Business licenses moving to Web

Secretary of State Ross Miller knew that Nevada was losing revenue when business owners forgot to pay or evaded the state's $200 business license fee, but he didn't realize just how much money.

Miller, however, expects his office to collect an additional $30 million in revenue, which on Thursday took over the task of issuing business licenses, because of the new Nevada Business Portal.

The portal will allow businesses to file for the license online, around the clock. Business owners also will be able to apply at the secretary of state's offices.

Miller said the Web site access will make it easier for businesses to comply with the law and for his office to pursue scofflaws.

One group of business owners that will benefit from the portal is topless dancers.

Taxation Department Executive Director Dino DiCianno, whose department had previously issued the business licenses, warned Miller to expect a flood of applications from out-of-town strip club dancers.

DiCianno said about 100 dancers typically showed up late every week to file for business licenses so they could work as independent contractors at Las Vegas clubs only to find out that the Taxation Department had closed at 5 p.m. and they could not legally work that weekend.

Miller said some topless bar operators are already offering computer access to these dancers so they can obtain their licenses through the portal.

Miller intends to establish the Nevada Business Portal as a one-stop, online shop for all types of licenses and permits necessary to open a business.

The secretary of state's office already files records for corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships.

But now, all types of businesses must obtain business licenses from Miller's department, because of legislation sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas.

The measure, Assembly Bill 146, transferred the responsibilities for business licenses from the Taxation Department to the secretary of state's office.

The secretary of state's office does not collect business license fees for cities, counties or other state agencies, although Miller hopes to do so in the future through the portal. Then, businesses could complete documents from multiple agencies.

"This just makes us that much more business-friendly," Oceguera said.

Miller expects the portal to make Nevada more attractive to out-of-state businesses that want to incorporate or form other kinds of business entities in the state.

Miller is preparing a request for proposals for computer software to operate the portal and has $6 million in state funds to pay for the startup costs.

Contact reporter John G. Edwards at jedwards@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0420.