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Business license requirements in Allentown, Pennsylvania depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Allentown is typically required for any business operating within city limits.
State-level tax registrations, professional licenses, and regulatory filings required by Pennsylvania agencies.
If you provide professional services in Allentown (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Your business location in Allentown must comply with local zoning ordinances. Home-based businesses may need a home occupation permit.
Food service, health, fire, alcohol, and other industry-specific permits may be required depending on your business activities in Allentown.
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
Bureau of Revenue and Audit, Finance Department
435 Hamilton St, 2nd Floor
Allentown, PA 18101
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET
Information verified as of March 27, 2026
Web VerifiedAllentown requires a Business Privilege License and levies a Business Privilege Tax on gross receipts for businesses operating within city limits. The tax rate is 3 mills for retail and service businesses and 1.5 mills for wholesale. A separate license application is required before commencing business.
Business Privilege Tax return due April 15 annually for the prior calendar year. License renews January 1 each year.
Renews annually
Late filing penalty of 1% per month on unpaid Business Privilege Tax. Failure to obtain a business license may result in fines and collection action.
Allentown levies a Business Privilege Tax at 3 mills (0.003) on retail/service gross receipts and 1.5 mills (0.0015) on wholesale
The tax applies to all gross receipts attributable to work performed within the City of Allentown
A 2% early-payment discount is offered if the Business Privilege Tax is paid promptly
Allentown is Pennsylvania's third-largest city and the Lehigh Valley's economic hub
Nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) status are generally exempt. Government entities and certain agricultural operations are exempt from the Business Privilege Tax.
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Businesses found operating without required licenses in Allentown, PA can face penalties ranging from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines per violation, cease-and-desist orders, revocation of existing permits, inability to enforce contracts, and in some cases criminal misdemeanor charges. Don't risk your business.
Get a free compliance assessmentEvery city has different fees, deadlines, and penalties. Miss your filing window and penalties range from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines — and operating unlicensed can mean forced closure. Search below to get the exact requirements for your location.
Not sure what you need? Get a free compliance assessment — our licensing experts will identify every requirement for your business.
Follow these steps to obtain your Allentown business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Allentown, PA.
Before applying for a Allentown business license, determine your entity type (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership). Your structure affects which licenses you need and how you register with Pennsylvania and the IRS.
Verify that your business location in Allentown is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Allentown Planning Department for zoning verification. Home-based businesses typically need a home occupation permit.
Register your business entity with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State (if applicable), obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register for state tax obligations including sales tax and employer withholding.
Submit your business license application to the Bureau of Revenue and Audit, Finance Department. Applications can typically be submitted online, in person, or by mail. Include all required documentation and fees.
Depending on your industry in Allentown, you may need additional permits — health department permits for food service, fire department approval, alcohol licenses, professional licenses, or industry-specific certifications.
Once issued, display your Allentown business license prominently at your place of business. Licenses renew annually. Track renewal deadlines to avoid penalties and late fees.
CLS also provides business license services in these Pennsylvania cities.
Allentown business license information last verified March 27, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Allentown or contact CLS for current requirements.