Business Licenses and Permits

A council employee is searching out unlicensed businesses and those who don’t pay sales tax in Chandler, Arizona (AZ).

Dedicated public servant Chris Sikora’s work has even won the support of the city mayor, Jay Tibshraeny, according to the Arizona Republic.

In an interview with the newspaper, Mr. Tibshraeny stated that while he wanted entrepreneurs to succeed in the business environment “they also need to pay their fees and their fair share and play by the rules”.

In the last fiscal year the man in question, Mr. Sikora, brought 890 unlicensed businesses to account, reclaiming more than $620,000 in unpaid licence fees and tax revenue, the publication claimed.

Sikora claims to find the license flouters of Chandler by following tips from neighbours and building inspectors, according to newspaper The Arizona Republic, in addition to driving around the city looking for new businesses and performing internet searches.

However, some of Sikora’s ‘targets’ take exception to his practices, with one such individual claiming she was being ‘harassed’.

Widow Sandra Beers became distressed after she received her second email notice threatening legal action if a business license was not obtained.

Mrs. Beers claims that since her husband’s death in March 2010, a business has not be run from their home.

Tags: Arizona, business license, business licenses