The City of Columbia requires every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession in whole or in part within the limits of the city to pay an annual license tax and obtain a business license as provided in the ordinance.
Applications for a Business License can be applied for ONLINE via our
Self-Service Portal or by downloading and sending your completed application to BusinessLicenseMail@columbiasc.gov, or in person at our office located at 1339 Main Street, first floor. The business license application process may require clearance from one or more of the following departments: (1) Zoning (2) Building Inspection (3) Fire Marshall (4) DHEC (5) Engineering. Please be advised you may be contacted to schedule inspection(s) in order to finalize and receive your license.
APPROVALS ARE NECESSARY TO COMPLETE BUSINESS LICENSING PROCESS
Step1: Determine the Jurisdiction
Columbia, SC is comprised of several different local licensing jurisdictions. Check your proposed address for you business. This will provide you with the primary jurisdiction for your location, which determines where you must file for your business license.
Step2: Determine Proper Zoning and Compliance
To determine if the location you are considering will allow the proposed business activity. Contact our zoning department
Zoning
Step 3: Apply for State Business License and Taxation
To register your business or tax account visit SCDOR .
Step 4: Register a Firm Name & apply for your EIN
File for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) also known as a Federal Tax Identification number.
Register your business name with the SC Secretary of State
Step 5: Apply for a City Business License
After completing Steps 1 – 4, you are ready to apply. If you are mailing or emailing your license application please allow up to 5 (five) business days for a licensing technician to contact you via email or phone. They will provide additional information or request additional information from you. Downloadable application and instructions below.
This Division is responsible for the collection of Business License Tax, Hospitality Tax, Tourism and Development Fund, Garage Sales, Special Event Permits, and Busker Permits.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 147, Columbia, SC 29217
Physical Address: 1339 Main Street (1st Floor), Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-545-3345 | Fax: 803-988-8025
