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Business Registration

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1. Can I make a payment online?

Yes, you may select E-Gov Services from the main menu and select pay Occupation Taxes. Follow the prompts and once the payment has been processed there is a confirmation or approval number that you will receive immediately, please make a copy of that page or note of that confirmation number for your records. More...

2. Can I pay with a check?

Yes, you may pay via check and make your check payable to the City of Roswell and mail it to 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell GA, 30075, or you may drop it off at our office Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We also accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Debit cards for your convenience.

3. How much is a Business Registration fee for a Home Occupation or Commercial Business?

A Home Occupation is $100 per year and Commercial Business is $100 for the first employee and $5 for each additional employee plus a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.

4. What qualifies as a home business?

Any use, occupation or activity conducted entirely within the dwelling by the residents thereof, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof. Also see Roswell City Code, Chapter 10.23 More...

5. Are there any uses that are specifically prohibited as a home occupation?

The following uses are specifically prohibited as home occupations (list not all inclusive): auto sales or auto repair; restaurants; animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, kennels, or the keeping of animals; funeral homes; retail or wholesale shops; machine shops; personal service establishments; special event facilities; or lodging services. Also see Roswell City Code, Chapter 10.23 More...

6. How long does it take to get a certificate?

For a home business it usually takes 5 to 7 business days. The certificates for a commerical application can not be issued until approved by both the Fire Department and Zoning Division. Issuance is dependent on property/space being complete and available for these inspections or reviews.

7. Is a Home Business required to be inspected by the Fire Department?

A Home Business is not required to have a Fire Inspection unless it is a Family Daycare Home (Chapter 10 Article 10.23.6): These persons will need to be certified by Georgia State Bright from the Start. Adult Care Centers (Chapter 10 Article 10.6.1) are also required to have a Fire Inspection. These persons are requred to be licensed by the State of Georgia Department of Human Services and must provide a copy of that certificate at the time the application is submitted. A Commercial application is required for this use.

8. How do you know when it is time to renew your Occupation Tax Certificate?

Occupation taxes run per calendar year and expire on 12/31 of each year. A Business Update Form is mailed to businesses (home and commercial) in August and that form is to be completed and returned to our Business Registration Division by the date specified so updated information can be used in the calculation of the invoice.

9. Why are businesses required to get an Occupation Tax Certificate?

It is required by the City of Roswell Ordinance (Chapter 10) to insure that businesses are being operated in the appropriately zoned districts and that the necessary safety inspections are conducted. More...

10. Are all businesses required to get a Tax ID number (FEIN or EIN)? Where do I get such numbers?

Yes. Contact the Georgia Department of Revenue at (404) 968-0480.

11. What is the process for registering a used car dealership?

See the City Code (Chapter 10.14.1 - 10.14.4) and City Zoning Code (Article 3 Chapter 3.2 & Article 10.38 Chapter 10). You will be required to meet with a planner who will inform you of the requirements for the Zoning Division. Once you have approval from the Zoning Division you may complete the Used Automobile Establishment/Lot Application. More...

12. How long is a solicitor's permit valid and what is the fee?

See City Code (Chapter 10 Article 10.9). A solicitor's permit is valid for 6 months. The fee is payable to the Roswell Police Department and is $25. A company making application for a solicitor's permit must provide information on each permittee working within the city limits of Roswell. A Solicitor's Consent Form can be picked up at the Roswell City Hall (Suite G-30) and is to be submitted to the Police Department Permit Division. (39 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075, across from City Hall.)

13. Are taxi driver's permits transferable?

No, these permits are specific to the company and the individual and are not transferable. Any questions should be directed to the Roswell Police Department Permits Division. To schedule an appointment call 770-640-4100.

14. Is my City of Roswell Occupation Tax Certificate transferable from one location in Roswell to another?

No, if your Roswell business relocates within the City of Roswell you must first notify the City of Roswell Business Registration Division of this change. You will be required to complete the Change of Name/Address Form. If your business closes or relocates to another jurisdiction you must notify the City of Roswell Business Registration Division. Then you will need to go to the jurisdiction in which you have moved your business.

15. What percentage of my home can be used for my home business?

The gross floor area of a dwelling unit devoted to a home occupation shall not exceed 750 square feet or 25 percent of the floor area of the dwelling, whichever is less. No accessory buildings shall be used in connection with the home occupation. More...

16. For purposes of calculating numbers of employees, how do I count my part-time workers?

Part-time employees shall be counted in a manner which will reflect the equivalent number of full-time employees based on a 40 hour work week.