Apply for a business license (occupational tax certificate)

Every business in unincorporated Bryan County needs a current business license. Apply online through the County’s licensing portal; the application fee is $150 for commercial and $75 for home-based businesses, plus the annual occupation tax.

Cost:

Application fee $150.00 (commercial) or $75.00 (home-based), non-refundable. Annual occupation tax by employee count: 0–3 $115; 4–9 $145; 10–19 $275; 20–29 $405; 30–39 $535; 40–49 $665; 50–100 $795; 101 or more $795 plus $1 per additional employee.

How it works

Confirm your location’s zoning allows the business (check the zoning map or ask Community Development).
Create an account on the licensing portal and start the application.
Upload the required documents and pay the non-refundable application fee.
Pay the annual occupation tax when invoiced; the full year’s tax is due and is not prorated.
Businesses inside Pembroke or Richmond Hill city limits apply with the city instead.

What you need

Current Secretary of State registration for LLCs, LPs, and corporations.
Affidavit Verifying Citizenship Status with identification (immigration status is checked through SAVE).
Private Employer Affidavit (E-Verify) for employers with 11 or more employees.
Trade name (DBA) registration from the Clerk of Superior Court, if applicable.
A copy of any state professional license your occupation requires.
Georgia sales and use tax number, if you sell taxable goods.
Exemption documents for disabled veterans, blind persons, or non-profits claiming an exemption.

Provided by Community Development. Contact: Community Development: 912-756-7962 (Richmond Hill, 66 Captain Matthew Freeman Drive, Suite 111) or 912-653-3893 (Pembroke, 51 North Courthouse Street).