Business License Application



The following information consists of the instructions for filing license applications

  1. PERSONS REQUIRED TO FILE APPLICATIONS

    Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession whether or not it is listed in the rate classification index portion of this chapter, in whole or in part, within the limits of the city is required to pay an annual license fee and obtain a business license as herein provided.

    All applications must be filed on this standard application form. NO COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

    A separate application must be submitted for the city of Columbia Business License and Richland County Business License. Verify accuracy of information and make corrections in red ink where necessary.

  2. COMPUTATION OF LICENSE FEES

    A. Check upper right hand corner (Block 3) of application to determine if this application is for the City of Columbia or Richland County

    B. For City of Columbia contractor fill out Section 22.

    C. For Richland County contractor fill out Section 23.

    D. For all other type businesses, Section 21 should be completed for City of Columbia & Richland County.

    E. Use rate schedule on line 25 to compute license fee due.

    F. FOR BUSINESSES OPERATING FOR LESS THAN A FULL YEAR, divide the gross by the number of months in business and multiply by 12 for an annualized figure (Section 8-1004).

    G. Business Licenses will not be mailed until payment has been made in full.

  3. PENALTIES

    Main postmarked after April 15 requires the payment of a penalty of 5% per month. The official postmark date shall be that of the U. S. Post Office.

    NOTICE: ALL BUSINESSES ARE SUBJECT TO AUDIT OF GROSS RECEIPTS.

    ALL ORIGINAL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH REMITTANCE.

  4. MASTER LICENSE NUMBER MUST BE FURNISHED.

Declining Rate Schedule Gross over $1,000,000 for all or any part of:

TOTAL LICENSE FEE

The above information was taken from the reverse side of the Richland County and City of Columbia Business License Application


The following is a list of information you need to have on hand in order to fill out the business application: