Knowledge Base

Do I need a City of Evans Business License?

Businesses and persons required to obtain a City Business and Tax License:

• ALL businesses operating in the City
• City businesses that do not “sell” anything
• Persons making infrequent taxable sales in Evans
• Businesses or persons delivering items into the city who use their own employees or vehicles to effectuate a sale.
• Special Event Organizer. (individual special event vendors are not required to obtain their own license)

Businesses must obtain a license before opening to the public.

For a more comprehensive definition to decide if a business needs a Business License see the definition for Engaged in Business in Chapter 3.04 of the Sales and Use Tax Code here.

Engaged in Business means performing or providing services, or selling, leasing, renting, delivering, installing or any activity in connection with the selling, leasing, renting, delivering, or installing in the City of Tangible Personal Property by a Retail Sale as defined in this Section, for use, storage, distribution, or consumption within this City. This term includes, but shall not be limited to, the following acts or methods of transacting Business: (A) Maintaining within the City, directly or indirectly or by a subsidiary, an office, building, structure, store, distributing house, salesroom or house, warehouse, mobile vendor, or other place of Business;  

Maintaining within the City an office for employees, agents, or commissioned sales Persons to solicit Business or to install, assemble, repair, service, or assist in the use of its products, or for demonstration or other reasons;

Owning, leasing, renting, or otherwise exercising control over real or personal property within the City;

The soliciting, either by direct representatives, indirect representatives, manufacturers' agents, or by distribution of catalogues or other advertising, or by use of any communication media, or by use of the newspaper, radio, or television advertising media, or by any other means whatsoever, of Business from Persons residing in this City and by reason thereof receiving orders from, or selling or leasing Tangible Personal Property to, such Persons residing in this City for use, consumption, distribution, and Storage for use or consumption in this City; and

Making more than one (1) delivery into the City within a twelve (12) month period.

I do not “sell” anything or collect sales tax is there a different license application?

No, the application and license is a combined Business and Sales Tax license.  If you are “Engaged in Business” in Evans but not collect any sales tax, your account will be set up with a Business License requirement only.  

I want to go door-to-door and solicit my business, do I need a license?

Yes, you will need to complete the Business and Tax License Application.

Where do I find a Business and Tax License Application?

License applications are available on our website, by contacting the sales tax office, or by picking one up at the City of Evans.  Businesses must obtain a license before opening to the public.

Click here for the Business and Tax License Application.  Complete the form, sign and submit with check or cash payment.  

If you do not have access to the internet, we can mail or fax you an application.

How much does the license cost?

The cost of a license is approved and adopted by resolution each year by City Council.  To view the current fee schedule, please click here. The license must be renewed every year by December 31st. 

Is the Business and Tax License Application Fee refundable?

The Sales and Use Tax Chapter 3.04.500 (k) states, “Each application for a License and renewal of a License shall be accompanied by payment of a fee in the amount, if any, as may be determined by City Council by Resolution. The application fee is not refundable regardless of whether the application for a License is granted or denied.”

How much is the renewal cost?

A renewal form will be mailed out prior to December 31st.  The cost of a license is approved and adopted by resolution each year by City Council.  To view the current fee schedule, please click here. If the application is renewed after December 31st, an additional late fee will be assessed. 

I am selling my business, is my Business and Tax License transferrable?

No, the license is nontransferable.  The new business owner will need to complete a Business and Tax License Application.

I have two business located in the City of Evans, do I need a license for each business?

Yes, a separate license is needed for each location in Evans.  However, if you collect and remit sales tax, consolidated tax returns may be filed as long as each license number is reported on the consolidated return.

Do I need to fill out the Home Occupation Certificate?

If you are conducting business from your home or your business address is your home address AND that address is located in the City of Evans, you will need to complete the Home Occupation Certificate.  Please be sure to complete questions 13 – 15 on the Business and Tax Licenses application.  Any missing information will delay the approval process.

What is the Business License Application Process?

After we receive your application and payment, your application will be reviewed by our Planning and Zoning, Building and Fire Department.  The licensing process ensures that the City has a record of the business information and that the area is properly zoned for that particular business activity.

How long will it take to receive a Business License?

Please allow 2-3 weeks for your application to be reviewed and approved.  This time frame may vary depending on the location and type of business.

Can I receive a Temporary Business License while my application is being processed?

See Sales and Use Tax Code Chapter 3.04 section 3.04.500 (p) Licensing Obligations. A business, already "Engaged in Business" may apply for a temporary license. They will need to complete the same Business and Tax License Application, sign and submit it along with payment. There is no additional Temporary License fee. The City Manager will have the authority to issue the temporary license. The license will be valid for 90 days from the date of approval. If the applicant establishes good cause, the City Manager may, in his discretion, extend the temporary license for an additional period not to exceed 90 days.

What is the difference between a Temporary Business License and a Temporary Vendor license?

The code for a Temporary Business License is found in Chapter 3.04 section 3.04.500 (p) and is for an existing business that needs to come into compliance with the licensing code. See question above. A Temporary Vendor license is found under Chapter 5.12 and is for a new business that will conduct temporary business in Evans. A business that needs to come into compliance or a business wanting to only conduct business in Evans for a day/week/month would need to complete a Business and Tax License Application per Chapter 3.04 of the Evans Code. If approved, this license is valid until December 31st of the year it was issued.

What is the cost of a temporary license?

The cost of a temporary license is approved and adopted by resolution each year by City Council.  To view the current fee schedule, please click here.  If an applicant is applying for a temporary and a regular license they will need to pay $25.00 + the temporary  license fee.

When do I have to renew my license?

The license must be renewed every year by December 31st for the following year.   

How do I close my Business & Tax License account?

If your business is discontinued, sold, or no longer engaged in business in the City of Evans, please email your request to close your account to salestax@evanscolorado.gov or by mail to City of Evans Attn: Business & Tax License 1100 37th St, Evans CO  80620.