Business License

All businesses operating within unincorporated Forsyth County must possess a current Occupational Tax Certificate, also known as a business license; such certificates need to be renewed annually.

You can find applications related to Occupational Tax Certificates and additional licensing applications below.

Applications

Business License Application

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Business License Renewal Application

This application is to renew an already existing business license. Renewal applications are accepted in person, via mail or online. Renewal period is December 1st through March 31st of each calendar year.

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Closing Business Application

The business owner must fill out this application if the business is closing within the county for any reason.

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Commercial Business Location Change Application

This application is to be used if the physical location of your commercial business has changed within Forsyth County. If you are moving to a residential location, you must fill out a new residential business license application.

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Mailing Address Change Application

This application is to be used only if the mailing address has changed. If the physical location of your business has changed, you must fill out the Commercial or Residential Business Location Change Application.

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Non-Traditional Tobacco Paraphernalia Application

This application allows for the sale of non-traditional tobacco paraphernalia updated April 8, 2020.

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Out of State Business Application

This application is for out of state contractors who are doing business within Forsyth County.

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Pawnbroker and Pawn Shop Application

Application for pawnbrokers and pawn shop establishments.

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Residency Affidavit

This application verifies residency status of an applicant as required by the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act.

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Residential Business Location Change Application

This application is to be used if the physical location of your residential business has changed within Forsyth County. If you are moving to a commercial location, you must fill out a new commercial business license application.

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Short Term Rental Business License Application

This application is for a business license, specifically for a short term rental.

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Short Term Rental License Application

This application is for the short term rental license. Short term rentals are only permissible in A1 or Ag-Res zonings with an approved conditional use permit.

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Short Term Rental Local Contact Application

This application is for a change of local contact person for an existing short term rental.

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Vapor/E-Cigarettes Permit Application

This application is required if alternative nicotine products, vape juice, or both constitute at least fifty percent of the business's aggregate retail sales.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit a business license application?

New applications may be submitted to our office in person or by mail.

How do I start my business?

If you wish to establish an LLC, Corporation, S-Corp, LLP, etc., you will need to contact the Georgia Secretary of State at www.sos.ga.gov. You will need to wait until the entity has been fully set up before you submit your county business license application.

What is a DBA?

A DBA is doing business as. A sole proprietor, LLC or Corporation that uses a different name then the legally established name. Example ABC LLC dba Forsyth Premiere Cleaner.

Where do I file for a DBA?

The Forsyth County Clerk of Court. Link www.forsythclerk.com

How do I apply for an EIN or Federal Tax ID for my business?

The IRS, link www.irs.gov

How do I apply for a Georgia Sales & Use Tax number?

The Department of Revenue, link www.dor.ga.gov

Where do I get my food service permit?

The Department of Environmental Health, call 770-781-6909

What do you mean by state license?

Any license that is regulated by the state of Georgia (i.e., cosmetology, general contractor, electrician, plumbers, etc.). To obtain a copy of state license please visit Georgia Secretary of State.

What is a secure and verifiable ID?

Current government issued driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card, etc. The ID must correspond with the applicant’s residency status.

How much does a business license cost?

Business license fees are based on the number of employees (to include owners and officers); a fee schedule is located on the application.

What documents do I need to attach to my application?

Any documents that pertain to your business (i.e., if you have an LLC a copy of the articles, if you have a state license then a copy of the current license, etc.)

What is a business commencement date?

The date the business starts operation or assumed date the business will begin operations in Forsyth County.

When does my business license expire?

All business licenses expire December 31st of each calendar year.

When can I renew my business license?

The renewal period begins December 1st and runs through March 31st each year.

When is my business license late?

Each business must apply within 30 days of commencing business. If a business submits after the 30-day window late fees and penalties will apply.

How much are late fees and penalties?

The late fee is 10% of the occupational tax fee, penalties compound monthly and are 1.5% of occupational tax fee multiplied by the number of month(s) late.

How do I renew my business license online?

Businesses may renew on our Customer Self Service Portal.

How do I close my business?

Complete the business closing form and email it to businesslicense@forsythco.com

How do I change my business address?

Complete the location change application and email to businesslicense@forsythco.com.