There are many considerations in running a business, but among the most important is obtaining the proper licenses and permits, particularly a business license.
Greenville County does not require a business license for businesses operating in the unincorporated portions of the county but does require a business to register unless it is operating within a municipality.
Generally, municipalities across the state require a business license and all six cities in Greenville County require one for any business operating within city limits.
There are a few exceptions — for example churches, credit unions and certain nonprofits.
It’s best to check with whichever city for which the license is required to see if your enterprise is among those exempted.
Business license requirements
Except for a few instances which may vary from city to city, all businesses within city limits are required to have a business license before beginning operations.
Municipal business license applications in Greenville County are broadly similar and require the same types of information.
The fees for such licenses are based on a business’ gross revenue and whether the business is based in the city or doing business there but based elsewhere.
Changes in state law in 2021 required all municipalities to issue annual licenses valid from May 1 to April 30 the following year.
Among the information needed to complete a license application are the following:
- North American Industry Classification System number identifying your business type. (Check with the individual municipality to see if they require NAICS codes.)
- Federal Employer Identification Number issued by the IRS or, in cases like a sole proprietorship, the proprietor’s Social Security number.
- Business address, number of employees and name under which the business will operate.
For businesses conducting retail sales, a South Carolina retail sales license issued by the state Department of Revenue is required and that license number will be required on a municipal business license application.
There are a number of other considerations to keep in mind when applying for a business license. For example, if you’ll be operating your business from home, you may be required to provide an occupancy permit, according to Heather Towner, business development coordinator with the city of Greer.
In cases where the business will operate from an existing commercial building, a certificate of occupancy will be required to ensure the business is complying with zoning requirements, she said.
Additional permits and information may be required if the business will sell alcohol, tobacco, prepared food or provide lodging as those are subject to specific state and local taxes and regulations.
For questions or help completing a business license application, contact the specific municipality.
Who to contact
Here’s a list of contact information for municipal business licenses:
- Greenville — greenvillesc.gov/370/Applications-Instructions
- Mauldin — cityofmauldin.org/tools-for-businesses/business-licenses
- Simpsonville — simpsonville.com/administration/page/business-licenses
- Travelers Rest — travelersrestsc.com/businesses/apply-for-a-business-license
- Fountain Inn — fountaininn.org/242/Business-Licenses
- Greer — cityofgreer.org
