Business Operations Tax

Hands on a laptop with the word Tax showing open_in_full

PAYMENTS ACCEPTED by mail, City Hall drop box on H Street, online, by phone (numbers and hours listed below) or in person (public counter hours listed below).

BUSINESS OPERATIONS TAX - Apply or Renew online. The City of Sacramento does not issue a business license. All businesses that operate in the City of Sacramento or do business with the City of Sacramento must pay a business operation tax. Visit the City’s Online Data Portal for a searchable list of businesses in the city who are paying operation taxes. Follow the steps below to apply for your business operation tax account.

The City of Sacramento does not issue a general business license.  Sacramento City Code Chapter 3.08 does require all businesses that operate in the City of Sacramento to obtain a Business Operations Tax certificate.

More information on the Business Operations Tax Ballot Measure

Apply on-line or complete a BOT applicationThis is a tax levied on all businesses that operate in the City of Sacramento and is paid annually.

Cannabis business? All cannabis businesses need a business operation tax account.

Working from home? If you operate your business from your residence, you will need a home occupation permit in addition to the business operation tax. The home occupation permit is a one time fee. Become familiar with the home occupation permit requirements and restrictions before you apply. Your home occupation permit application must be

Submit your application(s) in person or by mail to Revenue Division 915 I Street, Room 1214, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Fees are due at the time of application. Take a look at the explanations and fees for different business types.

The business operation tax is an annual fee. The home occupation permit is a one time fee.

What happens next?

After submission of your business operations tax application, it is routed to the Community Development Department to ensure that the business will be conducted in an appropriately zoned location.

After your business received zoning approval, you will be mailed a business operations tax certificate.

Do you need a Special Business Permit?

Find out if your business is required to have a Special Business Permit.

Need to report a business?

Report a business operating without a current Business Operations Tax certificate.

Email businesspermits@cityofsacramento.org

Phone (916) 808-8500

Contact Permits and Taxes

Permits & Taxes phone hours and email

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Phone: (916) 808-8500

email: businesspermits@cityofsacramento.org

Mailing Address

City of Sacramento, Revenue Division

915 I Street, Room 1201

Sacramento, CA 95814

Public Counter hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ON THIS PAGE