Business License & Permit Costs in Georgia

If you’re starting a business in Georgia, it’s natural to get caught up in the fun part of planning. What will you sell? Whom will you help? How much money can you make? But you know there’s a lamer reality as well: You have to follow the rules and regulations to start a business in Georgia, and costs are integral to that. For instance, just how much does a business license cost?

This post is here to help anyone who wants to know how much a business license costs in Georgia, how fees accrue to the different possible licenses and permits, and whether you need one to operate legally. It’s important to know also that the costs vary depending on your business type, your location, and the licensing level that is required by your biz.

So, how much does a business license cost in Georgia? Let’s take a look.

Do you need a business license in Georgia?

The short answer to whether you need a business license in Georgia is: Maybe. When it comes to business license requirements Georgia is easier than other states because there is no license mandated at the state level.

However, you will almost certainly need a license at the city or county level. You will also need to check the requirements for your business at the federal level, as well as determining if you need specific industry or professional licenses.

You will also need to register with the state of Georgia. Although this is not the same as a license, it is required to sell goods or services within the state, whether in a brick-and-mortar establishment or online.

Thus, before you can answer the question “How much is a business license in Georgia?” you need to determine these by contacting the appropriate local jurisdictions, state boards, and professional organizations.

How much does a business license cost in Georgia?

Business license costs vary by state, and your Georgia business license cost will vary, as it is actually a compendium of various licenses and permits. To get a business license in Georgia may cost you anywhere from a pittance to several hundred or even thousands, depending on the jurisdiction, how dangerous your field is, whether you’re responsible for people’s lives, zoning codes, and so on.

A general range is about $50 to $500 when you total everything up. That does not include the $100-$110 you will pay when you register your business with the state (depending on whether you file online or by mail).

Factors that influence cost

There are a number of factors that influence Georgia business license cost. These include:

• The specific business license requirements for your city or country
• Your business structure
• Your industry and professional status
• How often you have to renew and how much renewal fees cost
• Whether any federal regulations apply to you (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, firearms, aviation, energy, etc.)

To understand how this plays out, let’s discuss a few specific types of business licenses in Georgia and the costs associated with them.

Types of business licenses in Georgia and their costs

As you understand by now, there is no one business license in Georgia. Rather, it is a collection of licenses depending on your specific field, goods or services, and location.

However, there are a few basic factors to keep in mind when it comes to Georgia business license cost, broken down as follows:

Type of License	Cost
City Occupational Tax Certificate	Cost varies: In Georgia, a business license is called an occupational tax certificate. Different cities charge different rates for business licenses in Georgia, and it is not always easy to find information online. The best bet is to call your local jurisdiction so that you get the most current and accurate information.
County Occupational Tax Certificate	Cost varies: Typically, you need an occupational tax certificate for each brand of your business in a county. Check the rules of your county to determine if you need a license in addition to your city. For instance, in Cherokee County, you will pay $30 for the owner, $30 for each full-time employee, and $15 for each part-time employee.
State	$100-$110: While there is no state business license or associated fee, you will have to pay the business registration fee in order to get a license and begin operating in Georgia.
Federal	Cost varies: Some, but not nearly all, industries are regulated by the federal government. It’s your job to ensure you remain in compliance. For instance, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) says that anyone who handles a certain amount of produce must pay $995 plus $600 for each additional facility, not to exceed $8,000 total.
Individual	Cost varies: People who belong to professions—social workers, builders, doctors, dentists, teachers, and so on—must pay licensing fees determined by their industry and the professional organizations that govern them. For instance, to get your teaching license in Georgia, you must pay a $100 application fee.

To determine your sum Georgia business license cost, you must find out the rules at every level, follow them, and pay the appropriate fees.

Pro Tip: It can be very difficult to find the information you’re looking for about your specific city, county, state, and federal business licensing requirements. If you’re having trouble, pick up the phone and call your city’s chamber of commerce. If they can’t give you outright answers, they can offer guidance on whom to call next.

Seller’s permits

In addition to licenses and state registration, you may need to get permits to run a business in Georgia, with the associated costs. There is no cost to register for a sales tax permit in Georgia, but you will need one if you are going to collect sales tax.

Types of businesses that require a license in Georgia

Unlike some other states, there is no state-level business license required, which means that all the specifications for your individual Georgia business license cost and requirements will come from the city, county, and federal levels.

However, it is safe to assume that you will need a license from your city and/or county jurisdiction in order to start a business in Georgia, and this applies to all businesses generally.

Renewing your business license in Georgia

Unfortunately, your Georgia business license cost is not a one-time thing. Rather, you will need to renew your licenses at the local and federal levels whenever needed, as applicable. If you fail to do so, you may incur late fees and other penalties.

Although you’re typically required to renew licensing every year, that depends on the city or county. Make sure you do the research to avoid penalties. For instance, in Atlanta, you’re required to renew your business occupational tax certificate by February 15 annually. If you do not do so, you will incur a $500 “Failure to File” fee.

If you still haven’t paid by April 1, you will accrue an additional 10% “Failure to File” fee. Thereafter, all unpaid balances will accrue a monthly interest fee of 1.5%. These fees can really pile up, and if you continue to leave them unpaid, you may face dissolution of your business.

Don’t let that happen. And hey, if you’re not the best at paperwork, who can blame you? All you need is a little help.

Get help starting your business in Georgia

Figuring out the Georgia business license cost, or even how to get a business license in Georgia in the first place, can be daunting. But don’t worry, if you’re getting an LLC in Georgia and need help with anything you need to get done, we’re here to help.

At Tailor Brands, we specialize in getting hard things done for you. Our team is friendly, responsive, and reasonably priced, so you can focus on what you do best and leave the hard stuff to us. We’ll research your license requirements, get the paperwork done, and total the fees so you’re always on track and above board.

Ready for assistance? Call or email us today.

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