Richland County, South Carolina

Richland County Logo

Navigation

  • Online Services

    Online Services

    Save time with our convenient online services.

    Find out more
    • Online Payments
    • Family Court Calendar
    • Business Service Center
    • GIS & Mapping
    • Online Data Services
    • Locate a Lost Pet
    • Inmate Inquiry
    • Voters and Districts
    • Vehicle, Real Estate, Business & Personal Tax
    • Property Value & Tax Estimate
    • Assessor Mailing Address Change
    • Assessor Legal Residence Application
    • Estate Inquiry
    • Homestead Exemption Application
    • Marriage License Inquiry
    • Marriage License Application
    • Watch County Council Live
    • Agricultural Real Property Application
    • Business Personal Property Return
    • General Session Motion Rosters
    • Family Court Payment Inquiry
    • Public Court Records Search
    • Common Pleas Court Roster
    • Master In Equity Court Rosters
    • Summary Court Dockets
    • Hazardous Material Registration
  • Residents

    Residents

    Find services, schools, and safety information.

    Find out more
    • Engage Richland
    • Education
    • Health & Social Services
    • Libraries
    • Public Safety
    • Vector Control
      • Mosquitoes
      • Diseases Spread By Mosquitoes
      • Beekeeper Information
    • Housing
      • Home Ownership Assistance
      • Homeowner Rehabilitation
    • Information for Residents
      • Local Hospitals
      • Schools
      • Getting Around Richland County
      • Automobile Registration & Driver's License
      • Pet Licenses
      • Voter Registration
      • Jury Duty
      • Solid Waste & Recycling
      • Local Utility Providers
    • Emergency Preparedness
  • Businesses

    Businesses

    Competitive tax incentives make Richland County a great place to do business.

    Find out more
    • Doing Business with Richland County
      • Accounts Payable Information
    • Running a Business
      • Hospitality Tax Information
        • Taxable Items
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Forms
    • Starting a Business
    • Procurement & Contracting
      • About Us
      • Solicitations
      • Announcements
      • Vendors
    • Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO)
  • Government

    Government

    Access a complete listing of Richland County departments, committees, and courts.

    Find out more
    • Advisory Councils
      • Central Midlands Council of Governments
      • Lexington Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Control
      • Richland County Neighborhood Council
      • Solid Waste Advisory Council
      • Community Relations Council
    • Boards
      • Board of Assessment Appeals
      • Building Board of Adjustment and Appeal
      • Business Service Center Appeals Board
      • Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA)
      • Historic Columbia Foundation
      • Library Board of Trustees
      • Performing Arts Center Board
      • Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees
      • River Alliance Board
      • The Township Auditorium
      • Elections and Voter Registration Board
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2013
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2012
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2011
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes, & Actions - Prior Years
    • County Council
      • Clerk of Council
      • News
      • County Council Districts
      • County Council Members
        • Gretchen Barron
        • Jason Branham
        • Cheryl English
        • Paul Livingston
          • Paul Livingston Bio Part II
        • Jesica Mackey
        • Yvonne McBride
          • Yvonne McBride Bio Part II
        • Chakisse Newton
        • Derrek Pugh
        • Allison Terracio
        • Overture Walker
        • Don Weaver
      • Strategic Plan
      • Motions Search
      • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
      • Agenda, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
    • Courts and Judicial System
      • Clerk of Court
        • General Sessions
        • Jury Information
        • Clerk of Court Staff
        • Common Pleas
      • Family Court
      • Magistrates
        • Magistrates Court Forms
      • Master-in-Equity
      • Probate Court
        • Amy McCulloch, Probate Judge
        • Probate Court Divisions
          • Estate Division
          • Guardian & Conservatorship
          • Records Division
          • Marriage License
          • Commitment
        • Filing Fees
        • History
        • Workshops
        • Probate Terms
        • Probate Contacts
        • Forms
      • Public Defender
      • Solicitor
    • Departments
      • Department Directory
      • Animal Care
        • Facts
          • About
          • Info
          • Disaster
        • FAQ
        • Licensing
        • Links
        • Cat Diversion
        • View
      • Budget and Grants Management
        • Annual Budget Reports
          • Current Fiscal Year Reports
          • Prior Fiscal Years Reports
        • ARPA Grants Applications
      • Building Codes & Inspections
        • Plans Review
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Contacts
      • Business Operations
        • Central Services
        • Finance
          • Accounts Payable Check Register
          • Reporting
          • ACFR Reports
          • Financial Transparency Reporting
          • Procurement Card Register
          • Annual Budget Reports
        • GIS & Mapping
        • Human Resources
        • Information Technology
        • Procurement
        • Register of Deeds
          • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Small Local Business Enterprises
      • Community Development
        • Community Development Programs
          • Homeownership
          • Homeowner Rehabilitation
          • Neighborhood Revitalization
          • Public Improvements
          • Stimulus Projects
        • CDBG Mitigation
        • Community Development News
        • Housing & Urban Development
          • Fair Housing
      • Conservation
        • Soil & Water Conservation District
          • About
          • Natural Resources Conservation
          • Youth Education
          • Join Us
          • Conservation District News
          • Board Meetings
        • Conservation Commission
        • Pinewood Lake Park
          • Rules
          • Picnic Shelters
          • Fishing and Boating
          • Trails and Fitness
          • Demonstration Garden
          • Park History
          • Natural History
      • Executive
        • Administration
        • Clerk of Council
        • Ombudsman
      • Health & Social Services
      • Government and Community Services
        • About Us
        • Education
        • Business Community
        • Other Community Groups
        • Homeowners Associations
        • Institutes of Higher Education and SC Works
        • Elected Officials and Local Municipalities
      • Grants
        • Accommodations Tax
        • Hospitality Tax
        • Discretionary Grants
          • COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Grants
      • Legislative
        • Legislative Delegation
      • Licensing & Registration
        • Animal Care
        • Business Service Center
          • BSC Online Services
          • Proposed Bag Ordinance
            • More Info for Residents
              • Take the Resident Survey
            • More Info for Businesses
              • Take the Business Survey
            • More Resources
            • Ordinance Timeline
            • Updates from County Council
            • Plastics and Recycling Q & A
        • Marriage License Inquiry
        • Planning & Development
        • Register of Deeds
      • OSBO
        • Services
        • Resources
          • Ordinances
        • Current Contracts
        • Steps
          • Is My Business Eligible?
          • Submit an Application
          • Onsite Visit & Interview
        • Home
          • About Us
          • Workshops & Events
          • News
      • Planning & Development
        • Comprehensive Planning
        • Neighborhood Planning
          • RCNC
          • Grants
          • Master Plans
          • Events
          • Planning Month
        • Sustainability Planning
          • Accomplishments
          • News
          • Publications
          • Resources
          • Sustainability Tour
        • E-911 Addressing and Road Naming
        • Floodplain Management
          • FPBasics
          • DevReview
          • Mapping
          • Prep
          • Property
          • Drainage
          • Info
      • Public Information Office
      • Public Safety
        • Animal Care
        • Coroner
        • Detention Center
        • Emergency Services
        • Richland County Sheriff's Department
        • SC Department of Public Safety
        • SC Law Enforcement Division
        • Victim/Witness Assistance
      • Public Works
        • GIS Public Works
        • Special Services
        • Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport (CUB)
        • Roads & Drainage Maintenance
        • Department Projects
        • Engineering
        • Solid Waste & Recycling
          • Curbside Pick-up
            • Recycling
            • New Account Set-up and Moving
            • Handicapped Service Options
            • Roll Cart Care
            • Household Garbage
            • Yard Waste
            • Bulk and Large Items
            • Evictions and Unwanted Items
            • Household Hazardous Waste
          • Drop-off Facilities
            • Residential and Commercial
            • Accepted Items
            • Drop-off Locations
            • Transporting Loads
            • Illegal Dumping
          • Solid Waste and Recycling Service Areas
        • Stormwater Management
          • Construction
          • Education and Public Involvement
          • Inspections
          • Monitoring
          • Ordinances
          • Capital Improvement Projects
      • Taxes
        • Pay Online
        • Treasurer
          • Tax Payment Options
          • Planned Payments
          • Frequently Asked Questions
          • David A. Adams
          • Treasurer News Archive
          • Treasurer News
          • FLC Available Properties
        • Assessor
          • Legal Residence Clarification
          • Agriculture Use Value
          • Classification of Property
          • Example of Appraisal Notice
          • How to Challenge Your Value or Assessment
          • Property Appraised by the SC Department of Revenue
          • Taxes & Fair Assessment
          • School Tax Credit
          • 2014 Reassessment Program
        • Auditor
          • Property
          • Tax Exemptions
        • Hospitality Tax
      • Transportation Penny
        • Projects
        • Reports
        • Public Meetings
        • Archived Reports
      • Utilities
        • Water
          • Water Rates Schedule
          • Water System Consumer Confidence Reports
        • Sewer
          • Industrial Pretreatment Rates Schedule
          • Sanitary Rates Schedule
        • Forms
        • Procurement
        • Learn
        • News
        • About
        • Service Area Map
        • Current Alerts
        • Development
        • Other Utility Providers
        • Billing & Service
          • Establish Service
          • Cancel Service
          • Billing Adjustment
          • Delinquent Accounts
          • Special Power of Attorney
        • Contact Us
      • Voter Registration & Elections
        • About Us
        • Elections
        • Election Results
          • 2017
          • 2018
          • 2019
          • 2020
          • 2021
          • 2022
          • 2023
          • 2024
        • Voter Registration
        • Election Workers
        • Outreach
        • Board of Directors
          • Board Information
            • Board Meeting - Agendas and Minutes
            • Board Meetings - Agendas and Minutes - Prior Years
        • Early & Absentee Voting
    • Ordinances
      • Recently Approved Ordinances
    • Elected Offices
    • County ADA Compliance
    • Committees
      • Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee
      • Ad Hoc and Short Term Committees
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Administration and Finance Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Animal Care Advisory Committee
      • Development and Services Committee
        • Agenda, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Discretionary Grant Fund Review Committee
      • Economic Development Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Employee Grievance Committee
      • Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
      • Internal Audit Committee
      • Nulla Bona Committee
      • Rules and Appointments Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Transportation Penny Advisory Committee
        • Agendas & Minutes
        • Agendas & Minutes - Prior Years
    • Commissions
      • Airport Commission
        • Agendas & Minutes
        • Agendas & Minutes - Prior Years
      • Conservation Commission
        • Agendas & Minutes
        • Agendas & Minutes - Prior Years
        • Commission Members
        • Commission News
        • Natural Resources
          • Natural Resource Grants
          • Conservation Easements
          • Richland County Trail Map
          • Projects
        • Historic Preservation
          • Cemeteries
          • Historic Preservation Grants
          • Bailey Bill
          • Historic Site Inventory
          • Architectural Surveys
          • Projects
          • Historical Markers
        • Partners
      • Convention Center Commission
      • East Richland Public Service Commission
      • Music Festival Commission
      • Richland County Recreation Commission
      • Riverbanks Park Commission
      • Elections Commission
      • Planning Commission
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
  • Visitors

    Visitors

    Part rustic natural beauty, part vibrant city scene - Richland County offers something for everyone!

    Find out more
  • About Richland County
  • Careers
  • News
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • FOIA
Menu Search

One-Call Response Center 24 Hours (803) 929-6000

Frequently Asked Questions

Hospitality Tax Questions

Business License Questions

1. Why do I need a business license?
Having businesses obtain a business license provides several important benefits to the business community and the community as a whole. It allows the County to be attuned to the local economy and better understand who the businesses are. This knowledge can help the County be more responsive to the needs of the business community. Business licenses also protect the community by helping ensure that businesses are legitimate and operating in compliance with all Richland County Codes.

2. When do I need a business license?
Any time a person or business is (1) physically located in or (2) conducts business in the unincorporated areas of Richland County, i.e., outside a city limits, regardless of where the business is located, an annual business license fee is required. A business license is required even if no income has been generated.

3. How much does a business license cost, and what do I need to have or do to get it?
The business license fee is determined by several factors, including: (1) where the business is located, (2) the type of business being conducted, and (3) the business’ gross revenue. Please contact the Business Service Center for assistance in calculating your business license fee.

4. How do I know which licensing jurisdiction I need to visit to obtain my business license?
You must obtain a business license for each jurisdiction in which you do business that also requires a business license.

If your business is located in the unincorporated area of Richland County or you do business in the unincorporated areas, you need to apply for a business license with Richland County. If you also do business in a municipality, you may also need a city business license in addition to a Richland County business license.

Licensing requirements in the other jurisdictions may be different from that of Richland County. If your business is not located in unincorporated Richland County and you do no business in the unincorporated areas of the County, you will not need a County license and will instead need to contact each jurisdiction where you are located and conducted business to obtain your license.

5. How do I find out in which licensing jurisdiction my business is located?
Go to the County’s GIS mapping website. In the left-hand column, click the box beside Municipalities. Click the Search icon above that column, then type the street number and street name to determine the jurisdiction in which your business is located. A map will appear, showing the location of the address you typed in, along with the municipality in which the address is located, if the location is within a municipality.

6. If I am moving my business to a new location, do I need a new business license?
Yes. The current ordinance (Section 16-8) requires that a change of address must be reported to the license inspector within ten (10) days after the business moves to its new location. The license will then be valid at the new address after notifying the license inspector in writing and complying with zoning and building codes and approval of other departments as determined by the license inspector. Without this written notification, the existing business license is terminated, the business will be deemed as operating without a business license, and will be subject to the appropriate penalties.

7. If I am doing more than one type of business activity at my business, do I need more than one business license?
It depends. The current ordinance (Section 16-4(1)) requires a separate license for each place of business and for each classification of business conducted at one place. However, a business may choose whether or not to identify how much revenue is generated by each type of business occurring at the business. If the business does not wish or is not able to separate the amount of income generated by each business activity, the business license fee will be calculated on the combined gross income for the classification requiring the highest rate.  However, each business activity may require different County approvals.

8. Are any businesses exempt from the County’s business license requirement?
Yes. State law (Sec 4-9-30(12)) establishes that certain businesses are exempt from County business licensing requirements. These include the following:

  1. teachers, ministers, and rabbis;
  2. telephone, telegraph, gas and electric utilities or other utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission;
  3. insurance companies, and
  4. businesses making loans secured by real estate (unless it has a premises located in the county but outside a municipality).

Other businesses exempted from all (county or city) business license taxes by State or US law include the following:

  1. air express and passenger interstate transportation;
  2. alcoholic beverages;
  3. banks and building loan companies;
  4. credit unions, both state and federal;
  5. Marketing Cooperative Associations and Mutual benevolent aid associations; and
  6. Workers’ Compensation insurance premiums.

County ordinance provides one additional exemption, regarding construction contractors. This exemption covers the portion of a contractor’s revenue generated from work done for which a building permit is obtained and a fee paid. If ALL of a contractor’s revenue is generated from work done for which a building permit fee is paid, that contractor shall be exempt from paying any business license fee. However, this contractor must still file an application in the required timeframe providing documentation which establishes that contractor’s right to an exemption.

9. If I am buying a business that already has a business license, do I need to get a business license myself?
Yes. The current ordinance (Section 6-8) states that business licenses are not transferable, and a transfer of ownership is considered a termination of the old business and the establishment of a new business requiring a new business license, based on the previous business income.

 

 

 

Have a question or concern?

Contact the Ombudsman
One-Call Response Center

  • Call: (803) 929-6000
  • Email: ombudsman
  Search

Government

  • Advisory Councils
  • Boards
  • County Council
  • Courts and Judicial System
  • Departments
    • Department Directory
    • Animal Care
    • Budget and Grants Management
    • Building Codes & Inspections
    • Business Operations
    • Community Development
    • Conservation
    • Executive
    • Health & Social Services
    • Government and Community Services
    • Grants
    • Legislative
    • Licensing & Registration
      • Animal Care
      • Business Service Center
        • BSC Online Services
        • Proposed Bag Ordinance
      • Marriage License Inquiry
      • Planning & Development
      • Register of Deeds
    • OSBO
    • Planning & Development
    • Public Information Office
    • Public Safety
    • Public Works
    • Taxes
    • Transportation Penny
    • Utilities
    • Voter Registration & Elections
  • Ordinances
  • Elected Offices
  • County ADA Compliance
  • Committees
  • Commissions

Find My District

Stay on top of issues affecting your area. District hearings, school closings, voting locations and more!

Get Started
Emergency Preparedness
Captcha
  • Home
    • About Richland County
    • Careers
    • News
    • Events
    • Contact Us
    • FOIA
  • Residents
    • Engage Richland
    • Education
    • Health & Social Services
    • Libraries
    • Public Safety
    • Vector Control
    • Housing
    • Information for Residents
    • Emergency Preparedness
  • Businesses
    • Doing Business with Richland County
    • Running a Business
    • Starting a Business
    • Procurement & Contracting
    • Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO)
  • Government
    • Advisory Councils
    • Boards
    • County Council
    • Courts and Judicial System
    • Departments
    • Ordinances
    • Elected Offices
    • County ADA Compliance
    • Committees
    • Commissions
  • Visitors

Richland County
South Carolina

Mailing Address
2020 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 192
Columbia, SC 29201

Physical Address
2020 Hampton Street
Columbia, SC 29204

One-Call Response Center
24 Hours (803) 929-6000

ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov

More Information

  • Richland County ADA Compliance
  • Title VI Public Participation Plan
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Privacy Disclaimer
  • Sitemap

Follow us

Follow @RichlandSC

© Richland County, S.C. | Website by Cyberwoven