Business Registration / Occupational Tax

Peachtree City collects Occupational Taxes from all businesses physically located within the city and issues a certificate of payment, which serves in lieu of a Business License for organizations who need to provide a current license. This is a non-regulatory tax.

The tax is calculated based upon the number of full-time employees the company/organization has - there is a calculator below to help identify the fee to submit. Home-based businesses must also pay the annual Occupational Tax based on the number of employees on file. Businesses exempt from payment are listed below.

Businesses paying Occupational Taxes to Peachtree City do not need to obtain an additional business license from Fayette County. However, additional state requirements may apply depending on the type of business performed.

The new business application packet linked below outlines the step-by-step process to obtain an Occupational Tax certificate. All businesses are required to complete an application form, SAVE and E-Verify affidavit*, and E911 Emergency Contact form (for home-based businesses, E911 form is not required). All businesses must have zoning approved by the Zoning Department prior to submitting an application with payment to City Hall. For non-home-based businesses and daycares, a fire inspection must also be completed and passed prior to submitting an application and payment to City Hall.  Please refer to the new business application packet linked below for how to schedule and obtain these approvals.

If you wish to renovate or remodel, learn more about sign regulations, health department inspections, and information from the Fire Marshal, you should contact the Building Department for assistance in understanding the required permits and associated fees. You may find additional information on septic by contacting the Fayette County Health Department, or sewer by contacting the Peachtree City Water & Sewerage Authority. If your business serves alcohol, you must also apply for and receive a city alcohol license. The City Clerk’s office will be able to provide information on applying for a city alcohol license. If your business is a massage establishment, an additional regulatory fee certificate is required. 

The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce serves businesses county-wide through membership opportunities for ribbon-cutting ceremonies, business highlights in e-newsletters, and business after-hours.

People wishing to file a complaint about a business located in Peachtree City should contact the Metro Atlanta Better Business Bureau.

Forms

New Business Application Packet (PDF)

  • Includes zoning approval form, fire inspection approval form, application, and mandatory SAVE & E-VERIFY Affidavits
  • Copy of photo ID for affidavit signer must be mailed or original presented in person at City Hall

Change in Existing Business Registration

Fees

All businesses (including tax-exempt) pay a $20 Administration Fee. The minimum payment is $107 for the first four employees and additional fees per employee are listed in the fee chart, and the maximum is $6,176. The tax portion of the payment by 50% for new businesses registering after July 1 in their first year. Please view the calculation on the fee chart (PDF).

Renewals

The renewal notices for the calendar are mailed in November for the December 31 payment deadline.  If you did not receive a notice, please contact City Hall at 770-487-7657 to have forms emailed or mailed to you.

  • If you are a U.S. Citizen and If you have an Affidavit of Residency (SAVE) form on file, you do not need to re-submit this year.
  • If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you must complete the SAVE form and submit every year.
  • EVERYONE must fill out the E-Verify form and have it signed and notarized. We have notaries available if you come in person. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 770-487-7657.

It is your responsibility to renew your occupational tax certificate by January 31 for that calendar year to avoid penalties.

PHOTO ID REQUIRED

The requirement for E-Verify was adopted by the state in 2012, and the Mandatory E-Verify affidavit confirms that required companies (10 employees as of July 1, 2013) participate in the E-Verify program to screen all employees for citizenship status. City Hall will be unable to process the renewal if these Affidavits are not returned. This form must be notarized. Notary services are available at City Hall.

An overview of the ordinance provides important information on operating a business within the municipal boundaries.

Businesses Exempt from paying Occupational Tax:

  1. Those businesses regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
  2. Those electrical service businesses organized under O.C.G.A. Chapter 3 of Title 46.
  3. Any farm operation for the production from or on the land of agricultural products, but not including agribusiness.
  4. Cooperative marketing associations governed by O.C.G.A. § 2-10-105.
  5. Insurance companies governed by O.C.G.A. § 33-8-8.
  6. Motor common carriers governed by O.C.G.A. § 46-7-15.
  7. Those businesses governed by O.C.G.A. § 48-5-355.
  8. Agricultural products and livestock raised in the state governed by O.C.G.A. § 48-5-356.
  9. Depository financial institutions governed by O.C.G.A. § 48-6-93.
  10. Facilities operated by a charitable trust governed by O.C.G.A. § 48-13-55.
  11. Persons engaged in recreation activities sponsored by the parks and recreation department of the city.
  12. The following classes of persons may peddle, conduct business, or practice the professions and semi-professions without saying an occupation tax, administrative fee, or regulatory fee for the privilege of so doing:
    1. Any disabled veteran of any war or armed conflict in which any branch of the armed forces of the United States engaged, whether under United States command or otherwise;
    2. Any blind person; or
    3. Any veteran of peace-time service in the United States armed forces who has a physical disability incurred during the period of such service; provided such person receives a certificate of exemption issued by the commissioner of veterans service, has furnished proof of disability, and provides documentation that the person making application is a resident of this state and that the income of such person is such that he or she is not liable for the payment of state income taxes, subject to O.C.G.A. § 43-12-1, et. seq.