What is a CBI Number?
The Commonwealth Business Identifier (CBI) is a unique, ten-digit number assigned to all Kentucky businesses. The CBI allows the business to be easily identified by all state agencies that utilize the Kentucky OneStop Portal.
Tax Identification and Business Incorporation in Kentucky
Getting Your Tax IDs
Before you can apply for a CBI number, you’ll need to have your federal tax ID number in place. The fastest way to get a federal tax ID is to apply online, allowing you to receive your number in under an hour. With your federal tax ID in hand, you can apply for your Kentucky CBI number through several methods. The best option is to apply online for fastest processing. After applying, expect to receive your CBI number within 4-6 weeks.
You may also hear this number referred to as a Kentucky state tax ID number.
Kentucky Business Structures and Requirements
An incorporated business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky might be a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C-Corp, or an S-Corp. The first step is choosing a business name and searching Kentucky’s database to confirm availability before incorporating.
All Kentucky businesses will need to apply for a Kentucky CBI number before they can legally begin operations.
Additional Business Considerations
A variety of regulated professions in Kentucky require an occupational license, including detectives, cosmetologists, barbers, architects, and massage therapists. Additional information, fees, and licensing requirements for professions are available from the Kentucky Office of Occupations & Professions.
Businesses purchasing merchandise to resell may want a Kentucky Resale Certificate. This allows businesses to avoid paying sales tax on merchandise being resold to customers.