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Posted By: davidcycleback

Getting a standard business license is about no more challenging and expensive that getting a pet's license. It's a tax thing more than anything. Beyond legalities, as a business/businessman it's to your advantage to have a business license. There are tax breaks and some private business transactions require you to be a licensed business (such as wholesale, resale deals).

If GAI by name doesn't have business license, that does not mean that the owner of GAI doesn't have one. The owner of GAI could have a license under a different name and the license covers GAI. For example if Joe Jones owned a pet shop and a flower stand, the tax license for both could be under Joe's name.

Also, as GAI is incorporated, it's officially registered as a business with the government somewhere, somehow.

If they are paying their taxes, not paying the $50 for a city business license is a relatively minor offense. The business equivalent of not having a license for your beagle. In fact, I bet is some cities the fine for not having a pet license is higher than for not having a business license.

Now, if you're a medical doctor, liquor store owner or old folks home operator, then it could be a big issue if you weren't properly licensed for your job. You couldn't legally practice medicine or sell vodka without a medical or liquor license.