Photography Business Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Utah. Utah charges a 4.85% state sales tax; local jurisdictions add additional taxes bringing totals to 6–9%. Register with the Utah State Tax Commission online.

   Official government source for Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

1. Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License

   Salt Lake City requires a business license for businesses operating within city limits (SLC Code Title 5). Apply through the Business Licensing Division; licenses renew annually and must be displayed. Exception: under Utah Code 10-1-203.5, a no-impact home-based business (one whose combined off-site impact does not materially exceed that of the residence alone) cannot be required to obtain a city license or pay a license fee.

   Official government source for Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)·1–3 weeks

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)

   1–3 weeks

2. Salt Lake County / Salt Lake City Park or Special Event Permit

   Photography that takes over public space in Salt Lake City - staged productions, equipment set-ups, or events in parks/plazas - may require a permit from the SLC Special Events office ($151 application) or a film permit for productions. Small portrait sessions generally proceed without a permit, but confirm with the Events office (eventpermits@slcgov.com) for your use case.

   Official government source for Salt Lake County / Salt Lake City Park or Special Event Permit (opens in a new tab)

   $151 SLC Special Event Permit application where an event permit applies; small sessions typically $0 - confirm with the SLC Events office·1–3 weeks

   $151 SLC Special Event Permit application where an event permit applies; small sessions typically $0 - confirm with the SLC Events office

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Salt Lake City Business License Division
• Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

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