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Development Services - Business Tax

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1. What is a Business Tax Receipt?

The Business Tax receipt is for the purposes of the City of Hialeah granting you the privilege of engaging any business, profession, or occupation within the city limits. A business tax receipt is required, pursuant to local code and state laws, and as well to be able to operate a business from a commercial or residential location. Business Tax receipts are valid commencing October 1st through September 30th of each fiscal year. As a courtesy, reminders are mailed prior to expiration of your business tax.

2. Where can I find the laws that govern the City of Hialeah Business Tax Licenses?

Chapter 18 and Chapter 86 of the City of Hialeah Municode

3. Who needs a Business Tax Receipt?

All businesses prior to operating their business are required to obtain a Business Tax Receipt. No applications will be processed if mailed. All applications must be brought in to our office.

4. How can I obtain the required Business Tax Forms?

Forms can be obtained on the Forms and Instructions page or in our office.

5. If I have a home-based business, do I need to pay a Business Tax Receipt?

Yes, the city issues home-based business tax receipts; however, it is for limited business types. Please see the following:

• No more than one home office shall be permitted within a residence

• No customer or client visitation or business traffic to and from the residence is permitted, except for delivery of office supplies and repair or installation of office equipment.

• No signs or other forms of commercial advertisement outside the residence are permitted

• Real estate brokers may provide an interior sign on the entrance of the door of the home office as provided Fla. Admin. Code R.61J2-10.024 as amended from time to time

• The applicant must reside at the residence where they are applying from

• The home office packet must be completed, along with a notarized written statement specify all activities of the business and must be taken to the Zoning Department for approval.

6. Do I need a Business Tax Receipt for Street Vending?

Yes. It is unlawful to sell any fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ice cream on the street within the City of Hialeah limits until proper Business Tax has been issued.

7. Do I need to apply for a Miami Dade County Local Business Tax License “LBT”?

Yes, you should apply for the LBT after applying with the City of Hialeah.

8. How much does a Business Tax Receipt cost?

The Business Tax Receipt fee depends on the type of business that you will be applying for. For a fee schedule you may refer to our municode 86-43. However, please take into consideration that there will be additional fees for the reviews of other disciplines such as Zoning, Building, DERM, and Fire.

9. How can I pay the fees for my Business Tax Receipt?

There are two ways to pay for the business tax receipt. Please see below

Pay in person:

City of Hialeah, City Hall Cashier’s Office 501 Palm Avenue, 3^rd Floor Hialeah, FL 33010

Payment by mail

City of Business Tax Division P.O. Box 918661 Orlando, FL
32891-8661

10. If I change my business address or sell my business, what do I do?

In the event that any of the following occur:

• The name of the business changed
• The business address changed
• The business owner changed

If any changes occur you will be required to notify the city of the changes immediately. In addition, you will be required to complete a Business Tax Application and provide a notarized bill of sale or merger documents (if there is a change of ownership or if business merged) and it must be submitted to DERM with exception of change of address, in which it would require approval from both Planning and Zoning Division and DERM.

11. Is an Occupational License the same as a Business Tax Receipt?

Yes, On January 1, 2007, the legislature passed House Bill 1269. The name of the Act will be changed from the "Local Occupational License Tax Act" to the "Local Business Tax Act." The definition of "receipt" as it relates to the bill will be defined as the document that is issued by the local governing authority, which bears the words "Local Business Tax Receipt" and evidenced that the person in whose name the document is issued has complied with the provisions of the Local Business Tax Act. Persons who pay occupational business taxes will receive a receipt for payment rather than a "certificate."

12. Can I apply for my business tax receipt online?

No,
the only way to apply for the business tax receipt is by coming in person to
the Business Tax Division office.

13. What State agencies regulate my business?

When you start a business, there are federal and state rules and regulations that your company must abide by in order to legally operate, and you should know which ones those are for your business (ie., ACHA, Tobacco, DPBR).

14. How much time will it take for me to obtain my business tax license?

You should calculate 10 to 15 days from start to finish.

15. Can I operate a business without a license?

No, everyone who operates a business in Hialeah must have a business tax license.

16. What happens if I lie on my application to obtain a business tax license?

The application becomes null & void.

17. How do I close my business tax licenses?

A letter on letterhead, signed by the owner and a copy of the owner’s driver’s license. You may mail it in or come in person.

18. When can I obtain water services for my business?

After you have received your business tax receipt in hand, you can apply for water connection.