FAQs • Lyon County • CivicEngage

Are the business license fees pro-rated?: Yes, the fees can be prorated on a quarterly basis, but not a monthly basis. We are on a fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year. If you were to start your business in August, you would still pay the full annual fee, whereas, if you started in October, you would only pay three quarters for the first year. This applies to all fees except gaming; these fees can be prorated monthly.

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Business Licenses

1. When do I need a business license?: Lyon County Code states it is unlawful for any person, partnership, association, firm or corporation engaging in any trade, calling, service, profession, or business venture in Lyon County must first apply for and obtain a license or permit from the Lyon County Clerk/Treasurer's office.
This would exclude 1) all multi-level marketing businesses such as Avon, Amway, Shaklee, Candlelight, Pampered Chef, Home Interiors, etc., 2) those persons setting up for special events sponsored by the city or county, 3) those persons selling under the umbrella of a flea or farmer’s market or 4) any private individual who has no more than five (5) garage sales a year.

2. Do I need to go the Department of Taxation first?: Yes, you will need to take a copy of the ‘Nevada Business Registration’ form to their office and send or bring in the compliance letter they give you with your application.

3. How much will a business license cost me?: Your Lyon County Business License will be determined according to the number of owners and employees you have. There is a fee schedule printed on the Lyon County Business License form.

4. When do I need to file a Fictitious Firm Name?: The only time you do not have to file a fictitious firm name is if you are a sole proprietor operating under just your given name or you are a Nevada State registered corporation, limited liability or trade name.

5. Which inspections do I need and do I need them if I am running a business from my home?: If your business is in a commercial location, the first thing you will do is check with the planning department to see if the zoning is correct for the type of business you are conducting. If the zoning is okay, then you will need to call the health inspector only if your business is food related, otherwise, you will need to only call the building and fire inspectors. In some cases you may need to check with Lyon County Utilities. Have the Lyon County form on site when the inspectors come so they can sign it off.

6. How do I calculate number of employees, does this include leased or part-time employees?: Your employees are the number of workers, including owners, that it takes to operate your business. For the purposes of calculating your fee, you will count any full or part-time employees and leased employees from an employment agency.

8. Do I need to notify you if I close my business?: Yes, if you close your business or you are a contractor no longer working in our county, please notify our office by mail, phone or email.

9. I don’t have any children, do I still need to complete the “CHILD SUPPORT” form?: Yes, law requires all applicants to complete this form.

10. What other requirements do I need?: Different businesses have different requirements, please contact our office to discuss the nature of your business and if there are any state requirements needed before you can obtain your county license.

11. Where do I get a federal identification number?: You can obtain your federal identification or EIN number from the IRS. Their website is www.irs.gov or you can call them at 1-800-829-1040.

12. When do I need to fill out a renewal form to update my license?: Whenever there is a change in your business, moving to another location (even if it is next door), change in ownership or corporate officers, changing the nature of your business or adding to it, etc.

13. Are the business license fees pro-rated?: Yes, the fees can be prorated on a quarterly basis, but not a monthly basis. We are on a fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year. If you were to start your business in August, you would still pay the full annual fee, whereas, if you started in October, you would only pay three quarters for the first year. This applies to all fees except gaming; these fees can be prorated monthly.

14. When are fees due?: Fees are billed annually in June of each year and are due on July 1. Fees of $100.00 or less will be paid in full July 1. Lyon County does offer you the option of paying quarterly if the fees are more than $100.00, however, you will not be billed quarterly. If you choose to pay quarterly, the due dates are: July 1, October 1, January 1 and April 1.

15. What if I have no employees, do I still need to complete the ‘Affirmation of Compliance?: Yes, this compliance form is required by State Industrial Relations and if you have no employees, you must still complete the form, checking the second option, and either sign the form in front of us or a notary. If you have employees and have worker’s compensation, you can submit a copy of your certificate of insurance instead of filling out this form.