Licenses and permits to open a grocery store in Denver

1. 1

   Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

   Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, faxed or mailed

   Takes

   Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   Colorado sales tax and withholding registration

   Colorado Department of RevenueCO

   A business with a Colorado location applies in MyBizColorado for the sales tax license and the wage withholding account (or on paper Form CR0100); MyBizColorado also connects you with the Department of Labor and Employment to set up unemployment insurance.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Applied for online, the account number is shown online; the sales tax license arrives by mail.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Denver sales tax license

   City and County of Denver, Department of Finance, TreasuryDenver

   Denver collects its own sales tax: a Denver business making retail sales registers in the eBiz Tax Center. With staff working in Denver, also register for the Occupational Privilege Tax.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Renews

   Every 2 years.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   Denver zoning use permit

   Denver Community Planning and DevelopmentDenver

   Apply on e-permits (select Zoning Permit); the permit is issued once its fee is paid, and lapses unless a building permit or certificate of occupancy follows within 180 days. Denver's retail food license won't issue without it.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed on the agency's portal

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

5. 5

   Denver retail food establishment license

   City and County of Denver, Business LicensingDenver

   Apply in Denver's Online Permitting and Licensing Center with the entity and on-site manager details, and the Denver sales tax license if you sell taxable goods. After review, Development Services, the Fire Department, Public Health and Zoning inspect.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Denver aims to review a complete application within seven business days; the inspections follow.

   Renews

   Every year; renew online before it expires.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open a grocery store in Denver</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>Colorado sales tax and withholding registration (Colorado Department of Revenue)</li><li>Denver sales tax license (City and County of Denver, Department of Finance, Treasury)</li><li>Denver zoning use permit (Denver Community Planning and Development)</li><li>Denver retail food establishment license (City and County of Denver, Business Licensing)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/denver/grocery-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Denver

• How much permits cost to open in Denver
• How long permits take in Denver
• Opening in Denver as a foreign company
• Importing goods into Denver
• Renewals and annual filings in Denver

Questions people ask

• How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
• How long does it take to get an EIN?
• Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
• How do I become an importer of record in the US?
• How does a foreign owner get an ITIN?
• Does a single-member LLC with no employees need an EIN?

Other businesses in Denver

• Milk tea and bubble tea shops
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hot pot restaurants
• Bakeries
• Dessert shops
• Retail stores
• Cosmetics stores
• Toy stores
• Importers and online sellers
• Warehouses and 3PLs

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.