Fulton County

Frequently Asked Questions

What paperwork do I need to file before obtaining a Business Occupational Tax Certificate? Back to top: Corporations wishing to do business in Georgia must obtain certification as a corporation operating in Georgia from the Secretary of State. All Professional Practitioners licensed and regulated by the State of Georgia must obtain a license and attach a copy of the license with the application for a Business Occupational Tax Certificate. Day Care Centers and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services must be certified by the State before obtaining a Business Occupational Tax Certificate.

Do I need a state tax number to get a Business Occupational Tax Certificate? Back to top: No, but if you are engaged in retail sales, you need a sales tax number from the Department of Revenue. Please call 404-656-4092 for more information.

Do I register my trade name before I get a Business Occupational Tax Certificate? Back to top: You do not have to register your trade name before obtaining a Business Occupational Tax Certificate.

Can I incorporate my business at the Business Tax Office? Back to top: No. You will need to file for incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State. Please call 404-656-2817 for more information.

Can I incorporate before getting my Business Occupational Tax Certificate? Back to top: Yes.

Can I get a Peddlers Permit? Back to top: Peddlers Permits are issued at the Government Center Business Occupational Tax Division. A picture identification will be issued by the Fulton County Police Department after a criminal investigation is performed.

Can I get a Business Occupational Tax Certificate for a home-based business and start operating the business immediately? Back to top: Yes. The Business Tax Division will issue a Business Tax Certificate, but all zoning for home based businesses are regulated by the Zoning Department.

What do I need to open a Road Side Stand? Back to top: You will need an Administrative Permit from the Zoning Department prior to applying for a Business Occupational Tax Certificate. You must have both the Administrative Permit and the business certificate prior to opening the business.

Who must register their business? Back to top: The Fulton County Business Tax Resolution mandates all persons, firms, or corporations located on or engaged in business in Fulton County outside the incorporated areas, register business and obtain certificates by paying occupational tax and administrative fees.

Do I need a Business Occupational Tax Certificate for a non-profit organization? Back to top: You do not need a Business Occupational Tax Certificate if the organization has a 501(C) form from the Internal Revenue Service.

What types of Business Occupational Tax Certificates are issued by Fulton County? Back to top: See Business Occupational Tax Certificates.

How long is a certificate valid, and when is it renewed? Back to top: The Business Occupational Tax Certificate is valid for a calendar year period from January 1 through December 31, and must be renewed by March 31 of each year.

How is the Business Occupational Tax calculated? Back to top: See Business Occupational Tax Certificates.

Is my Business Occupational Tax Certificate also my state tax number? Back to top: No. If you are engaged in retail sales, you need to obtain a sales tax number from the Department of Revenue. Please call 404-656-4092 for more information.