In 2024, Athens-Clarke County businesses must submit their renewal applications for the business occupation tax by April 1, as stated in a press release on their official website. Any certificates submitted after this date will be subject to a 10% penalty. It is important to note that these certificates are not actual licenses, but rather tax certificates issued by the Finance Department of Athens-Clarke County (ACC) for various sales or regulatory permits.
Currently, there are approximately 5,000 registered businesses in Athens-Clarke County, with taxes being evaluated and collected annually. New businesses, including those operated from homes, must complete a business occupation tax application before beginning operations. Renewal information and a 2024 application were mailed to all businesses that received a business occupation tax certificate in 2023 in December.
To access an electronic version of the application form and required affidavits, individuals can visit www.accgov.com/finance. For further details or assistance, individuals can contact the ACC Finance Department’s Business Tax/Revenue Section at 706-613-3050 or refer to the Business Occupation Tax Website for additional information.
