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Business License

Need an Occupational Tax Certificate?

The City of Clarkston requires anyone involved in a business, trade profession, or other occupation (including home occupations) within the City limits, to obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate and pay an Occupational Tax, prior to opening a business. Occupational Tax Certificates expire on December 31st of each year regardless of when the account was opened and should be renewed annually.

Each person who is licensed by the Secretary of State pursuant to O.C.G.A. title 43 shall provide evidence of their current and valid state licensure.

If you’re starting a new business, the business location must be zoned and deemed appropriate for operation—it must meet each City Code requirement. You can submit a Zoning Compliance Form (PDF, 697.78 KB) and schedule a meeting with City Planning staff to confirm your intended business is permitted to operate.  You can review the City Code at www.municode.com.

Upon issuance, the Occupational Tax Certificate must be posted in a visible location in the business establishment.

Please submit the Affidavit if Business Sold or Terminated/ Closed/ Bankruptcy or Moved (PDF, 129.12 KB). 

How to Apply for a New Business License:

  • Submit the 2026 New Business License Application (PDF, 1.52 MB) for new businesses - available online and at City Hall Annex. Please be aware that the only way to obtain a new Occupational Tax Certificate is directly through the City of Clarkston.
  • If the business is a Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Limited Partnership, it must be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office per O.C.G.A. Title 43 (even if you are registered in another state).
  • The Business will undergo verification of Occupational Tax (business license) as well as status of any fees or taxes due to the City.
  • Applicants must meet business type, zoning, location, and other requirements per local, state or federal agencies.
  • The completed application is reviewed by the department staff and submitted to the City Manager for approval or denial.

Keep in mind: Each business license renewal is filed and issued by the City Hall Annex. If your business closes or changes ownership, you must notify the City Clerk immediately.

According to Section 11-40 of the City Code, members of professions classified in O.C.G.A. 48-13-9(c) must elect either a flat fee or gross receipts as their method of calculating Occupational Tax.

Each new business must pay a $130.00 Administrative Fee upon application.

Only applications considered 100% complete will be accepted, so be sure to include all necessary information as detailed in the application.

Renew Your Business License for 2026

The City of Clarkston is now accepting renewals for 2026 Occupational/Business Licenses. Here's everything you need to know:

How to Submit Your Renewal Application

  1. By Mail
    • Send your completed application to: City of Clarkston, ATTN: Occupational Tax, 736 Park North Blvd., Ste. 120, Clarkston, GA 30021.
    • Include a $130.00 Administrative Fee (check or money order).
    • After your file is reviewed, you will receive an email invoice for any additional occupational tax due.
  2. In Person
    • Visit the Clarkston City Hall Annex (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).
    • Payment is required at the time of submission.

Flat Tax for Professionals

Professionally classified businesses opting for the flat tax should submit $530.00 ($130.00 administrative fee + $400.00 flat tax). Practitioner licensing will be verified.

Important Details

  • Renewal applications and required documents must be fully completed.
  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Applications are due by December 31, 2025, with a grace period until March 1, 2026.
  • Applications submitted after December 31, 2025, will accrue financial penalties.

 

Need the Application?

Click below for more information and to access the renewal application:

If you’re the owner of a restaurant or business that wants to sell beer, wine, or liquor, you’ll need a City of Clarkston Alcohol License.

Only restaurants licensed, and operating as a restaurant on April 3, 2018 within the City, may apply for the permit to allow limited smoking of hookah within the restaurant. Applications must have been originally submitted before July 2, 2018.

Every individual offering to the public the use of a coin-operated amusement machine at his business location shall obtain a license from the city for the privilege to operate such coin-operated amusement machine within the city. Said license shall be obtained from the city no later than December 31st of the preceding year and shall be valid for one calendar year.

 

ALCOHOL SERVERS PERMITS

All employees, including the owner and manager of alcohol establishments, must have a servers permit, in order to dispense, sell, serve, take orders, mix alcoholic beverages, or in any way handle alcoholic beverages in a licensed establishment.

Permits are issued for $50, with a $15 charge for a background check. 

Applications must be made in person to the City of Clarkston Police Department, Municipal Courts:

Address: 736 Park North Blvd., Ste. 120, Clarkston, GA 30021
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday
Phone: (404) 292-9465

Each applicant must pass a background check.

You do NOT need an Alcohol Handling Permit for employees or grocery or convenience stores where alcohol beverage sales contribute to less than 10% of overall store sales.

Keep in mind: Alcohol pouring permits are valid only within Clarkston City Limits and are valid for one year. All Businesses must have a valid Alcohol Privilege License.