Business License Frequently Asked Questions

How is my tax calculated? How much do I need to pay? What is the current Schedule of Rates?

The business occupation tax is based on the total gross receipts of the business in combination with the most current profitability ratios, number of employees and a base flat tax fee. Learn more and view the full Schedule of Rates

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.uscis.gov/e-verify - 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.  

Does the identification document need to be submitted again? 

The identification is required, if it has expired within the past year.  

What if I moved out of the city limits? 

Please sign and date the first page of your renewal in the discontinued box and return to the city.  

Can I pay the flat fee of $400.00? See list of Qualifying Professional Practitioners            

Only practitioners listed in O.C.G.A 48-13-9(c) can pay the flat fee, which includes:  Lawyers, Physicians, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Dentists, Optometrists, Psychologist, Veterinarians, Landscape architects, Land Surveyors, Practitioners of Physiotherapy, Public Accountants, Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Civil, Mechanical, Hydraulic, or Electrical Engineers, Architects, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, and Professional Counselors.  

Do I need to include a list of all professional practitioners that work at my location? 

Yes. Please provide a list attached to your renewal and the fee of $400 per practitioner who work in your location.  

Who is considered an employee? 

In general, all W2 workers are considered employees. If you are the owner, you are not considered an employee.  

What are my payment options? 

You can pay business license fees online. There is a 5% surcharge for all online credit and debit card payments and a flat $5.00 fee for all eCheck payments. The city continues to accept checks and money orders through the mail and in person at our office. In person payments involving a major credit or debit card also incur a 5% surcharge.

Do I need to submit the two Affidavit forms each year? 

Yes, we now require all businesses operating in Sandy Springs to submit these two Affidavit forms with their renewal form and payment. This is now part of the Annual Renewal process in order to receive your valid business license.  

Do you still need assistance?

You can contact our staff in the following ways: 

Phone: 770-206-2075
Email: revenue@sandyspringsga.gov
Visiting our Office: The Revenue Department is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall.