Business Tax Receipts

Business Tax Information 

Prior to doing business in South Pasadena, you will need a Business Tax Receipt. A Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is an annual business tax for all businesses, professionals and individuals who accept compensation for merchandise or services who are located in the city limits of South Pasadena. 

If you are a brand new business opening in the City, prior to obtaining a BTR, the Fire Department will  perform a Life Safety Inspection. The Fire Department will contact you to schedule the inspection once the BTR Application has been submitted. 

Once approved by the Fire Department, the Community Improvement Department will calculate any fees based on your business type and issue the Business Tax Receipt. 

Please take a moment to look through the general information provided below for any questions you may have in regards to BTR's. If you have any additional questions, please call the Community Improvement Department at (727)-343-4192.

Business Tax Information

What is a local business tax?
Businesses or persons conducting a business and/or providing a service within the City of South Pasadena must have a Local Business Tax. 
Who is required to pay the local business tax?
As outlined in Chapter 146 of the City of South Pasadena Code of Ordinances, anyone who transacts any business or engages in any occupation or profession within the city limits of South Pasadena is required to pay the Local Business Tax. Persons located outside the City of South Pasadena but conducting a business and/or providing a service within the city must also register and show proof of registration of the Business Tax from the municipality in which the business is actually located. 
What about home-based businesses?
The city does permit a business to be run out of your home as long as it meets the City of South Pasadena Code of Ordinances outlined in Chapter 130-30. A home-based business must file an application and will also receive a Local Business Tax Receipt.
What does it cost?
Fees are based on the type of business and will be assessed at the time of the submittal of the application. To ensure that you are paying the correct amount, you may check our Business Tax Fees or call the Community Improvement Department at (727)-343-4192. 
What do you need for your Local Business Tax?
  • Approved Life Safety Application from the Fire Department
  • Completed BTR Application 
  • Attached copy of the fictitious name registration (if applicable) 
  • Attached copy(s) of State or County certifications/licenses (if applicable) 
  • Federal Employer ID # OR Social Security # 
  • Sales Tax # (if applicable) 
How long is my Business Tax Receipt good for? Does it require renewal?
Yes, the Business Tax Receipt is renewed annually. All local business taxes imposed, except as otherwise expressly provided, shall be due and payable on the first day of October of each year and shall expire the 30th day of September of the succeeding year.
Due dates and Penalties
All local business taxes shall be due and payable on October 1 of each year and business tax receipts shall expire on September 30 of the succeeding year. Those local business taxes not renewed by October 1 shall be considered delinquent and subject to a delinquency penalty of 10% for the month of October, plus an additional five-percent penalty each month thereafter until paid. However, the total delinquency penalty shall not exceed 25% of the local business tax fee for the delinquent establishment.

Any person engaging in or managing any business, occupation or profession without first obtaining a Business Tax Receipt, if required, shall be subject to a penalty of 25% of the business tax. 
Useful Information
Florida Fictitious Name Registration 

This registration must be completed prior to an application for a Business Tax Receipt. This does not apply to corporations or to those certified with DB&PR. You may register on-line at www.sunbiz.org or contact them at (850) - 245- 6000

Federal Employer Identification Number / Social Security Number 

Florida Statutes require that you provide us with either your business' Federal Employer Identification Number or your social security number. You can apply online here for an Federal Employer Identification Number or contact them at 1-800-829-4933

State Sales Tax Number 

To apply for a state sales tax number, contact:
Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Division, 19337 US Highway 19 N., Suite 200, Clearwater FL 34624-3149 For more information visit the Florida Department of Revenue  or contact them at 727-538-7400

Corporations
If you wish to file as a corporation, contact: The Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, PO Box 6327 Tallahassee, FL 32314. For more information visit the Division of Corporations or contact them at 850-245-6000
Helpful Websites