Photography Business Permit Requirements in Burlington, VT

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Vermont Department of Taxes — Sales Tax Registration

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Vermont. Vermont charges a 6% state sales tax; meals and lodging are taxed at 9%. Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via myVTax)

   Free

   Immediate (online via myVTax)

1. Burlington Business License (not required for most businesses)

   Burlington's City Clerk/Treasurer does not issue a general business licence, and there is no gross-receipts-based city business tax certificate. The office licenses exactly four categories: cannabis, liquor, peddler, and taxi. Fitness studios, tutoring, cleaning services, salons, contractors, food trucks, child care, pet services, photography, and professional services are not required to hold a blanket city business licence. Check whether your business falls into one of the four licensed categories; otherwise the relevant approvals are trade- or use-specific — a zoning permit or Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Permitting & Inspections, a state Health Department food licence, or a state professional licence from the Office of Professional Regulation.

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business licence exists in Burlington·N/A — there is no application to file unless your business is cannabis, liquor, peddling, or taxi

   $0 — no general business licence exists in Burlington

   N/A — there is no application to file unless your business is cannabis, liquor, peddling, or taxi

2. Burlington Parks Photography/Videography Permit

   Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront issues a Photography/Videography Permit for commercial shoots in city parks; there is no Chittenden County parks department. A general park permit is separately required for gatherings of 20 to 99 people, and a Special Use Permit is required for public events, exclusive use of a park area, amplified sound, vendors, or any commercial or fund-raising use. Special Use Permits must be approved by the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission.

   Official government source

   Photography/Videography Permit $105 per day, per location. General park permit: $30 (20–39 people), $55 (40–59), $80 (60–79), $110 (80–99).·Photography and general park permits are arranged by phone (802-864-0123). Special Use Permits require Commission approval at least one month before the event; the Commission meets the second Tuesday of each month except July.

   Photography/Videography Permit $105 per day, per location. General park permit: $30 (20–39 people), $55 (40–59), $80 (60–79), $110 (80–99).

   Photography and general park permits are arranged by phone (802-864-0123). Special Use Permits require Commission approval at least one month before the event; the Commission meets the second Tuesday of each month except July.

Official Sources

• City of Burlington City Clerk
• Vermont Department of Taxes — Sales Tax Registration

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