City of Dallas Occupational Tax Certificate

Main Street

As of April 30, 2026 all new business submissions must be completed online using our Customer Self-Service Portal

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. 

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..
  • Non-Profits should submit an Occupational Tax Certificate with proof of 501(c)(3) status. 
  • All Occupational Tax Certificates expire December 31st of each year. 
  • 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. 

New Business Requirements: (forms and affidavits can be found below)

  • North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code
  • City of Dallas Financial Affidavit
  • E-Verify Affidavit
  • SAVE Affidavit
  • Home-Based Occupation Form (if home-based business)
  • Copy of Applicant's Secure and Verifiable Document (driver's license, passport, etc.)
  • Proof of Ownership/Signed Lease
    • letter from property owner allowing business to be conducted at the location (Home-Based Only)
  • Business Registration Certificate from Georgia Secretary of State (if LLC or Corp)
  • Certificate of Trade Name from Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court (if using a DBA)
  • TIN/EIN Number Verification 
  • Sales and Use Tax ID Number Verification (if collecting sales tax)

Required if Applicable: 

  • Professional License if required by the State of Georgia or Federal Government
  • Department of Health Certificate 
  • Department of Agriculture Inspection and Certificate
  • Grease Trap Inspection & FOG Application 
  • Immigration Documentation (if applicant is other than US Citizen)

 

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