The business license renewal period begins in January, and the deadline to renew without penalties is April 30.

We will email you a link to renew each year. Look for this during the first couple of weeks of January each year.

If your email address has changed, please email businesslicense@cityofrockhill.com and provide your business name and contact information in the body of the email. We will gladly update your account.

Business License Fees 

Annual license fees are based on the gross income for the business or projected gross for new businesses.

You can find more information in the Business License Ordinance (Chapter 11) and Fee Schedule - Appendix A - Chapter 11.

Local Taxes

Hospitality Taxes

The City has a 2% Hospitality Tax that is required for businesses selling food and beverages prepared or modified for on-premises consumption. The tax is due on the 20^th of each month. You can view more information about the Hospitality Tax in the municipal ordinance. Business Tax Forms are available for online access.

Local Accommodation Taxes

The City has a 3% Accommodations Tax that is required for businesses providing short-term accommodations. The tax is due on the 20^th of each month. Business Tax Forms are available for online access.

All businesses operating or generating income in the City of Rock Hill are required to pay an annual license fee for the privilege of doing business in the City. If you are opening a new business, buying an existing business, or transferring a business to your ownership, you will need a new business license under your name.

For example, if you do any these activities within the City limits, your business is required to have a business license.

• Sell items to the public
• Claim office exemptions or business expenses for a commercial or residential location on your taxes
• Advertise and/or use business cards with an address within the City limits
• Have a business checking account
• Have an Employer Identification Number from the IRS
• Have any other professional or occupational state license regulated by the State of South Carolina
• Operate, manage or have control of a business entity
• Transport passengers
• Receive compensation as an independent contractor and/or a form 1099 for work
• Own and or lease property to other businesses or individuals
• Occupy a commercial space
• Have a physical location outside of the City of Rock Hill and provide services within the City limits of Rock Hill

• Have a physical location outside of the City of Rock Hill and perform work on or provide services as part of a construction project within the City limits (design professionals, contractors, etc.)

Tax-exempt organizations with proof of tax-exempt status are exempt from the business license requirement.

Special Situations

• Commercial Photography On City Property (Parks, etc.): Professionals who are paid to take photos and/or video on City property must obtain a no-cost commercial photography permit, a business license, and show proof of business insurance. One-day business licenses are available for photographers whose office is physically located outside the Rock Hill city limits.
• Event Vendors: Event vendors must obtain a City of Rock Hill business license. The event organizer must provide a list of food and beverage vendors and event-related merchandise that will be sold during the event, as well as any electric or water needs for each vendor. The Events Policy & Support webpage contains additional forms that must be completed.

Businesses without a physical location in the City of Rock Hill are still required to obtain a business license before doing business within the City limits.

The annual business license fee is based on gross income that was collected inside the City of Rock Hill during the previous year.

Contractors without a physical business location in the City of Rock Hill have the option to obtain a "Per Job License" for projects they will be working on in the City by providing a copy of the project contract or bid. For those who work frequently in the City of Rock Hill, an annual license is also available.

Visit our Online Services for Business Licensing to begin your online application. We will email you an invoice, which also will be paid online.

Contact

803-329-7093

businesslicense@cityofrockhill.com

Business License Fees 

Annual license fees are based on the gross income for the business or projected gross for new businesses. In order to help new businesses get started, City Council allows new businesses that are expected to have less than $1 million in gross revenue during their first year of operating to be exempt from paying a business license fee. The business must still apply for and obtain a business license, but it would be issued at no cost. 

You can find more information in the Business License Ordinance (Chapter 11) and Fee Schedule - Appendix A - Chapter 11.

Local Taxes

Hospitality Taxes

The City has a 2% Hospitality Tax that is required for businesses selling food and beverages prepared or modified for consumption. The tax is due on the 20^th of each month. You can view more information about the Hospitality Tax in the municipal ordinance. Business Tax Forms are available for online access.

Local Accommodation Taxes

The City has a 3% Accommodations Tax that is required for businesses providing short-term accommodations. The tax is due on the 20^th of each month. Business Tax Forms are available for online access.

Business License Ordinance

Business Closure Notification Form (PDF)