Business License Tax

The City of Palm Springs welcomes new businesses, and values the many businesses that have made Palm Springs their home. We want your business to be successful, and we hope the following information will be helpful to you in establishing your new business.

Who needs a Business License?
All businesses located within the city limits are required to have a valid business license from the City of Palm Springs. Businesses located outside the City of Palm Springs who conduct business activity within the city limits are also required to have a valid business license. Businesses who operate from a residential address are required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit, in addition to a business license, before conducting business. It is unlawful for any person to transact and carry on any business, trade, profession, calling or occupation in the city without first having procured a license to do so.

Business Licenses are not transferable and the certificate is terminated when the business ownership changes.

Are there any exceptions?
Those businesses specifically exempted by State or Federal statute. Please see the Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 3.40 for further information.

What should I do before I apply?
Contact our office to discuss the details of your particular business operation. Inquire about zoning requirements for your type of business and its planned location. This information can also be obtained from the Planning Department. In addition to obtaining the business license, you must also comply with all City, County, and State regulations for zoning, building, health and safety. Applications are available online in a fillable format. You can also obtain an application from the Business License Division at Palm Springs City Hall, or contact our office to request an application via mail, email or fax. For instructions and fees, please refer to the Business License Application Instruction Sheet and Fee Scale.

On September 19, 2012, Governor Brown signed into law SB-1186, which adds a state fee of $1 on any applicant for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal thereof. The purpose is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources for businesses in order to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws, as specified. This applies to all new business licenses or renewals. Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

• The Division of the State Architect at www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa
• The Department of Rehabilitation at www.rehab.cahwnet.gov
• The California Commission on Disability Access at www.ccda.ca.gov

How can I get more information?
For more information please contact Daniel Glenn in the Business Tax Division at Daniel.Glenn@palmspringsca.gov.

The City of Palm Springs has recently contracted with MuniServices, LLC, to assist with enforcement and collection of business taxes administered by this office. If you received a notice with an application and need assistance, require information, or believe that the notice does not apply to you, please contact a MuniServices' Tax Specialist directly at (800) 987-0999, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PT. PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR MAIL YOUR APPLICATION TO CITY HALL. Please complete and mail the application enclosed in the notice directly to:

    City of Palm Springs
    c/o Business License Processing Center
    P.O. Box 27947
    Fresno, CA  93729-7947

Click here for a sample of the business tax discovery letter you may have already received.

PAY YOUR BUSINESS LICENSE TAX RENEWAL ONLINE

The City of Palm Springs offers online payments for Business License Tax renewals. Your online payment is a secure and environmentally-friendly option to make a payment of your annual Business License Tax renewal using either a credit card or bank account.

By clicking the link below, you will be redirected to a secure payment site, Value Payment Systems, where you will be required to provide your Renewal Number, which can be found on the bottom right corner of your Business License Tax renewal form. If you are paying your renewal after the due date or if your account is delinquent, please be advised that penalties will be added to your account which may not appear on the online renewal form. You will be responsible for payment of any and all penalties before your renewal certificate is issued.

If any of your information has changed since your last Business License Tax renewal, please DO NOT pay online and instead call the Business License Division at (760) 323-8289 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please be advised that Value Payment Systems assesses a convenience fee of 2.49% of the payment amount (minimum fee of $1.95) for credit card transactions and $1.95 fee for e-check transactions.

Forms / Applications
Business License Application Instruction Sheet & Fee Scale
Application for Business Registrations
Home Occupation Permit
Application for Business License (Real Estate)
Escort Bureau Application License
Escort Permit Application
Request for Temporary Event Permit
Application for Bingo Permit
Municipal Code regarding Massage Establishments
Psychic Activity Permit Application
Soliciting or Canvassing Application
Municipal Code regarding home occupancy

Other Licensing or Permit Agencies

Below are other agencies that may assist you with information on obtaining other necessary licenses or permits. 

Riverside County Clerk-Recorder
For information on using a fictitious business name.
(800) 746-1544
http://riverside.asrclkrec.com

State Board of Equalization
For information on obtaining a Seller's Permit (Retail Sales Tax Number).
Rancho Mirage Office (760) 770-4828
www.boe.ca.gov

State Employment Development Department
For information on obtaining a State Employer Identification Number, withholding of State Income Tax, Disability and Unemployment Insurance.
(888) 745-3886
www.edd.ca.gov

Internal Revenue Service
For information on obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number
(800) 829-1040
www.irs.gov

Franchise Tax Board
For information on obtaining Form 540 for estimating State Withholding Tax
(800) 852-5711
www.FTB.ca.gov  

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