Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a hotel / motel in Brookings, SD. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Articles of Organization (LLC Formation)
South Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all LLCs. Annual report required separately (see below).
Annual Report (LLC)
South Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Applies to all LLCs. Filed online or by mail.
Transient Accommodations Tax License (8% tax)
South Dakota Department of Revenue
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Required for all hotels/motels renting transient accommodations (less than 30 consecutive days). Monthly returns and payments due.
Sales Tax License (Seller's Permit)
South Dakota Department of Revenue
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all retail sales including hotel rooms (taxable unless exempt), food/beverages, etc. Monthly/quarterly filing based on revenue.
Assumed Name Registration (DBA)
South Dakota Secretary of State
May Apply Fee: $10.00-$10.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Applies only if using DBA. Renewal every 5 years for $10.
Hotel Lodging Tax License (Municipal - if applicable)
South Dakota Department of Revenue (administers for cities)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Rates and requirements set by local ordinance; DOR collects for participating cities. Check specific city clerk for list.
Unemployment Insurance Tax Registration
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Quarterly wage reports and contributions required. New employers register online.
South Dakota Sales Tax (General) Registration
South Dakota Department of Revenue
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All businesses that make taxable sales, including lodging charges, must register for a sales tax permit.
South Dakota Sales & Lodging Tax (Transient Accommodations) Return Filing
South Dakota Department of Revenue
Required Renewal: one time
Type: filing
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South Dakota Withholding Tax Registration (Employer)
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
South Dakota does not have a state personal income tax, but employers must withhold the state’s 0 % income tax and remit the federal withholding.
South Dakota Withholding Tax Return Filing
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Even though the state income tax rate is 0 %, filing is required to report the withholding and to maintain compliance.
South Dakota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Registration
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All employers in South Dakota must register for UI and pay quarterly contributions based on taxable wages.
South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Contribution Filing
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation – Unemployment Insurance
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
UI tax rates are assigned by the state and applied to the first $27,500 of each employee’s wages (2024 rate).
Sioux Falls Business Privilege Tax Registration (City License)
City of Sioux Falls – Finance Department
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
The privilege tax is based on gross receipts; hotels typically fall in the $75‑$150 range.
Sioux Falls Business Privilege Tax Annual Return
City of Sioux Falls – Finance Department
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
The return must report gross receipts for the prior year to calculate the privilege tax.
Liquor Liability Insurance
None
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota ABC regulations (SD Codified Laws § 35‑31‑1 et seq.) require all licensees to maintain liability insurance covering bodily injury, property damage, and liquor‑related claims.
General Liability Insurance
None (not state-mandated)
Required Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
While South Dakota does not impose a statutory general‑liability insurance requirement, many lenders, landlords, and municipal licensing authorities require proof of coverage.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Professional Licensing Division (no specific statutory requirement)
Required Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Professional liability is generally not mandated for hotels/motels unless the business provides specialized consulting services.
Product Liability Insurance
None
Required Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Only required if the hotel sells tangible goods directly to guests (e.g., retail items, food products).
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for any LLC that has employees, more than one member, or elects to be taxed as a corporation.
Federal Income Tax Filing – Partnership Return (Form 1065) or Disregarded Entity (Schedule C)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Single‑member LLCs report income on Schedule C of the owner’s Form 1040. Multi‑member LLCs file Form 1065 and issue Schedule K‑1 to members.
City Business License
City of Sioux Falls
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all businesses including hotels/motels. Sioux Falls Municipal Code Sec. 15-1. Specific to city of operation.
County Business License
Minnehaha County
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
South Dakota counties generally do not require general business licenses; handled at city level. Confirmed via county auditor sites.
Zoning Compliance / Use Permit
City of Sioux Falls Planning & Development
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Hotels typically allowed in C-3/C-4 zones. Requires zoning verification letter. Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances Title 11.
Building Permit
Pennington County Planning Department
May Apply Fee: $0.25-$0.25
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Adopts 2021 International Building Code. Required for structural changes in hotels.
Sign Permit
City of Sioux Falls
May Apply Fee: $5.00-$5.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Regulated under Zoning Ordinance Sec. 11-11. Hotels often need monument/pylon signs.
Fire Safety Inspection / Permit
City of Sioux Falls Fire Rescue
Required Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Requires NFPA 101 compliance, sprinklers, exits. Sioux Falls Fire Code based on IFC 2021.
Certificate of Occupancy
City of Aberdeen Building Official
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Confirms zoning, building, fire compliance. Required for all hotels.
Health Department Permit (Lodging)
South Dakota Department of Health (statewide, local enforcement)
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Local health depts (e.g., Sioux Falls) enforce state lodging standards ARSD 44:12. Local permit required.
Fire Alarm Permit
City of Sioux Falls Fire Rescue
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
NFPA 72 compliance. Required for transient occupancy.
Parking Compliance (Zoning)
City of Sioux Falls Planning
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Zoning Table 11-4: Hotels require specific parking ratios. Traffic study if >100 rooms.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
May Apply Fee: $1.50-$3.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
South Dakota law (SD Codified Laws § 41‑5‑1 et seq.) requires any employer with at least one employee to secure workers’ comp insurance or be approved for self‑insurance.
Lodging Tax Surety Bond (or cash deposit)
South Dakota Department of Revenue – Taxation Division
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
The bond guarantees payment of lodging tax, penalties, and interest. A cash deposit may be used in lieu of a surety bond.
Commercial Auto Liability Insurance
South Dakota Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division
May Apply Fee: $800.00-$800.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Minimum liability limits required by South Dakota law: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Federal Annual Payroll Tax Reconciliation (Form 940) – Unemployment Tax
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
FUTA tax is 0.6% on the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages after state credits.
Federal Employment Posters (e.g., FLSA, OSHA, EEOC)
U.S. Department of Labor
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Postings must be in a conspicuous place where employees can read them.
South Dakota State Labor Law Posters
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes minimum wage, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and anti‑discrimination notices.
Record Retention – Payroll & Tax Records
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Publication 583
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Electronic records are acceptable if they are accurate and accessible.
Record Retention – Hotel Guest Records & Financial Statements
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Records may be requested during a state tax audit or lodging‑tax compliance review.
Employment Taxes (FICA, FUTA, Federal Unemployment Tax) – Form 941/943
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Employers must also file Form 940 annually for FUTA.
OSHA Recordkeeping (OSHA 300 Log, 301 Incident Report, 300A Summary)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Hotels are covered under General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910).
ADA Title III – Public Accommodation Accessibility Standards
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division
May Apply Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes accessible guest rooms, common areas, signage, and service counters. Requires a written accessibility plan for new construction or major remodels.
EPA Section 608 – Refrigerant Management for HVAC Systems
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
All HVAC service must be performed by EPA‑certified technicians; periodic leak inspections required.
EPA Stormwater NPDES Permit (if applicable)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Often administered by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, but federal NPDES regulations apply.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Truth in Advertising & Online Privacy
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) if collecting data from children under 13.
Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Minimum Wage & Overtime
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
South Dakota follows the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr as of 2024).
Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Eligibility & Notice
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – Employee Benefits Security Administration
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Many hotels meet the employee threshold; must maintain FMLA policies.
ATF Federal Basic Permit for Alcoholic Beverage Service
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
State liquor license also required; ATF permit covers federal aspects such as record‑keeping and reporting.
Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) for Hotel Shuttle Services
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
If shuttle vehicles are under 10,000 lbs GVWR and carry ≤9 passengers, may be exempt; verify size/usage.
FCC – Wireless Internet Service (Wi‑Fi) Compliance
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
No federal license needed for typical Wi‑Fi; ensure equipment complies with FCC Part 15.
South Dakota LLC Annual Report
South Dakota Secretary of State
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Filing can be completed online via the Secretary of State’s portal. The report updates the LLC’s registered agent and address information.
Annual Lodging Tax Revenue Report to Local Municipality
Local City Treasurer (e.g., Sioux Falls Treasurer’s Office)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Report must include total room nights, taxable revenue, and tax collected.
Annual Business License Renewal – State (if applicable)
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Business Licensing Division
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Most hotels rely on local licensing; state licensing is only needed for certain regulated activities.
Alcohol Beverage License Renewal (if hotel serves alcohol)
South Dakota Department of Revenue – Alcoholic Beverage Control
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Requires proof of responsible beverage service training for staff.
Accessibility Compliance – ADA Self‑Assessment
U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes accessible rooms, signage, and service areas.
City Business License Renewal (e.g., Sioux Falls)
City of Sioux Falls – Finance Department
Required Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
All hotels/motels operating within city limits must obtain a municipal business license. Check the specific city’s ordinance for exact due date.
South Dakota Hotel/Motel License Renewal
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (DLR)
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Renewal requires proof of current fire and health inspections and proof of workers’ compensation coverage.
South Dakota Sales & Use Tax Return (including Lodging Tax)
South Dakota Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Lodging tax is collected in addition to the state sales tax; rates vary by municipality.
South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Report
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Employers must also submit wage reports electronically via the SD UI portal.
South Dakota Workers’ Compensation Coverage Confirmation
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Workers’ Compensation Division
May Apply Fee: $1.20-$1.20
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Proof of coverage (certificate of insurance) must be kept on file and available for inspection.
Annual Health Department Food Service Inspection
South Dakota Department of Health – Food Service Division
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
The health permit must be displayed at the point of food service.
Annual Fire Department Inspection
Local Fire Department (e.g., Sioux Falls Fire Department)
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspection includes fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, egress routes, and fire extinguishers.
Federal Partnership Tax Return (Form 1065) – Multi‑Member LLC
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Each member receives a Schedule K‑1 for reporting on their personal returns.
Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1120‑S) – Single‑Member LLC electing S‑Corp
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Requires filing Form 2553 to elect S‑corp status.
Federal Payroll Tax Return (Form 941) – Quarterly
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Form 941 reports federal income tax withheld, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.
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