Business Licensing & Services

Starting a Business in Lakeland, Tennessee

The City staff is pleased to make this information available to all individuals who are committed to the opening of a new business in Lakeland.

This information is intended to provide new entrepreneurs with a guide to the local, county, state and federal agencies to whom new business activities must be reported. Such agencies are ready to assist all business owners in the proper registration and reporting requirements which must be observed to ensure that each business complies with applicable regulatory requirements and maintains its good standing with the proper authorities.

If additional assistance is required, please contact City Hall at 901-867-2717, 10001 U.S. Highway 70, Lakeland, TN 38002-9756; 901-867-2717 or fax 901-867-2063.

Lakeland Occupancy Permit

Businesses locating in a commercial area of the city must obtain a City of Lakeland Certificate of Use and Occupancy which costs $50. While in-home businesses are not required to have a Certificate of Use & Occupancy, they are subject to strict regulations concerning the conduct of business activities in residential areas. In regard to Shelby County detailed information concerning requirements can be obtained from the Memphis and Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement Office at 901-385-5074.

Lakeland Business Tax License

City Legislation established a Lakeland business tax license effective January 1, 1992.

The initial fee for a city business tax license is $15. The license will automatically renew when all applicable IRS and State taxes are filed and paid. The City of Lakeland can only renew a license when given the release from the State. If your account is not eligible for renewal, you must contact TNTAP for additional information and questions. If you have a minimal license, an annual fee of $15 is required to renew your license.

Additional information or clarification can be obtained from City Hall at 901-867-2717

Shelby County Business Licenses

State Business Tax License

State Business Tax License
General info on starting a business in Tennessee (PDF)
Tennessee Department of Revenue - Starting a New Business

State of Tennessee Sales Tax Registration

All prospective businesses should contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue, 5050 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117, to determine the applicability of the sales and use tax regulations to the proposed business activity. If the business is responsible for collecting and reporting the sales tax, property registration forms will be provided upon request. For further information, call 901-543-6781.

Federal EIN Number Information and More

Commercial, Door-to-Door Solicitation:

Please contact City Hall at 901-867-2717 for information on the permitting process for commercial, door-to-door solicitation.