City of Savannah-Business Tax Application Requirements
Certificates expire on December 31st of current year issued
The following approvals/documentation, are required and must accompany the Business Tax Return in order for your application to be processed:
Approvals
· Business location must be within the City of Savannah limits, if not, you must go to appropriate municipality to obtain the license.
· ALL applicants must obtain zoning approval for business location from the Development Services/Inspections Department. Call office to obtain approval from an inspector.
912-651-6530.
· If you wish to list your business name as a corporation you must provide a copy of the certificate of incorporation from the Secretary of State. (sos.state.ga.us)
· If serving food and or preparing food, including food carts/stands, you must provide a copy of the food service permit from the Chatham County Health Department or contact the department to schedule appointment for inspection. 912-356-2160
· For grocery and convenience stores, any business selling prepackaged goods, bakeries and for businesses selling fresh seafood, contact Georgia Department of Agriculture to schedule appointment for inspection. 1-800-874-0258.
· Current criminal background check required for certain businesses. SCMPD Downtown Precinct located on the corner of Oglethorpe & Habersham Street. 912-651-6686
· Motor Coach Permit required if operating any type of wrecker, carriage, Pedi cab, all non-emergency transportation services and tour guides. 912-651-6468
· Contact Georgia Office of Regulatory Services if operating any type of nursing, personal care, group home or child care service.
· For vendors, a letter of consent from property owner required for all vending from private property locations. For vendors wishing to operate in any of the parks, contact Leisure Services at 912-351-3837 for approval. River Street vendors must contact Waterfront Association for approval at 912-234-0295.
Required Documentation:
· Copy of government issued photo identification or a list of owners for corporations.
· Copy of current lease or mortgage deed issued in the name of the business owner as proof of business location.
· Copy of Georgia Sales/Use Tax certificate issued in business or owner’s name required for retail, wholesale, and food establishments. Georgia Department of Revenue is located at 6606 Abercorn Street. 912-356-2140
· Copy of current certificate or state license issued by Secretary of State.
478-207-1300/www.sos.state.ga.us
· Proof of federal identification number (FEIN) 1-800-829-4933
· For Non-profit organizations, a 501C (3) letter is required. Internal Revenue Service located at 120 Barnard St. 912-652-4011 or 1-877-829-5500
· Veterans requesting tax exempt status are required to provide a Letter of Acceptance. Contact Jewel Milton-Jones at the Savannah Veteran Center. 912-921-3744. |