@deairby Even as a home office business, my community requires a business license. It’s not very expensive, but the fines are substantial if you are caught without one.

Most likely you wont’ have any sales taxes on your services, so that’s not an issue. But if you will be actively networking in your location, it likely protects you.

@deairby I looked online at the city for ‘Business Licenses’. They did a reasonably good job of spelling it out and most even have forms online. I also went in to the offices and asked–but I actually live in a small incorporated area, so there was virtually no wait.

@deairby Check with your county’s economic development authority. Usually a state requires a license but you can do it jointly through the county. It looks like if you make less than $10k in a year, you do not need an official license in Fairfax County VA.

Here is the SBA search engine:  http://www.sba.gov/content/business-licenses-and-permits 

Here is Fairfax County Virginia:All licenses: http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/business-licenses-and-taxes-quick-reference-guide

Business License: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta/pdf_files/2012bpol_app.pdf

For consulting in the State of Washington, you have to get a State ID no.  because you have to pay taxes.  You should check with your state as well.

thanks everyone  @trudy @trudyd1474 @moneyandrisk @kc_kreative @joanmuschampfagnani