-2925.
Registering as an Employer
Every business employing people is subject to State
withholding taxes for those individuals. To obtain information
regarding withholding tax, you may call the Missouri Revenue
Department at 889-2944. The office is also located in the State
Office Building, in Kansas City.
Federal Employer ID Number
Each business employing people is also required to apply for a
Federal employer identification number. A number may be obtained
by calling (512) 462-7843 or you may call 1-800-829-1040 for
forms or more information.