Collector’s Office
100 North Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
Waukegan, Illinois 60085
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a business license and do
I need one?
2. Why does the City license businesses?
3. What does the business licensing process
entail?
4. Can I operate a business from my home?
5. How long does it take to receive a
business license?
6. How much does a municipal business
license cost?
7. Are there any businesses exempt from
a business license?
8. How many types of business licenses
are there?
9. What do I need to apply for a business
license?
10. What is a State Sales Tax Number?
Why do I need one? How do I obtain a Sales Tax Number?
FAQs
1. What
is a business license and do I need one?
A business license is the means whereby the City of Waukegan
grants you permission to engage in the business for which your
license will be issued. If you conduct, engage in, maintain,
operate, carry on, or manage a business or occupation, either
permanently or temporarily, within the corporate limits of Waukegan,
you are required to maintain a valid business license. The license
is renewable annually.
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2. Why does
the City license businesses?
Businesses are licensed to insure that their location is properly
zoned for the activity to be conducted, that the building the
business will be operating from meets fire safety code standards,
that all state and local codes are adhered to insuring the safety
and well being of our citizens, and that privilege businesses
are properly regulated. The revenue from license fee collections
goes to the City’s general fund to pay for the cost of licensing
and regulation and to insure continuation and improvement of
City facilities and services.
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3. What does
the business licensing process entail?
All business license applications are reviewed by Planning and
Zoning for zoning compliance, the Police Department for personal
background checks, the Fire Department for fire safety code compliance
and the building department for other code compliance and occupancy
permitting. If the business involves food and/or is state regulated
then compliance with the appropriate State Agency and the Lake
County Health Department, respectively, must be obtained prior
to the issuance of the business license.
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4. Can
I operate a business from my home?
If you are considering operating a business from your home and
the home is located within the corporate limits of the City of
Waukegan are required to apply for and obtain a general business
license.
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5. How long
does it take to receive a business license?
Most business licenses issued in the City are general business
licenses that can be issued within thirty (30) days. Special
category licenses requiring City Council approval can take up
to sixty (60) days or more. Special category licenses included
but may not be limited to all liquor licenses, gaming, pawnshops,
child care licenses, auctioneers, and massage establishments.
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6. How much
does a municipal business license cost?
The cost of a business license varies by specific type. Please
refer to the category of license most appropriate for your business.
Business license fees are billed annually. For a new business,
license fees must be paid at the time the license is issued.
These fees may vary from $25.00 to $2,000 depending on the license
classification. Your fee will be discussed upon submission of
your application, or for the exact fee for the category of your
business call 847-599-2560.
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7. Are there
any businesses exempt from a business license?
Yes, there are businesses exempt by law from Municipal business
licensing.
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8. How many
types of business licenses are there?
The City of Waukegan requires and levies a variety of Municipal
business licenses and taxes. Depending on the type of business
you operate you may be required to pay one or more of the following
taxes
Hotel Motel Tax - Peddler Vendor - Liquor - Cigarette - Vending
Decal - Amusement Machines
Billboard Sign - Taxicab License
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9. What do I
need to apply for a business license?
To apply for a City of Waukegan Business license you will need
an Illinois (sales tax) Identification number, proof that you
have obtained all required licenses from the State of Illinois
and all the necessary fees.
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10. What is
a State Sales Tax Number? Why do I need one? How do I obtain
a Sales Tax Number?
A State Sales Tax Number is assigned by the Illinois Department
of Revenue to identify and collect State sales/us tax. You may
obtain a State Tax Number from:
Central Registration Division
Illinois Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 19030
Springfield, Illinois 62794 9030
Telephone Number – 217-785-3707