All businesses within Fort Smith city limits must obtain a Business License unless the business qualifies for an exemption. Business Licenses are managed in accordance with the City of Fort Smith Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13, Article 3 – Occupational Registration. Please note: per Sec. 13-69 fees may be waived.

Application Process

In order to apply for a business license, you must first determine which application to use. To determine the correct application, ask yourself the following four questions. Click each tab for more information and application links.

Submitting Your Application

Once your application is filled out, please submit it to the Business License department by emailing businesslicense@fortsmithar.gov. Your application will be reviewed and distributed to appropriate departments for additional reviews as needed. Our Business License Specialist will provide assistance as your application moves through the process.

Renewing Your License

Business licenses are required to be renewed annually. Business license renewals are sent via mail approximately one month prior to expiration. Renewal forms should be completed and returned along with payment of fees to the City of Fort Smith at the following address:

City of Fort Smith
Attn: Business Licenses
PO Box 1908
Fort Smith, AR 72902

Penalties for Late Payments

If a registration (or renewal) is submitted after the due date, the following penalties will be assessed:

• Thirty (30) days after expiration: $50
• Sixty (60) days or more after expiration: $100

Businesses that Require a Fort Smith Business License

• Businesses that are a corporation, non-profit, LLC, LLP, association, or sole proprietor
• Businesses that have any type of state or federal license
• Businesses that have or should have a sale tax or use permit
• Landlords who have any commercial, industrial, or institutional property
• Religious institutions (no general fee)
• Educational institutions (no general fee)
• Non-profit entities with a 501(c) 3 or similar designation (no general fee)
• Government entities
• Home-based businesses
• Insurance agencies (no general fee)
• Businesses that have more than one physical location inside the City of Fort Smith are required to get a license for each location. Please contact the Business License Specialist at 479-784-2299 or businesslicense@fortsmithar.gov if you have any questions related to the Business License Program. Si necesita español por favor llame 479-784-2228.

Professional Licenses and Special Designations

• Some businesses require additional permits for professional services, such as tattoo shops and medical service centers.
• Some professionals are no longer required to have a separate license, such as employees providing professional services at law firms, architecture firms, engineering firms, etc.
• Please note: If a doctor, lawyer, engineer, etc. is considered to be self-employed, you are required to obtain a business license.
• If you receive a W2 from your employer at the end of each year, you likely do not need a separate business license.
• If you receive a 1099 from your employer at the end of each year, you likely do need a separate business license.
• Most realtors are designated self-employed and receive 1099s at the end of each year, and therefore need individual business licenses.

If you have any questions about these designations, please email businesslicense@fortsmithar.gov.

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