Start a Business in Pittsburgh

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $50–$200

Skip the research

Get your full roadmap instantly

Overview

Starting a business in Pittsburgh requires a Business Privilege Tax Registration through the Finance Department. Base fee: $50–$200. Pará is Amazon gateway. Belém is culinary capital of northern Brazil. Mining (Carajás) and açaí production significant.

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

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

Costs

Estimated total: $50–$200 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$50–$200

Restaurant$100–$500

Contact

Finance Department

Phone: 412-255-2525

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Pittsburgh business privilege tax on gross receipts

⚠ Allegheny County has separate business filing requirements

⚠ PA Liquor Control Board for alcohol — most restrictive in US

⚠ Multiple tax layers: city + county + school district + state

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

Get your full permit roadmap

Everything in the right order with links, fees, and timelines.

Get My Roadmap → $29

Read our complete Pittsburgh business license guide →