City of Douglas Code Enforcement recently sent out renewal forms for the Occupational Tax Certificates (business license) to businesses doing business within the city limits. Each year, business licenses expire on December 31. The City allows a grace period from January 1 to February 28 before a penalty fee is added. If not renewed by March 1, 2022, business owners can expect to pay a late fee penalty.
Last year, provisional occupational tax (business) licenses were granted for some businesses that that are not current in property or personal tax and/or have a bad debt with the city. If, after signing the agreement, a business or property owner has not brought their tax delinquency current as of February 28, 2022; effective March 1, 2022, the business or property owner will be charged a 10% penalty. The business owner/property owner may also face a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 per day, if found to be operating without an official occupational tax license from the City of Douglas.
Although it is a simpler process for business owners to renew their license than it was to apply, each occupational tax certificate must be in full compliance. To be in compliance, business owners should verify their business location, verify business name, verify mailing address, and, if applicable, verify their state license is current. A business license will not be approved nor renewed, if the business owner or landowner (where the business is located), owes delinquent occupation tax, property taxes, or ad valorem tax to the City of Douglas or Coffee County Board of Commission. Also, a business license/renewal will not be granted if the business owner or property owner owes a debt, such as delinquent utility bill, to the City of Douglas.
For more information concerning renewal of business licenses or operating a business within the City of Douglas, please call the Code Enforcement Division, (912)389-3462 or email City Marshal Rodger Goddard, rgoddard@cityofdouglasga.gov.