Apply for a Business License

Apply for a Business License

Apply for Oakland city business license online using this service. 

Once you finish your application, you will get a paper certificate from the Business Tax Office about two weeks after you pay your fee or you can opt to have it emailed to you within 5 days.

Business taxes must be paid annually, on or before March 1st of each year. It is your responsibility to renew your certificate on time and/or to notify the Business Tax Office if you have not received your annual renewal declaration(s). 

FAQs

How much does a business license cost?

A $95 registration fee must be paid and filed within 30 days of starting your business. If you file your registration later than 30 days after you start your business, you will need to pay a small penalty plus interest for each month beyond the 30 days. 

Are there any requirements to apply for a business license?

Oakland based businesses should obtain a Zoning Clearance prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate/License. If you are a seller of wholesale or retail goods, you are required to apply for a California Seller’s Permit.

Both the Seller’s Permit and the Zoning Clearance should be listed on the Business Tax Application. 

Community Q&A

You can ask any questions related to this service here. We will try to answer them soon!

Service Reminders

We will notify you at the right time so that you never miss a due date again!

Apply for a Business License

Apply for a Business License

Apply for Oakland city business license online using this service. 

Once you finish your application, you will get a paper certificate from the Business Tax Office about two weeks after you pay your fee or you can opt to have it emailed to you within 5 days.

Business taxes must be paid annually, on or before March 1st of each year. It is your responsibility to renew your certificate on time and/or to notify the Business Tax Office if you have not received your annual renewal declaration(s). 

FAQs

How much does a business license cost?

A $95 registration fee must be paid and filed within 30 days of starting your business. If you file your registration later than 30 days after you start your business, you will need to pay a small penalty plus interest for each month beyond the 30 days. 

Are there any requirements to apply for a business license?

Oakland based businesses should obtain a Zoning Clearance prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate/License. If you are a seller of wholesale or retail goods, you are required to apply for a California Seller’s Permit.

Both the Seller’s Permit and the Zoning Clearance should be listed on the Business Tax Application. 

Community Q&A

You can ask any questions related to this service here. We will try to answer them soon!

Service Reminders

We will notify you at the right time so that you never miss a due date again!

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