Obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate
Welcome! We are so happy you have chosen Dallas as the home for your business. Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your operations, we’re excited to have you as part of our growing business community.
What is an Occupational Tax Certificate?
An Occupational Tax Certificate (also known as a business license) is a certificate issued by government agencies. The certificate is evidence that an individual or company has paid an occupation tax as required by the local ordinance. Any person engaged in any business, trade, profession, or occupation and is located in the city limits of Dallas, is required to register their business with the city and obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate.
All Occupational Tax Certificates expire December 31st of each year.
Things to know before you get started:
Commercial Location- All commercial zoned businesses are required to have new business safety inspections by the Paulding County Fire Marshal and the City of Dallas Community Development Building Inspector. The business applicant is responsible for contacting both inspectors to schedule a date and time.
Residential Location- All residential zoned (home-based) businesses are required to submit the City of Dallas Home-Based Occupation Form. You will also be required to submit proof of ownership/signed lease. If you lease or rent, you will be required to submit a letter from the property owner/management stating they are allowing the business to be conducted at this location.
How to obtain an occupational tax certificate:
- Confirm that the business location is in the city limits of Dallas. If you are unsure, call and ask.
- Complete the Occupational Tax Certificate Application Packet.
- All documents must be signed by the same person.
- Pay the $25 non-refundable Admin New Business Submission Fee
- Schedule inspections (if commercial location)
- Pay the Occupational Tax Certificate Fee- This fee will be invoiced to you via email once the application is complete and inspections have passed. Please refer below for an estimate of the license cost.
Required documentation & Information:
- Occupational Tax Certificate Application (online or in person)
- Financial Affidavit
- SAVE Affidavit
- E-Verify Affidavit
- Copy of Applicant's Secure and Verifiable Document (ex. driver's license)
- Proof of Ownership/Copy of Signed Lease
- Business Entity Registration (Georgia Secretary of State)
- Federal Tax ID Number
- Georgia Sales and Use Tax ID Number (if collecting sales tax)
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code
Required if applicable:
- Professional License (if required by the State of Georgia or Federal Gov.)
- Paulding County Department of Health Certificate
- Department of Agriculture Inspection & Certificate
- F.O.G. Permit & Inspection
- Immigration Documentation (if applicant is other that U.S. Citizen)
non-profit organizations:
Non-Profits should submit an Occupational Tax Certificate with proof of 501(c)(3) status.
Changes of information or status:
Changes regarding a business must be submitted to keep the business license up to date. If information about your business - such as the physical or mailing address, business name, or ownership- has changed, or if the business has been closed or sold, please contact ccook@dallas-ga.gov to submit the change form.
