FAQs

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Business Licenses

1. How often do I have to obtain a Business License?: Your business license is issued on a calendar year basis, which means it will always expire on December 31 of each year. We will mail out a renewal notice around the end of November each year. The renewal payment is due by January 1 of each year in order for the license to remain active. New state regulations require an updated government-issued photo ID on all renewals. If clear and legible, a scanned copy MAY be acceptable. For more information, contact the department at 770-531-6815.

2. My business didn't work out, but I keep getting a bill from you. What do I need to do?: If for whatever reason your business closes or you relocate to another county or city, you must send written confirmation of the closing (either by regular mail, email, or fax) so that we can remove your business from our records. If you do not contact us, we have no way of knowing that you have closed or moved your business. Otherwise you will continue to receive a bill and it will accrue interest and penalties monthly and be subject to a citation (fine) of up to $1,000.

3. I have added a partner or I have incorporated my business. Do I need to let you know?: Yes, when the ownership of your business changes in any way due to adding a partner, deleting a partner, or you incorporate your business by registering it with the Secretary of State, legally you have changed the ownership. Your business license is NOT transferable from one type of ownership to another, so you will need to re-apply for a new license in the name of the new owner(s) or corporation. Anytime there is any change of ownership in any way, you need to apply for a new license. For more information, contact the department at 770-531-6815.

4. Since I got my business license, telemarketers will not leave me alone. How did so many people get my phone number?: The general information regarding your business license is public record: your business name, business address, owner name, business phone number, and type of business. Anyone can obtain that information. We do not sell the information, however, it is available at anytime during our regular business hours to anyone who asks for it. You may want to keep this in mind when applying for your business license if privacy is an issue. Any personal information taken for identification purposes only is NOT public record.

5. Someone else is using my business name. What can I do?: Having a business license doesn't mean you "own" the name you have selected for your business. In order to "own" the name, you will have to register the name either by doing a local Trade Name Registration or DBA Registration at the Hall County Clerk's Office. Contact the County Clerk's office at 770-531-7025 for more information. You may also do a Corporate Registration at the Secretary of State's Office. They may be reached at 404-656-2817.

6. Do I have to have a license for a yard sale?: Hall County defines a yard sale as "the sale of used household belongings by an individual at his principal residence or by a group of individuals combing such items for a group yard sale at 1 of their principal residences. Such sales may be held no more than 4 times in a calendar year, which each individual sale lasting no more than 3 consecutive days, and shall be exempt from fees. All merchandise must be the property of the person(s) holding the sale and not purchased for the purpose of resale."

If you meet the above criteria, then you will not need a license. If you operate more than 4 times per year, then it is considered a business and a business license will be required. For more information, contact the department at 770-531-6815.

7. How do I get a tax ID number?: If you are selling a product, you will need to apply for a sales tax number, which is obtained from the Georgia Department of Revenue. You may reach the department by telephone at 404-417-4490. If you need a Federal Employer Identification (FEI) number, you apply for this through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS may be reached at 866-816-2065.

8. Do I need to be bonded or insured?: While for most business types Hall County does not require that you insure your business or become bonded, it is always a good idea to protect yourself and your business by having insurance.

9. I want to incorporate my business. What do I need to do?: Contact the Office of the Secretary of State, Corporate Division at 404-656-2817 or apply online .

10. How do I get an Alcohol License?: Please review the Alcohol License page for more information on obtaining a license.