All Business Licenses expire on April 30th. As a courtesy, the Business License Division mails renewal forms at the beginning of the year. Also, automated phone calls may be made in early April to remind businesses of the renewal. A 5% penalty will be assessed if fees are paid after April 30th and an additional 5% penalty will be assessed each month thereafter on the 1st until paid in full.
Out of city businesses must renew their license prior to conducting business in the new calendar year. If you do not intend to conduct business in the city limits, please indicate this on your renewal form and return it to the Business License office. Failure to receive notice shall not constitute a defense to prosecution for failure to pay the tax due or grounds for waiver of penalties.
If you do not receive your renewal form, you may contact the Business License Division to request it (803)-545-3345
Please note: During peak renewal season, longer processing times will occur. We highly recommend utilizing our online portal or the Statewide Renewal Center website to renew.
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BUSINESS CHANGES & CLOSURES
A name change must be reported to the Business License Division within ten days. A change of address must be reported to the Business License Division within ten days of the business relocating to a new location. The license will be valid at the new address upon compliance with Zoning, Building Codes and approval of other departments as determined by the licensing division.
A business license shall not be transferable. Any transfer of ownership shall be considered a termination of the old business and as the establishment of a new business which will require a new business license, based on the income of the old business. Please notify the Business License Division immediately if this occurs via our online self-service portal or downloading and returning the forms below:
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OTHER INFORMATION
We offer several ways to renew and pay your business license tax:
In Person or Mail In, 1339 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
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- Processing times will vary, typically portals up to 3 -5 days, in person immediate, mail in 10 business days (peak time Feb – May does extend these processing times). For mail in during peak, allow up to 8 weeks. Postmark is recognized as the received date.
We will no longer require Income Verification Documentation to obtain your renewed Business License. Please be advised, periodic audits will be performed to ensure accurate revenue reporting.
If you have a mobile food service business or home occupation, we do need either the home occupation form or food service questionnaire to be resubmitted with your renewal for re-validation by zoning.
For any questions, please contact us at (803)-545-3345 between the hours of 830am – 5pm Monday through Friday
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WEB PAYMENTS
- Location: Online Self-Service Portal – LINK HERE
- Payments Accepted for: New Business License Applications, Business License Renewals, Hospitality Tax Remittance, Tourism Development Fees, Single Arts & Crafts Permits, Group Event Licenses
- Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, Discover
- Fee: Credit Card fee 2.90%, ACH $1.25 per transaction
- Hours: 24/7
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MAIL IN PAYMENTS
- Location: PO Box 147, Columbia, S.C. 29217
- Payments Accepted for: New Business License Applications, Business License Renewals, Hospitality Tax Remittance, Tourism Development Fees
- Payment Methods: Check
- Fee: No Fees
- Hours: N/A
- Payment Restrictions: None
- Location: Business License, 1339 Main Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201
- Payments Accepted: Business License Renewals, Hospitality Tax Remittance, Tourism Development Fees
- Payment Methods: Check
- Fee: No Fees
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WALK-IN PAYMENTS
- Location: Business License, 1339 Main Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201
- Payments Accepted: Business License Renewals, Hospitality Tax Remittance, Tourism Development Fees
- Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Credit Card
- Fee: Credit card fee applies
- Hours: 8:30-5:00 M-F
- Phone: (803) 545-3345
- Payment Restrictions: None
- Drop Box Location: 1136 Washington Street Side, Right Side of Double Doors
- Payments Accepted: Business License Renewals, Hospitality Remittance, Tourism Development Fees
- Payment Methods: Check
- Fee: None
- Hours: 8:30-5:00 M-F
- Phone: (803) 545-3345
- Payment Restrictions: None