Welcome to the Online Business Service Center!
The Business Service Center handles business licensing, Local Accommodations Tax, and Hospitality Tax requirements for Richland County. All businesses must obtain a license before conducting business in unincorporated areas of the county. The license is based on business activity and gross receipts.
We appreciate your contribution to making Richland County a great place to live, work, and visit!
Featured Links
If you’re planning to start a new business, visit our Starting a New Business page for helpful information. While the required forms are available online, the application and any additional forms or documents must be submitted in person at our office at 2020 Hampton Street, Suite 1050.
Business License Renewals
- New Businesses: If your business started last year, online renewals are not available for the first year. You will receive an email with instructions in January.
- Renew Online: Click here to renew online and save $10, time, and ensure accuracy. You will need your Business ID, Location ID (from your renewal application or current license), and your FEIN/SSN. If any changes have occurred to the business (e.g., change of ownership, address, or business activity), please contact the Business Service Center before renewing the license.
- Renew by Mail or In Person: Paper renewal forms are mailed to businesses in January each year. If you prefer to renew by mail, complete and return the renewal form with payment. An instruction guide can be found here for assistance in completing the form.
Note: All County business licenses expire on April 30th each year. Renew by this date to avoid penalties.
Hospitality Taxes
You can now pay Hospitality Taxes online using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. There is a $1.00 + 1.7% transaction fee for online payments.
Pay your Hospitality Taxes here. You will need your Hospitality Tax # and FEIN/SSN.
- To update business information (contact, ownership, or location), complete and email the Update Form.
- For more information, click here to go to the County’s Hospitality Tax page.
Local Accommodations Taxes
Businesses offering short-term accommodations can pay Local Accommodations Taxes online. You will need your business license number and FEIN/SSN. Note that you must still submit a copy of the State Sales, Use, and Accommodations Tax Summary Report by mail or email.
Pay your Local Accommodations Taxes here.
Richland County Business Handbook
The Richland County Business Handbook explains requirements in a user-friendly format. We encourage all businesses and their bookkeepers to review this guide to ensure compliance. An updated version is coming soon.
Other Resources
Looking for a Licensed Contractor?
Before hiring a contractor, verify their licenses with:
Sales Tax Information
Sales tax can be complicated, with different rates for various transactions. Review the Sales & Use Tax Chart to ensure you’re charging the correct rates.
For questions on:
- Local hospitality or local accommodations tax, contact us at bsc@richlandcountysc.gov or (803) 576-2287.
- State sales or accommodations tax, contact the SC Department of Revenue at (803) 896-1420.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
Submit FOIA requests in writing to the Richland County Ombudsman’s Office at PO Box 192, Columbia, SC 29202 or Ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov.
Note: SC law provides that it is a crime to knowingly obtain or use personal information from a public body for commercial solicitation.
Contact
Location:
County Administration Building, 1st Floor
2020 Hampton Street, Suite 1050 (Corner of Hampton and Harden Streets)
Free parking available behind the building in the surface lot
Mailing Address:
Business Service Center
P.O. Box 192, Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (803) 576-2287
Fax: (803) 576-2289
E-mail: bsc@richlandcountysc.gov
Website: www.richlandcountysc.gov/bsc
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
To anonymously report unlicensed businesses, contact the Ombudsman’s Office at (803) 929-6000 or Ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov.