Do Artists Need a Business License?
If you regularly create and sell art in any state, you may need a business license. Artists are considered small business owners when they produce, market, or sell their work for profit, whether it’s through art festivals, online shops, commissions, or public art projects.
Business licenses are often issued by your city or county government, not the state. This is true for Georgia. For example, artists working in Augusta should apply through Augusta-Richmond County’s Licensing and Inspection Department. Those who work from home can usually apply for a home occupation business license.
You should consider applying for a business license if you:
- Sell your artwork or creative products regularly
- Offer paid services such as commissions, murals, or workshops
- Operate under a business name other than your own
- Maintain a studio, gallery, or other public-facing workspace
- Need to collect or remit state sales tax on your art sales
You may not need a license if you sell occasionally, earn only hobby-level income, or sell through a gallery that manages all transactions. However, keeping good records and reporting your income correctly is always important…