City Business Licenses
If you are doing any business in the city limits of Santa Cruz, you are required to have a City of Santa Cruz Business License Tax Certificate. Apply for the certificate on or before the day you start business. The business license tax is not refundable and not transferable. Payment of the Business License Tax Certificate does not relieve the applicant of any regulatory provisions, including, but not limited to City Ordinances.
- Business License Tax
- Business Tax Application and Renewal Form
How to use this form: This application form is an Adobe PDF file and is setup for online fill in and then print, sign, and mail with your payment. To fill in the form, use the HAND tool in Adobe Reader (default) to type in your information. Use the TAB key to move forward to next field, and SHIFT-TAB keys to move backwards. Use the SPACE BAR to check and uncheck boxes and radio buttons. The computer mouse can also be used to move around and check boxes.
Occupancy Permit-Planning Requirements
If you are starting a business in the City of Santa Cruz or conducting a business here, you need to check with the City Planning Department for any required permits or approvals.
City Admission Tax and Entertainment Permits
If your business will have live music, dancing or other forms of entertainment and an admission is charged, you may be subject to the admission tax. Contact the Finance Department at (831) 420-5070 for information.
More information about the Admission Tax
Live music, dancing, etc., require an Entertainment Permit.
For more information contact the City Police Department at 831-420-5840.
Other Permits and Licenses:
Disclaimer:
The information presented here has been prepared and provided to you for information purposes only. It does not supplant the laws, regulations, and procedures governing licenses, permits, and taxes of the City of Santa Cruz. In the event of changes in those laws, regulations, or procedures, the laws, regulations, and procedures are binding and take precedence. For the specific wording of the law, you are strongly urged to get a current copy of the municipal code section that you are interested in.
email to Revenue Division