Check the municipal category before budgeting a licence
Regina requires a residential business licence for businesses operating from a residence, including online businesses. Commercial or industrial premises assessed and taxed as such are generally exempt from the general licence requirement, with listed exceptions such as certain second-hand businesses. Non-resident operations have their own category.
This does not remove zoning, building or other permit requirements. A change of location or activity deserves a new check. Since April 7, 2026, the City directs in-person licensing service to Old Fire Hall #1 at 1646 11th Avenue, rather than City Hall. Use the current City page to confirm the application route and category before visiting or paying.
Keep entity and tax records in separate folders
Saskatchewan’s Corporate Registry records the legal business or entity information appropriate to its structure. Its filings are distinct from municipal permission and income-tax returns. Keep registration documents, the legal name, the business address and the reminders that apply to the particular entity.
GST and PST also require their own assessment. A licence exemption does not decide whether the business collects sales tax, and a tax account does not confirm that a home-based use is permitted. Record account identifiers and authorized contacts without circulating account credentials in a general startup checklist.
Worked example: a home-based Regina service business
Illustrative example: an owner budgets $1,800 for equipment, $240 for setup supplies and $360 for annual software, producing $2,400 before any applicable taxes and licence or registration charges. The owner leaves those government charges as separate quoted amounts to confirm, rather than borrowing a fee from another city.
If the business later moves into commercially assessed premises, it revisits the municipal category and address records. The $2,400 startup budget does not establish licence eligibility, and the move does not automatically close the provincial entity or tax accounts. A change checklist helps keep the several records aligned.
Prepare an application and renewal record
Save the application, approval, issue date and any conditions. Set reminders from the actual issued licence and entity requirements rather than using one universal annual date.
- Describe the activity and exact operating location.
- Check the City’s licence category and any related permits.
- Retain the entity registration and separately assessed GST/PST information.
- Record changes, renewal dates and the person responsible for each obligation.
Put this into practice
Sources and current guidance
A practical next step
Bring the records you have.
We can identify missing information, agree on the scope and organize the next bookkeeping step.
Request a bookkeeping review