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1. Do I need a Business License (Occupational Tax Certificate)?

A business license is required for any person within the unincorporated areas of the county who engages in or causes to be engaged in and/or represents himself to be engaged in any occupation or activity with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage either directly or indirectly. Any person advertising by means, including, but not limited to, signs, cards, telephone books, circulars and newspapers, that he is engaged in any business of any kind, shall be liable for the appropriate occupation tax required. This includes peddlers, solicitors, transient merchants, mobile vendors and roadside vendors.

2. Does my business require a business license?

Any individual or business must obtain a business license from the city or county in which the primary place of business would be located. A certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial business prior to the application for license. If you have a home-based business, a written statement from landlord/owner is required that provides permission to operate in the home.

3. Do I need to register my business as a DBA (doing business as)?

The State of Georgia requires all businesses not registered as Corporations, Limited Liability Company, Limited or General Partnership to register their trade name. All registrations and fees can be paid  at the Lumpkin County Clerk of Court’s office located at:
325 Riley Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533

The only exception is for a sole proprietor, if the full legal name of the owner is part of the business name (example: John J. Doe Wrecker Service).

4. What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) / Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

An EIN or TIN is used to identify a business entity. Consult a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Tax Attorney.

5. What is a State License?

Some types of businesses will have to obtain an additional license from the federal government, while other businesses, occupations, and professions are also licensed and regulated by the State and local authorities.

A State License is a certification through the State of Georgia. Type of business that need this certification include:

• Dentists
• Electricians
• General Contractors
• Hair Salons
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Insurance Agents
• Nail Salons
• Nurses
• Pest Control
• Physicians
• Plumbers
• Veterinarians

Proof of certification is required to obtain a business license. For more information, visit the Georgia Secretary of State website.

6. How do I obtain a State Identification Number?

State tax identification numbers are needed for any business that is selling a product, and are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue.