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How
much does a Local Business Tax Receipt cost?
It depends on your business. Many are under $50. Large retail
enterprises cost much more. You will need to contact a Local
Business Tax Receipt Technician at 941-954-4186 for taxes for
a specific business. For retail operations, you will need to
provide your estimated inventory (stock-on-hand) valuation
to get an accurate quote.
Why must I obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt?
First off, it allows the City to assure that all of the members
of our thriving business community have the proper state and
federal licenses and operate safely, which protects our citizens.
Second, the law requires securing a tax receipt prior to opening
or operating a business in the City.
I have a Sarasota County Local Business Tax Receipt. Why would
I need a second one from the City?
The County has different codes and zoning regulations than
the City; the County is responsible for making sure only that
you meet their requirements and we are required to make sure
that businesses meet our codes. Just as you may need both a
state and federal license to engage in certain occupations,
you need a Local Business Tax Receipt from both the City and
County if your business is located inside the City of Sarasota.
When does an individual need a separate Local Business Tax
Receipt?
Anyone who must have a professional license to perform their
job (such as a real estate agent, hairdresser, CPA, attorney
or doctor, etc.) must have an individual Local Business Tax
Receipt to base their business within the City limits.
Whom does a Local Business Tax Receipt cover?
A Local Business Tax Receipt covers all regular employees of
a single enterprise and a single location. An alternate location
requires an additional Local Business Tax Receipt. An alternate
business name or fictitious name requires an additional Local
Business Tax Receipt. Non-employees, employees requiring a
professional license and independent contractors must obtain
individual Local Business Tax Receipts. The site’s Local
Business Tax Receipt for the business does NOT cover anyone
paid with a 1099; they must have their own Local Business Tax
Receipt.
Do people working from home need and Local Business Tax Receipt?
Yes. Everyone doing business in the City of Sarasota must have
a Local Business Tax Receipt. That includes anyone doing business
out of their home, as well as those with a traditional office
or shop. All home-based businesses must apply for a Local Business
Tax Receipt and pay the Local Business Tax Receipt Taxes if
the business is based within the City limits.
Do non-profit organizations, churches and charitable organizations
need Local Business Tax Receipts?
According to the statutes, no, you do not have to have a Local
Business Tax Receipt. There is a specific exemption for religious
and charitable organizations, including fraternal, civic and
social service organization. Please refer to section 205.192
of the Code of the City of Sarasota for details, and call the
Local Business Tax Receipt Inspector at 941-954-4186 to determine
if your organization qualifies for this exemption. However,
most organizations will need a Local Business Tax Receipt to
open a bank account or to perform other normal business tasks,
so we offer qualified non-profit entities Local Business Tax
Receipts and waive the Local Business Tax Receipt taxes. Simply
complete the Local Business Tax Receipt Application and return
it to the Local Business Tax Receipt Inspector. This also will
help you be sure that your organization meets all applicable
Zoning codes to avoid inconvenience in the future.
What happens if I do not obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt
or fail to renew?
The Code of the City of Sarasota provides for penalties and
fines, plus the cost of enforcement (inspections, citations,
summons, etc.) for entities that operate within the City limits
without a Local Business Tax Receipt, and you will be required
to pay the back Local Business Tax Receipt Taxes for the year(s)
in which you operated your business without a tax receipt.
If my business changes or moves, do I need a new Local Business
Tax Receipt?
Yes. We request the businesses in our community to review
and report changes to their Local Business Tax Receipt renewal
each year. This makes sure that every member of the community
is treated fairly, and that our zoning regulations are met.
Simply call us and let us know as your business grows or
changes so we can make sure that your Local Business Tax
Receipt covers your business. If your business moves from
one location to another within the City during the year,
simply send the original Local Business Tax Receipt showing
the new address, to the Tax Receipt Technician at 1565 1st
Street, City Hall Annex 2nd Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236, and
enclose a check equal to 10% of your Local Business Tax Receipt
fee (minimum $3.00 and maximum of $25) for each Local Business
Tax Receipt that needs to be changed. This must be done before
you open for business at the new location.
How do fictitious names affect a Local Business Tax Receipt?
Fictitious names affect Local Business Tax Receipts in two
ways. First, you must have the fictitious name registered with
and approved by the State prior to the issuance of the Local
Business Tax Receipt. The State process normally takes about
two weeks, so please allow plenty of time. Second, you must
have a separate Local Business Tax Receipt for each fictitious
name. If a single organization operates under two or more names,
or your organization uses different names for different business
lines, you are specifically required by code to obtain a Local
Business Tax Receipt for each name.
I am a building contractor. Do I need a Local Business Tax
Receipt?
Yes, but only if your "primary place of business" is
located within the City limits.
Please visit our Contractor
Registration page for more details.
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