How much permits cost to open in Columbus

In Columbus, the filings with a fixed government fee add up to about $50. 6 more are set by the space or the business, and 6 are free. Build-out, insurance and adviser costs are on top.

Updated October 17, 202613 filingsSources: the agencies' own sites

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 site How to fill it
Ohio vendor's license (sales tax)

Franklin County Auditor, for the Ohio Department of TaxationColumbus

A business with a location in Franklin County gets its sales tax account from the County Auditor: complete the ST 1 online, or mail it with the fee to 373 S High St, 21st floor, Columbus. Check with the local zoning department about the address first.

Fee
$50
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Create/Update Importer Identity Form

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.

Fee
Free
Filed
Paper form, mailed
Takes
Up to 5 business days.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Customs Bond

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed on the agency's portal
Takes
At least 5 business days for review.
Renews
Continuous bonds renew yearly.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Food safety certification for the person in charge

Ohio Department of Health, with the local health districtOH

Ohio's rule asks a food service operation of risk level I to IV, first licensed after March 1, 2010, for at least one person in charge on every shift with person in charge certification; someone with manager certification in food protection doesn't need it. Columbus Public Health teaches a 4-hour person in charge course and the 16-hour ServSafe course.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)

U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online
Renews
Every two years.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)

U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online
Renews
Update every year.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry

U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal

The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Hazardous materials registration

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT)US federal

Filed online when you ship or offer certain hazardous materials in bulk, such as large lithium battery shipments.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed online
Renews
Every year by June 30.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Unemployment insurance employer account

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Unemployment Insurance OperationsOH

A new employer creates an OHIO UI account and registers it in the Ohio Unemployment SOURCE employer portal.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Food service plan review

Columbus Public Health, Food Protection ProgramColumbus

Needed for a new site, a major remodel, or a change of business type or owner, before licensing. Send the plan review packet with payment to EH@Columbus.gov. Covers the cities of Columbus and Worthington.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Paper form, mailed
Takes
Up to 30 days once the payment and a complete application are in.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Columbus food service license

Columbus Public Health, Food Protection ProgramColumbus

Once the plans are approved and the work is done, complete the license application and ask for the final inspection at least three business days before opening; a new building needs Building Services' final approval first. The license fee is collected at the inspection and the printed license is mailed.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed in person
Renews
Every year, due by March 1; a 25% late penalty after that.

File on the agency's site How to fill it

Guides for each business in Columbus

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

Get the plan for your business in Columbus

This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.

The full list for your address, in filing order
The official forms, filled line by line
Renewal and inspection reminders