Q: Do you need a permit or vendor license or any certification to run a home based business?
A: This is going to depend largely on the nature of your business and where your home is located. If your home is in an area that is zoned for residential use only and you open a business, it may violate the zoning ordinance. While a home-based business that operates exclusively online or doesn't have anyone ever visiting your house might technically be a zoning violation, it's unlikely that it would ever make onto the radar of the local zoning authority. However, if you're in a residential zone and you try to open a day care, hair salon, auto body shop etc out of your residence, the zoning people are likely to come knocking fairly quickly. As far as permits or a vendor license goes, again this will depend on the nature of the business. If you're making products out of your home, you may need a vendor's license and a registration with the Ohio business gateway for tax purposes. If your dealing in food products, additional licenses may apply. If it's a services based business (business consulting, streaming workouts online for money, tax preparation, etc.) then you may not need a vendor's license. Without more information in your question, it's impossible to determine exactly what you might need, but an attorney can certainly assist you in forming your company and making sure its compliant with applicable laws in your area.
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