Information and frequently asked questions about the business license process.
The Business License Division is responsible for assisting individuals and companies acquire a City of Mesquite business license.In addition, the division also monitors all business activities within the City and addresses any concerns relating to licensing and fees.
Who needs a City of Mesquite Business license?
Anyone who has an office, advertises, sells a product or service, consults or advises or performs any type of work or business in the City of Mesquite needs a business license. If you operate a business out of your home, you must also apply for a Home Occupation Permit. This form must be mailed or presented to the Mesquite Planning Department. They must approve the location and type of business. When you pay for your Business License, you must submit the Home Occupation Permit signed by the City of Mesquite Planning Department. There is a one-time $50.00 Home Occupation Permit fee which is payable when you pay for the actual business license.
How much does a business license cost?
There are many different types of business activities or categories. You will pay your business license fee on either a gross fee schedule for retail sales (the amount of money made on the last six months of sales) or a set fee paid yearly. The fee for your business license is determined by the type of business operation. Please contact the Business License Division for more information on license fees.
All business licenses are renewed annually (issued for one year) except for the following licenses:
- Gross Fee Schedule (semi-annually)
- Gaming (semi-annually)
- Liquor and LVCVA (quarterly).
Special licenses are required for liquor, gaming and peddlers/solicitors/temporary merchants in Mesquite. These licenses require a positive background investigation of the applicant and approval by City Council.
Do state licensed contractors need a business license too?
Any person licensed as a contractor by the Nevada State Contractor's Board must obtain a business license if conducting business in the City of Mesquite, or based in the City of Mesquite, whether or not performing construction work in the City.
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The first page of the City of Mesquite application is a check list. Locate the items which pertain to your business. (Not all items on the checklist pertain to every business)
Every business license application must be accompanied by copies of the following forms:
- Certification of registration from the State of Nevada Department of Taxation (Nevada Business Registration)
- Fictitious Name filing from the Clark County Clerk’s Office.
Where do I get the forms?
All Business License Forms are available on line on this website. You may also pick them up at the Mesquite City Hall in the Finance Office.
What are the most important forms I will need?
1. Every business requires a certificate of registration with the State of Nevada. If you currently have a business in Nevada, you will already have this (attach a copy of it with your application) The form is named “Nevada Business Registration/Department of Taxation”. This is a 3 page form. (first page is the filing instructions) Complete the Nevada Business Registration and the Supplemental Information form. The easiest way to file this document is on the Department of Taxation website: www.tax.state.nv.us. You will go to Nevada Business Registration, fill in the required information, make your payment on-line and PRINT A CONFIRMATION to be filed with your Mesquite Business License. This confirmation will be accepted as your registration with the Department of Taxation and expedite the process of getting a Mesquite Business License. If you cannot negotiate the website, you must mail or take the completed forms to the Department of Taxation Offices at 555 E. Washington Avenue, Las Vegas NV 89101. If you mail the forms to the state it may take up to 4 weeks to get them back. Remember, we must have this confirmation from the State when you apply for a business license. If you are in a hurry, you may take the forms to their office at the same address and wait while they are processed – they will give you a receipt and a form which says “State of Nevada” “Department of Taxation”, “Registration”, and possibly give you your tax ID number. We do not need your tax ID #, only the proof of registration with the State.
2. Every business working under a DBA is required to obtain a Filing of Ficticious Firm Name certificate from the Clark County Clerk. Please read the instructions, mail or take the form to the Clark County Clerk and have it date-stamped and recorded. The County Clerk is in Mesquite on a limited schedule; see the form for times and location. Attach a copy to, and submit with, the rest of your business license application.
3. If your business involves sales of any type, you will need a City of Mesquite Gross Fee Schedule. The Gross Fee Schedule determines the cost of your Mesquite Business License. This license is good for 6 months (because we realize sales fluctuate with seasons, etc.) and must be renewed every six months. You must complete the Gross Fee Schedule, indicate how much you estimate your first 6 months sales will be (you must pay the minimum of $25.00 every six months to keep your gross fee sales license active). Enclose a check for that amount to the City of Mesquite, along with your completed business license application, copies of the Nevada Business Registration/Dept. of Taxation certification, and any State license you may be required to have (Contractor, Physician, Ect…)
