The Business License Division administers the Business License and Hospitality Tax ordinances. Every person or entity engaged or intending to engage in business is required to obtain a license based on business activity and gross receipts. Business license fees are due prior to commencing operations, and annually on April 30th. Hospitality taxes on prepared meals, food, and beverages in the amount of 2% are due on the 20th of each month.
South Carolina's cities and towns are now required to standardize their business license practices due to the passage of Act 176.
What does this mean for your business?
2021 licenses will now expire on April 30, 2022. Renewal forms will be mailed in April 2022 and will be due May 1, 2022.
The 2022 license year will run from May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023.
Business license renewals will still be based on previous year’s income (calendar year 2021 or preceding fiscal year).
All cities and towns will now have a standard rate class schedule. Act 176 dictates that all businesses, statewide, be placed in the same rate class based on their NAICS code.
The City did not adjust our fee schedule for the 2022 license year. However, it is possible that your business could change rate classes and pay at a higher or lower rate class than the previous year.
Business License Ordinance
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Revenue Collections Department by phone, 843-724-3711, or email, businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov.