Starting a Business in Utah: Licenses, Registrations & Checklist
Utah start-up checklist
Formation
- Form your LLC or corporation with Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. Official page
- A trade name (DBA) is registered with the state.
Tax registration
- Register for state taxes with Utah State Tax Commission. Official page
- Business-level tax: Corporate franchise and income tax ($100 minimum).
- Sales tax: get a Utah sales tax license from Utah State Tax Commission before you sell taxable goods. Official page
- Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
- Local sales taxes are collected through the state return.
- If you have employees, withhold Utah income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page
Hiring
- Register for unemployment insurance with Utah Department of Workforce Services. The 2026 taxable wage base is $50,700 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0.2% to 7.2%. Official page
- Workers' compensation through Utah Labor Commission and private insurers. Required when: 1 employee
- Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page
Recurring filings
- File Annual Renewal (LLCs, corporations and nonprofits): every year around the formation anniversary; fee $18.
- State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.
Agencies
- Business filings and annual reports: Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. Official page
- Taxes: Utah State Tax Commission. Official page
- Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Utah Department of Workforce Services. Official page
- Workers' compensation: Utah Labor Commission.
- Contractor licensing: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
- Real estate licensing: Utah Division of Real Estate.
- Alcohol licensing: Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services.
- Child care licensing: Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Licensing.
- Health facility licensing: Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Exceptions to watch
- City or county business license (City or county business licensing office): Utah cities and counties require business licenses.
- Cannabis: medical licensing only, regulated by Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Center for Medical Cannabis.
Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.
Cities and counties in Utah
Choose a city to see its full list.