Business Registration

Business Registration: Applying for a New Business License

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Contact

Business Registration
Financial Services
Phone: 770-594-6235
Email Us

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

38 Hill Street
Suite 210
Roswell, GA 30075

Welcome to the City of Roswell and thank you for choosing Roswell as the location for your business. Please feel free to visit or contact us for assistance in completing your application. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be glad to assist you with all questions. We look forward to meeting you!

Quick Links

Commercial Business Registration

Home-Based Business Registration

Contacting Our Staff

Forms & Applications

Frequently Asked Questions

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Commercial Business Registration

The use of commercial property for business purposes requires a business license (Occupation Tax Certificate) in the City of Roswell. Commercial businesses are subject to Article 9 Use Provisions for the Unified Development Code. The commercial property must be in the city limits in order to obtain a business license. The City of Roswell, do not license P.O. Boxes.

Use the following checklist:

Step 1: Before Signing a Lease
Before signing a lease we recommend that you make sure your business location is in the proper zoning district for the type of business. Please contact the Planning & Zoning Division with your business address and business activity for use and location verification at planningandzoning@roswellgov.com or call 770-817-6720. This will help reduce application denial due to improper zoning.

Step 2: Determine 6-digit NAICS Code
Determine the 6-digit NAICS Code that best describes your business activity.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

Please visit www.census.gov/naics to determine the appropriate NAICS code for your business activity. Applications cannot be processed without a 6-digit NAICS code.

Step 3: Apply for a Commercial Business License
You must submit all required forms and documentation, $100 non-refundable administrative fee and a $50 non-refundable regulatory fee. In addition, please see the Schedule of Rates for required gross receipt taxation fees.

Online Applications are Currently Unavailable
We apologize for the inconvenience.

Apply in Person/by Mail
Download and complete a New Commercial Business License Application Packet (includes application and required affidavits). You must also provide a color front/back copy of government-issued ID and a copy of lease, including only the first page identifying the address and the signature page.

Step 4: Processing
Application and supporting documents will be routed in-house for review by the Planning & Zoning, Fire, and Building Departments. Some business activity may require site inspections or further research to determine approval. Review process can range from 5 to 7 business days or more depending on the business activity.

Step 5: Payment
Applicant must remit full payment and all required documents prior to the issuance of a certificate. An official Occupation Tax Certificate will be mailed. The Occupation Tax Certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous place at the business location.

Required for all new applicants:

New Commercial Business License Application Packet

Download the New Commercial Business License Application Packet (includes application and required affidavits)

Must be completed entirely, signed and notarized

Color Copy of applicant's identification

Either a valid/current Passport, Driver's License or Military ID, front & back

Payment for the required fee amount – See Schedule of Rates

All major credit cards are accepted

Checks made payable to City of Roswell

Walk-ins allowed to pay with all forms of payment

Available Payment Options:

In Person
At City Hall (38 Hill St, Suite 210, Roswell, GA 30075)

By Mail
Checks and Money Orders may be mailed to:
City of Roswell
Attn: Business Registration
38 Hill Street, Suite 210
Roswell, GA 30075

By Phone
Call 770-594-6235 to pay with a Credit or Debit Card.

Please note: In-person and phone credit card payments have a 2.5% service fee.

Optional - depending on business type (contact business registration division if assistance is needed):

Copy of the first page of the Certificate of Incorporation

Only needed if business is a Corporation or LLC

Copy of Professional State License

Only if applicable: Attorney's, Physicians, CPA's, Engineering, Architects, Surveyors, Cosmetology, etc.

Copy of Fulton County Health Inspection report with the grade

Restaurants and Bakeries

Copy of Grease Trap Approval (Fats, Oils, Greases) from Fulton County Public Works Department Pretreatment Division

Restaurants Only

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Home-Based Business Registration

The use of residential property for business purposes also requires a business license (Occupation Tax Certificate) in the City of Roswell. Home-based businesses are subject to Article 9.7.11 of the Unified Development Code. The residential property must be in the city limits in order to obtain a business license. The City of Roswell, does not license P.O. Boxes.

Use the following checklist:

Step 1: Before Applying
Before applying we recommend that you make sure your business location is in the City Limits of Roswell. Please contact the Planning & Zoning Division with your business address and business activity for use and location verification at planningandzoning@roswellgov.com or call 770-817-6720. This will help reduce application denial due to improper zoning.

Step 2: Determine 6-digit NAICS Code
Determine the 6-digit NAICS Code that best describes your business activity.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

Please visit www.census.gov/naics to determine the appropriate NAICS code for your business activity. Applications cannot be processed without a 6-digit NAICS code.

Step 3: Apply for a Home Business License
You must submit all required forms and documentation, $100 administrative fee, and a $50 non-refundable regulatory fee. In addition, please see the Schedule of Rates for required gross receipt taxation fees.

Online Applications are Currently Unavailable
We apologize for the inconvenience.

Apply in Person/by Mail
Download and complete a New Home Business License Application Packet (includes application, Home Occupation UDC, and required affidavit). You must also provide a color front/back copy of government-issued ID.

Step 4: Payment
Applicant must remit full payment and all required documents prior to the issuance of a certificate. An official Occupation Tax Certificate will be mailed. The Occupation Tax Certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous place at the business location.

Required for all new applicants:

New Home Business License Application Packet

Download the New Home Business License Application Packet (includes application and required affidavits)

Must be completed entirely, signed and notarized

Color Copy of applicant's identification

Either a valid/current Passport, Driver's License or Military ID, front & back

Payment for the required fee amount – See Schedule of Rates

All major credit cards are accepted

Checks made payable to City of Roswell

Walk-ins allowed to pay with all forms of payment

Available Payment Options:

In Person
At City Hall (38 Hill St, Suite 210, Roswell, GA 30075)

By Mail
Checks and Money Orders may be mailed to:
City of Roswell
Attn: Business Registration
38 Hill Street, Suite 210
Roswell, GA 30075

By Phone
Call 770-594-6235 to pay with a Credit or Debit Card.

Please note: In-person and phone credit card payments have a 2.5% service fee.

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Contacting Our Staff

Our staff would be happy to assist you. Before contacting us, please be sure to have your Business Account ID or the business address readily available. This will ensure fast and efficient assistance.

Also, please look over the FAQs, section for additional assistance.

If you still need assistance, please contact the Financial Services Division at 770-594-6235 or email businessregistration@roswellgov.com and include the Business Account ID in the subject line.

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Business Registration Forms & Applications

Change of Information Form
External Webpage Icon

Final Closure of Business Form
External Webpage Icon

Insurance License Application

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FAQs

How do I close out my business account with the City of Roswell?

You are required to submit the Final Business Closure Form to the Business Registration Division, if you have closed or sold your business.
Do I need to include a list of all professional practitioners that work at my location?

Yes. Please provide an attached list to your renewal and the fee of $400 per practitioner who work in your location.
What are "professional licensed businesses" and can I pay the flat fee of $400?

Only practitioners listed in O.C.G.A 48-13-9(C) (1-18) can pay the flat fee, which includes but are not limited to: lawyers, physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists, dentists, optometrists, psychologists, veterinarians, landscape architects, land surveyors, practitioners of physiotherapy, public accountants, embalmers, funeral directors, engineers, architects, marriage and family therapists, or counselors.

Practitioners have the option to either pay the gross receipt assessment or pay a flat fee of $400 per practitioner.

Professional Licensed businesses are regulated by the Georgia Secretary of State. A Georgia state license copy must be attached to the application for processing. Please visit for more information on how to obtain a Georgia Professional State License.
Is my company required to have an E-Verify number?

If your company has 11 or more W-2 employees who work 35 hours or more per week and withhold payroll taxes, your company is required to have an e-verify number. To obtain an e-verify number, please go to www.e-verify.gov.

Please note: If you have 11 or more employees, your Occupational Business Certificate will not be issued until the city receives your E-Verify number. Your E-Verify number is 4 to 6 digits in length and must be numerical only with no alpha characters.
What is my NAICS code?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

Please visit www.census.gov/naics/ to determine the appropriate NAICS code for your business activity. Please contact the Business Registration Division at 770-594-6235 or businessregistration@roswellgov.com for assistance
How is my business occupation tax calculated and what is the current schedule of rates?
The City of Roswell business occupation tax is based on the total gross receipts of the business in combination with the most current profitability ratios, NAICS Code, number of employees (if more than 99), administrative and regulatory fees. The current schedule of rates is available below:
- Business Occupation Tax Schedule of Rates
What is Gross Receipts Tax?
Gross receipts are the total amount a business received from all sources during its annual accounting period, without subtracting any costs or expenses. Business types are categorized by NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes as define below. This code is assigned a profitability index which corresponds with a specific tax rate. The tax rate applied to gross receipts will determine the tax assessment. The current schedule of rates is available below:
- Business Occupation Tax Schedule of Rates
Is my City of Roswell Occupation Tax Certificate transferable from one location in Roswell to another?

No. If your Roswell business relocates within the City of Roswell limits, you must first notify the City of Roswell Business Registration Division of this change.

You will be required to complete a Change of Information Form (at no additional charge) in order for the Fire Department and Panning & Zoning Division to review the new location and complete any necessary inspections.
Are there any uses that are specifically prohibited as a home occupation?

The following uses are specifically prohibited as home occupations (list not all inclusive): auto sales or auto repair, restaurants; animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, kennels, or the keeping of animals; funeral homes; retail or wholesale shops; machine shops; personal service establishments; special event facilities; or lodging services. Other restrictions can be confirmed with the Planning and Zoning Division.
When is the deadline for Occupational Tax Certificate renewals?

Business licenses expire on December 31 of each calendar year. You will receive an official billing notification in December explaining how to determine your business occupation tax amount.

The occupation tax due date is March 15. Failure to renew a business license prior to March 15 will result in a 10% penalty.

If you do not receive a renewal notification, please contact the Business Registration Department at 770-594-6235 or businessregistration@roswellgov.com.
What are my payment options?
- Online Payment
  Pay online at www.roswellgov.com/OccupationTaxPayment
  There is a 3% surcharge for all online credit and debit card payments and a flat $1.50 fee for all eCheck payments.
- In Person
  At City Hall (38 Hill St, Suite 210, Roswell, GA 30075)
- By Mail
  Checks and money orders may be mailed to:
  City of Roswell
  Attn: Business Registration
  38 Hill Street, Suite 210
  Roswell, GA 30075
- By Phone
  Call 770-594-6235 to pay with a credit or debit card.
Please note: There is a 3% surcharge for all credit or debit card payments.
Do nonprofit organizations need to register as a business in the City of Roswell?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations located in Roswell must register as a business with the City of Roswell. Although nonprofits fall within the City of Roswell's definition of a business (see Code of Ordinances, sec. 10.3.1), they are exempt from paying occupation taxes. Nonprofits must register with the City of Roswell using either a Commercial Business Application or a Home Business Application, along with a Letter of Determination reflecting their tax-exempt status. For more information, contact the Financial Services Division at 770-594-6235 or businessregistration@roswellgov.com.

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