Business Licenses

Applying for an Occupational Tax Certificate

An Occupational Tax Certificate – commonly referred to as a business license – is required to conduct business in Richmond Hill, including home occupations. Applications can be obtained online or at City Hall. We strongly encourage businesses to obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate before opening. However, a business may obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate within its first 30 days of operation.

The charge for an Occupational Tax Certificate varies depending on information such as gross receipts. All occupational tax certificates expire on December 31st of each year regardless of when the license was originally obtained and must be paid and renewed by March 31st each year.

For more information on business occupation tax, please refer to Section N in the Revenue Ordinance.

Renewing an Occupational Tax Certificate

All occupational tax certificates expire on December 31st of each year regardless of when the license was originally obtained and must be paid and renewed by March 31st each year.  The City of Richmond Hill is no longer partnering with Avenu Insights for off-site renewal processing.  

Renewals will be completed by internal staff at City Hall.  Please be advised that submitting an application that is missing required information and/or applicable state licenses will result in a delay in processing. Our primary method of communication during the renewal period is email. We will email you if it is determined that your renewal application is incomplete and processing has been paused.  

However, you can print the application packet below and submit it to us via email at businesslicensing@richmondhill-ga.gov, mail to 40 Richard Davis Drive, or dropbox outside of City Hall, located at 40 Richard Davis Drive.

If you did not receive a renewal packet, you can print an application packet below and submit it to us via email at businesslicensing@richmondhill-ga.gov, mail to P.O. Box 250, Richmond Hill, GA 31324, or via drop box outside of City Hall, located at 40 Richard Davis Drive.

The letter accompanying the 2023 occupational tax renewals listed an incorrect multiplier table. Please see the Correction Notice Regarding Occupational Tax Multiplier Table. 

For more information on business occupation tax, please refer to Section N in the Revenue Ordinance.

If you have questions regarding the business licensing process, please contact City Hall via phone at (912) 756-3345 or via email at businesslicensing@richmondhill-ga.gov.