Clerk Reminds Business Owners of License Renewal Deadline

Business licenses must be renewed by April 15.
DeKalb County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss is urging business owners to get their renewals completed before the deadline.
“I would like to remind all Business owners of standard business license renewals due April 15, 2017 and most expire May 15, 2017. However, a slim number of business owners are licensed with a minimal business license which expire different and are obtained through our local office annually. Few people qualify for a minimal license, but in cases where a business will gross $9,999,00 or less annually this person is eligible for a minimal license. Again, very few people qualify for this license,” he said.
“Also, a reminder for those still with questions filing. The taxes on all standard business license accounts are collected at the state level and the license is issued at the local level. Basically, the owner submits payment to the state, in return the state will email us clearance to issue the customer a new license. Once we receive clearance we in return mail out the new business license,” Poss continued.
“The Department of Revenue mandated this process and began this procedure in 2014. Since then we have been able to assist many in establishing their online account. Some filing from 2014 forward and in many cases assisting several with late filing paper versions which was required prior to 2014. We have had and still see individuals we are assisting filing previous years with penalty and interest 5 and 6 years late. Anyone still having difficulty or questions establishing an online account is welcome to stop by our office and see me as I am currently the only one assisting customers with account set up. Individuals may also do this from home by going to tn.gov and follow the instructions or pick up a How-to manual from our office,” he said
“For those who are planning to no longer pursue the business previously operated. You must be sure to file the year you close and mark this payment and return as Final return. Should you fail to file and mark Final return the state will continue to keep your business active resulting in a minimum charge with penalty and interest added even you claim $0 as gross income.”
“Also to complete the transaction for a new business license you must have the previous year total gross income and if you own the place of business the property tax paid,” Poss concluded.