Start a Business in Aurora

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 Varies — home-rule city

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Overview

Starting a business in Aurora requires a Business License through the Finance Department, Sales Tax Division. Base fee: Varies — home-rule city. No general state business license. Colorado has 70+ home-rule cities that collect their own sales tax separately from state. State license does NOT cover home-rule cities.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)
✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration
✓County: health department permit + fire inspection
✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: Varies — home-rule city depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Finance Department, Sales Tax Division

Phone: 303-739-7057

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Spans multiple counties (Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas)
⚠ Colorado home-rule city — may collect own sales tax
⚠ State sales tax license does NOT cover home-rule cities
⚠ Aurora shares border with Denver
⚠ Colorado uses a destination-based sales tax system — verify the combined rate for your specific address

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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