So, before opening your business you should determine which, if any, forms to file, licenses to obtain and regulations to follow pertaining to your type of business. It is the nature of government to regulate, license, permit, etc. and business requirements vary depending on the city, county or state within which you operate. Some require all businesses to register, and they collect annual business licensing fees. As the business owner, it is your responsibility to comply with any and all regulations that apply to your business. This is a permit to do business locally.
Most business licenses are for revenue raising and offer no benefits to the business.
To find out more information on the requirements of the state in which you operate contact the secretary of state's office. This manual can be downloaded, but you must have Adobe Acrobat reader to do so. I have a copy available in my office if you can't download the manual. Also the Georgia Secretary of State's First Stop Business Information Center contains a diverse listing of information and contacts related to state regulatory requirements. In addition to state and local licensing and permitting requirements there may be federal licensing requirements.