Complete Guide to Business License Marietta Renewal Form

Latest Facts and News

• Marietta implemented an online renewal system for business licenses and occupation tax in 2023.
• A new fee structure was introduced for the 2024 City of Marietta business license and occupation tax renewal forms.
• Deadline for 2024 business license Marietta renewal forms extended to February 15, 2024.

If you’re running a business in Marietta, you know that keeping your licenses up to date is essential for staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary penalties. One key task that many business owners need to stay on top of is renewing their business license. 

The Business License Marietta Renewal Form is the document you’ll need to complete to ensure your business continues operating legally within the city.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the renewal process, why it’s important, the steps involved, and how to make it as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and info you need to breeze through your renewal. 

Let’s jump in!

Understanding the Business License Marietta Renewal Form Process

Annually renewing your business license in Marietta is not just a formality; it’s an essential step to keep your business legally compliant and operating smoothly. By submitting the official renewal form each year, you ensure that your business remains in good standing with the city, avoiding penalties and potential disruptions.

The official business license Marietta renewal form can have the following positive or negative impact on your company:

Who Needs to Complete the City of Marietta Business License and Occupation Tax Renewal Form?

The business license Marietta renewal form applies to almost every business operating within city limits, such as:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
• Corporation
• Home Business
• Retail Shops, Restaurants, or Service Providers
• Occupational Practices: Law Firms or Accounting Offices.

Always check with Marietta’s official guidelines to guarantee compliance, or let SWAT Advisors help you figure out all the details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the City of Marietta Business License and Occupation Tax Renewal Form

Renewing your business license in Marietta? Here’s a clear, step-by-step breakdown to help you complete the form accurately and submit it without missing anything. Follow each section carefully.

1. Fill Out the License Information Section

Start by entering your current business license details:

• Occupation Tax/License #: Find this on your last year’s license. It usually starts with “24-“.
• Account #: This is your 7-digit account number with the city.
• Classification/SIC Code: Use the same code assigned to your business on last year’s license. It identifies your business type.
• New Mailing Address (if applicable): Only fill this if your mailing address has changed.
• Business Name/Address Change: If your business name or physical address has changed, note the update and include an additional $25 fee with your payment.

2. Report Gross Receipts and Employee Counts

Provide your business income and staff details for both the previous year and the current year:

• 2024 Actual Gross Receipts: Enter your total income (before deductions) from last year.
• 2024 Number of Employees: The Total number of employees you had in 2024.
• 2025 Estimated Gross Receipts: Estimate your business’s income for the current year.
• 2025 Number of Employees: Expected number of employees for this year.

3. Enter the Contact Information of the Person Filing

This section must be completed by someone authorized to act on behalf of the business:

• Name and Title: This must be the business owner, officer, partner, or W-2 employee.
• Phone Number and Email Address: Enter your current contact information for communication regarding your renewal.

4. Review the Declaration and Sign the Form

Before submitting, you must confirm the accuracy of the information:

• Legal Acknowledgment: You are stating that everything you’ve entered is true. False info is punishable under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-10-20).
• Signature: Must match the person named in the Contact Info section.
• How to Sign:
  • If filing online, sign digitally using the provided tool.
  • If filing on paper, sign the printed form physically.

5. Upload or Attach Required Supporting Documents

These are mandatory for processing your renewal. You can upload up to 3 files (PDF, JPG, PNG formats):

• Completed and Signed Renewal Form
• Private Employer Affidavit: Must be notarized with a visible stamp.
• Citizenship Affidavit: Also notarized. Required if not submitted previously.
• Secure Photo ID: A copy of your driver’s license, passport, or immigration document.

6. Choose Your Submission Method

Submit your completed form and documents through one of the following options:

• Online Submission (Recommended)
• • Go to mariettaga.gov
  • Fill out the form, upload your documents, and pay securely by e-check or credit card
• Submit by Mail Mail all documents along with payment to: City of Marietta – 

1. Submit In Person Drop off your renewal documents at: 

7. Understand the Fees, Deadline & Requirements

• $25 Change Fee: Required if you changed your business name or physical address.
• Deadline to Submit: The deadline to submit your renewal is March 31, 2025.
• Late Renewals: Late submissions may be subject to penalties and interest. The following penalties apply:
  • 1-30 days late: 10% of the occupation tax
  • 31-60 days late: 10% of the occupation tax + 1.5% interest
  • 61+ days late: 10% of the occupation tax + 1.5% interest (compounded monthly)
• Who Must File: Any active business licensed in Marietta, including home-based businesses.
• If You’ve Closed Your Business: Notify the city to avoid future tax obligations.

Calculating Your Occupation Tax for the City of Marietta Business License Renewal

Before you proceed further, you need to find out the amount of occupation tax applicable to the business license Marietta renewal form. This tax depends on gross receipts or the number of employees, whichever has a higher tax.

Step 1: Determine Your Gross Receipts

1. Gross Receipts Calculation: Calculate your total revenue from all business activities in the past year. This includes sales, services, and any other income sources.
2. Tax Bracket: Refer to the official Marietta tax table, which categorizes businesses based on gross receipts.

 Example: If your annual gross receipts are less than $100,000 and you do not have any employees, the estimated cost of the business license is approximately $891.

Step 2: Count Your Employees

1. Employee-Based Calculation: If your business has employees, you may also calculate the occupation tax based on the number of employees. The tax amount varies depending on how many individuals are employed.
2. Minimum Fees: Ensure you know any minimum fees that may apply based on employee count.

Step 3: Choose the Higher Tax Amount: When you have both figures (gross receipts and employee count), select the higher amount as your occupation tax due. This ensures that you comply with Marietta’s regulations while accurately reflecting your business’s financial status.

Our team at SWAT Advisors can help you escape penalties and comply with all small business regulations in Marietta by calculating your occupational tax accurately.

Read More: Are You Ready to Navigate Small Business Taxes?

Online Submission Process for the Business License Marietta Renewal Form

Let’s get into the details of the online submission of the Business License Marietta Renewal:

Step 1: Visit the Renewal Portal

• Go to Cobb County Business License Renewal.
• Review the required materials and click on “Continue to Renew Online.”

Step 2: Account Registration/Login

• If you renewed online in 2022, go to Citizen Access Login and log in with your existing credentials. Proceed to Step 3.
• If you DID NOT renew online in 2022:
  • Create an account by selecting “Register for an Account” near the login button.
  • Use a username linked to your business name for easier association.
  • Save your login details for future renewals.

Step 3: License Registration

• Log in to your account and select “Licenses” in the top menu.
• Enter your License Number and Personal Identification Number (PIN) provided in your renewal email.
• Ensure the PIN includes dashes (e.g., 1HIE00-10000-12345).
• Upon successful registration, you’ll see a confirmation message: “Your application has been successfully submitted.”

Step 4: Access Your License Account

• Go to Home → My Records → Licenses and expand the section.
• Find your business license account(s) and click “Renew Application” under the Action column.

Step 5: Complete the Renewal Process

• Enter your gross receipts.
• Upload all required documents in PDF format.
• Pay the occupation tax using Visa or MasterCard.

Step 6: Submission and Review

• The Business License Division will review your submission.
• Once payment and documentation are verified, your Occupation Tax Certificate/Business License Certificate will be issued.

Online vs. In-Person Submission of the City of Marietta Business License and Occupation Tax Renewal Form

When it comes to renewing your business license with the City of Marietta, you have two options: submitting your renewal form online or in person. Below is a comparison of both methods to help you decide which is best for you.

Online Submission

In-Person Submission

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing Your City of Marietta Business License and Occupation Tax Renewal Form

If you are a Georgia resident preparing to file a Cobb County commercial licensing renewal, avoiding mistakes will help you speed up the process. 

We have listed the most common mistakes below with the solutions to overcome them.

Q1: What happens if I provide incorrect gross receipts?

• Mistake: Misreporting gross receipts or leaving this section blank.
• Solution: Double-check your financial records before entering gross receipts. Check accuracy, as this determines your occupation tax.

Q2: Can I skip uploading certain required documents?

• Mistake: Omitting documents such as tax clearance or zoning compliance proof.
• Solution: Refer to the checklist provided in the form or download one from the city’s website to ensure all required documents are uploaded in PDF format.

Q3: Why was my PIN rejected during account registration?

• Mistake: Entering the PIN without dashes or using the wrong number.
• Solution: Input the PIN exactly as it appears in your renewal email, including dashes (e.g., 1HIE00-10000-12345). 

Q4: How do errors in zoning compliance affect my renewal?

• Mistake: Overlooking zoning requirements or submitting outdated permits.
• Solution: Verify that your business location complies with current zoning laws. Include zoning permits or verification letters to avoid processing delays.

Q5: What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?

• Mistake: Submitting your form late or failing to renew before the due date.
• Solution: Mark the renewal deadline on your calendar and submit your form early to avoid penalties or business disruptions.

Q6: Why was my payment declined?

• Mistake: Entering incorrect details or using an unsupported payment method.
• Solution: Use a valid Visa or MasterCard and verify payment details before submitting. If declined, contact your bank for further assistance.

Q7: What if I forget to save my submission receipt?

• Mistake: Failing to save or print confirmation of your submission and payment.
• Solution: Always download or print the receipt for your records after submission. This document serves as proof in case of disputes.

Q8: How can I ensure I select the correct business classification?

• Mistake: Selecting an incorrect business classification that doesn’t match your activities.
• Solution: Research the available classifications to find the one representing your business operations. 

Know More: Business Tax Planning Strategies to Slash your Tax Bill

Changes to Your Business and How They Affect the City of Marietta Business License and Occupation Tax Renewal Form

Any changes in a business, like relocating, changing ownership, or classifying a business, will drastically impact the filing of the business license, Marietta renewal form, and occupation tax. 

Taking note of such changes will give you an insight into how your renewal process could be affected.

Resources for Marietta Business Owners Completing Their License Renewal Forms

For entrepreneurs in Marietta, gaining access to the right resources and information is crucial to completing the renewal process of their business licenses.

Here are further resources and official links that can help.

Official Resources:

1. City of Marietta Business License Division: This is the primary source for all information related to business licenses in Marietta. 
2. Applications & Forms: Access various applications and forms required for business operations, including the business license renewal form. 
3. Online Renewal Portal: Use this portal to renew your business license online, pay fees, and submit required documents. 

Local Business Organizations:

1. Marietta Business Association: This organization supports local businesses through networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy.
2. Cobb Chamber of Commerce: The Cobb Chamber offers resources for businesses in Cobb County, including workshops, networking events, and information on regulations affecting local businesses.
3. Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The SBDC provides consulting services and training programs for small business owners in Georgia.
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Simplifying Your Business License Renewal Process with Expert Guidance!

Running a business entails a lot of nitty-gritty, and approaching it with a clear and streamlined approach is always helpful. One such formality would be to file your business license renewal form in Marietta and all the related paperwork.

Wouldn’t it be a relief to have trusted advisors and experts who could guide you through the process? It would be assuring if you knew you didn’t have to worry about missing deadlines and paying fines. 

You are in luck because tax experts, SWAT Advisors, cover all the formalities that a business requires and point you in the right direction to avert any future troubles.

Reach out to us today!