How to find the permits and approvals your business actually needs
Startup Costs | Blank working worksheet | September 6, 2026
https://startup-costs.com/guides/permits-and-approvals/

Result to produce: An approval register with official responses and the next unresolved question.

Business and format:
Address or service area:
Prepared by:
Date:

BEFORE YOU START
Prepare a short description of the activity, customer access, equipment, products handled, employees and intended address or service area. This guide does not provide a definitive permit list, fee schedule or permission to open.

DECISION RECORD
1. Business and tax registration
Exact entity/activity question, responsible office and response
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

2. Premises and fit-out
Address, use, planned works, conditions and applicable route
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

3. Activity-specific requirements
Service/process, regulator, question and determination
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

4. Paid team
Employment arrangement, relevant agencies and required registrations
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

5. Applications and issued approvals
Reference, status, prerequisites, confirmed fees and dates
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

6. Renewal and changes
Renewal date and changes requiring a fresh applicability check
Finding or value:
Evidence, scope and date:
Status (Unverified / Assumed / Supported / Needs review):
Next action, person and date:

DECISION RULES
If: The responsible authority is unclear
Action: Ask the official starting office to identify jurisdiction and retain the referral.

If: A response covers a different address or activity
Action: Obtain confirmation for the proposed scope before relying on it.

If: A required approval is pending
Action: Keep the dependent opening commitment unresolved until the relevant conditions are met.

YOUR DECISION
Next commitment:
Conditions still to resolve:
Decision and reason:
Next review date:

Sources and background:
SBA: launching a business: https://www.sba.gov/counseling/launch-your-business/
IRS: state government websites: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/state-government-websites

This is a blank personal planning worksheet. Its completion is not an approval, a market estimate or a completed state research record.
The examples and calculator defaults on the guide are authored illustrations. Keep your own evidence and limitations with any result.
Financial information supports planning and education and is not personalized financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Results do not guarantee costs, revenue, profit or financing.