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FAQ: Do I need a business license in my county of San Diego?
All businesses operating in the City of San Diego are required to register for a Business Tax Certificate. The City of San Diego Issues a "Business Tax Certificate" instead of a business license. Issuance of the Business Tax Certificate acknowledges payment of business taxes. This includes sole proprietors, general partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, etc.
Issuance of the certificate does not authorize the conduct of any illegal or unlawful business or any business activity for which a license or permit is required by state law, county ordinance or the San Diego Municipal Code, including but not limited to police, health, zoning, planning building or engineering permits, or state contractors licenses and the like. The issuance of a Business Tax Certificate shall not relieve an owner or operator from obtaining any licenses or permits that may be necessary under other provisions of law for employees or for operation of the business.
Businesses will be required to self-certify that the business is allowed in the zone that applies to the property where the business activity will be conducted. Businesses may use the following on-line resources to perform self-certification. Please note, this would typically only apply if you plan to have patients visit you IN PERSON at your home or if you are establishing a new office space.
If you are not located in San Diego, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and we are happy to look into solutions for you.
How to Apply for a Business Tax Certificate in San Diego
Information pulled from this website: San Diego Business License
Business owners or representatives may also visit the Development Services Department at 1222 First Avenue -3rd Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. For additional information regarding zoning, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services or call 619-446-5000.
1. Submit your Business License Application -- 
Business Tax Application
Most of the information required for your application should be readily available.
Business Tax applications may be submitted electronically, by mail or in person.
Applications submitted by mail will be assessed $38.00 which covers the $34.00 Business Tax and $4.00 SB-1186 State mandated fee. Late fees are assessed for applications received 15 days after the business start date.
Please allow up to two (2) weeks for receipt of your Business Tax Certificate. You will be notified by mail if additional taxes or fees are due, such as: Business Improvement District Assessments; large Business Tax (13 or more employees); late fees; or if additional information is required.
Apply for Business License Online
Business Tax online applications may be submitted 24/7. You must register for a username and password prior to using this service. Payment types accepted include Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa), ACH checking, and ACH savings.
Apply for a Business License via Mail or In-Person
If you prefer to apply via mail, click on the links below to download a Business Tax application.
To submit by mail please include a check for $38.00 made payable to City Treasurer and send to:
Office of the City Treasurer
Business Tax Program
PO Box 122289
San Diego, CA 92112-2289To schedule an appointment for in-person registration of a Business Tax account or renewal or new Police Business Permits click here.
- For questions, call 619-615-1500 or email [email protected]