Occupational Tax Division

Feel free to pick up or submit occupational tax applications anytime during normal business hours.

Note to Business Owners

Welcome to the City of McDonough and thank you for choosing the "Geranium City" as a location for your business.

Every business in the City must apply for an Occupational Tax Certificate and renew it annually. Please feel free to visit us if you need assistance in completing the form. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Location Confirmation

Prior to submitting an application, please verify that the physical address of your business is within city limits. Two different zip codes (30252 and 30253) have McDonough mailing addresses; however, they may not necessarily be located inside the City.

Please contact the Community Development Department at 678-432- 4622 to have your location confirmed. This office may also confirm whether your business is in compliance with the zoning code for the location and any other building code requirements. There are separate requirements for home-based businesses.

Tax Exemptions

The following are exempt from paying Occupational Taxes:

Any Non Profit Organization (will need to provide a copy of your 501C letter)
Disabled Veterans (will need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Exemption)

Tax Certificates

You only need one occupational tax certificate to conduct business; if you are within city limits, you do not need to get a certificate from Henry County.

Certificates expire December 31st each year. Late fees will be charged after January 15th.

More Information

If you have any questions regarding your business, please email our Occupational Tax Clerk.

Visit our Applications and Forms page for relevant document.

Information Resources

Documents That Can Be Used for Identification Purposes (PDF)
For a Federal ID# contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-4933.
For Sales Tax ID#, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue at 877-423-6711.
For Corporate information, contact the Secretary of State at 404-656-2881.
For a Federal Tax Exempt Status letter, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-4933.
For Georgia Driver's License, contact 866-754-3687.
For State licenses contact Secretary of State, 404-656-2881.
Restaurants provide copy of current Health Inspection Report or current food permit.
Department of Agriculture 404-656-3627.

Contact Us

Stacie Clinton

Occupational Tax Clerk

Email Stacie Clinton
Occupational Tax Division

Email the Tax Clerk

Physical Address
136 Keys Ferry Street
2nd Floor
McDonough , GA 30253

Phone: 678-782-6225

Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9 am - 4 pm
Closed for lunch - Noon to 1 pm

Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are businesses required to get an Occupational Tax Certificate?

The City of McDonough's code of ordinances requires an occupational tax certificate to insure that businesses are being operated in the appropriately zoned districts and in accordance with all applicable codes.

What are the hours of operation to obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate?

The business hours are from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday (closed for lunch 12 pm-1 pm).

What are the requirements to obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate?

It depends on the type of business, but two forms of identification are required for all applicants: a valid driver's license and a birth certificate or passport. The new occupational tax forms (PDF) will have the required information listed.

Is the occupational Tax Certificate transferable?

The Occupational tax certificate is non-transferable. If you have moved your location within the city limits of McDonough, complete and submit a change of address form (PDF) to the Occupational Tax Department.

What if I move my location to another city or county?

If you move your business location to another city or county, complete the closure of business form (PDF) and submit to the Occupational Tax Department to close your account. You will need to contact the other city or county to obtain your occupational tax certificate with that jurisdiction.

How do I know when it’s time to renew my occupational tax certificate?

Certificates can be renewed beginning October 1st of each year.

How long does it take to obtain an occupational tax certificate?

The process varies based on the type of business, but in most cases you can obtain the occupational tax certificate the same day, if all the supporting documents are submitted.

When is the due date for filing the renewal application?

Your certificate expires on December 31st of each year. There is a grace period until January 15. After January 15, a late fee of $100 will be assessed to your fees.

What is a DBA (Doing Business As)?

DBA lets the public know who the real owner of a business is. The DBA is also called a Fictitious Business Name or Assumed Business Name. It helps protect consumer, so dishonest business owners can't try to avoid legal trouble by operating under a different name. When someone files a DBA, it's normally circulated in some kind of print newspaper (maybe you've noticed all those "fictitious business name" entries in the local classifieds). It lets the community know exactly who people are behind a business

Do I need a DBA?

In general, there are two reasons why a business would obtain a DBA:

For sole proprietors: If you're operating your business as a sole proprietor, then you may need to file for a DBA if your business has a different name than your own name. So, let's say I've started a gardening business called Spring Flowers Gardening; I'll need to file for a DBA for "Spring Flowers Gardening."
- There are a few other details to know. In some cases, you don't need a DBA if your business name is a combination of your name and a description of your product or service. In this case, if my business was called Ricky Johnson's Gardening Service, I may not need a DBA. But, if it's just my first name (aka Ricky's Gardening Service), then a DBA may be required. If that sounds confusing, don't worry; just touch base with Henry County Superior Clerk's Office at 770-288-8022 and ask them if you'll need a DBA.
For corporations and LLCs: If you have filed to become a corporation or LLC, then you've already registered your business name and may NOT need a DBA. However, you are encouraged to get a DBA if you plan on conducting business using a name that's different than the name filed with your LLC/corporation paperwork.

So back to my Spring Flowers business…I incorporated my business as Spring Flowers Gardening. My business will need to file a DBA in order to operate under "SpringFlowersGardening.com" or "Spring Flowers." Likewise, if I opened a Garden Shop, I'd need a DBA for "Spring Flowers Garden Shop." In short, you're encouraged to obtain a DBA to operate with any kind of variation of your original name.

View All

Occupational Tax Division

Note to Business Owners

Location Confirmation

Tax Exemptions

Tax Certificates

More Information

Information Resources

Contact Us

Stacie Clinton

Occupational Tax Division

Office Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Quick Links

Helpful Links