FAQs • Beaufort SC • CivicEngage

Who is required to purchase a business license?: Every person involved or intending to become involved in any calling, business, occupation, or profession; in total or in part, within the City of Beaufort is required to pay an annual business license fee based on gross income. Gross income is defined as the total revenue a businesses received or accrues during a calendar year collected or to be collected from business done within the city limits Beaufort. Gross income excludes incomes from business done wholly outside of the City of Beaufort on which a license tax is paid to another municipality.

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Business License FAQs & Terms

1. Who is required to purchase a business license?: Every person involved or intending to become involved in any calling, business, occupation, or profession; in total or in part, within the City of Beaufort is required to pay an annual business license fee based on gross income. Gross income is defined as the total revenue a businesses received or accrues during a calendar year collected or to be collected from business done within the city limits Beaufort. Gross income excludes incomes from business done wholly outside of the City of Beaufort on which a license tax is paid to another municipality.

2. I live in the City of Beaufort, but I work from home, what type of license do I need?: If you live in the City of Beaufort and operate a business from your home, you will need to complete the annual Business License Application and Home Occupation Application (PDF).

Additional requirements include:

All businesses or trades must have copies of any required South Carolina licenses, registrations and/or inspections for your type of business.
All restaurants and prepared food related businesses required Health Department approval.
Retail sales businesses are required to obtain a South Carolina sales tax ID number.
If alcohol, beer, or wine is to be served, State law requires a DOR permit, a copy of which must be presented with the Business License application (PDF).
All food truck vendors will be required to obtain a city food truck permit.
Vending and amusement machine distributors are required to provide a list of machines and their locations. A business license is required, as well as a machine permit for all amusement machines prior to placement.

4. Are commercial and residential contractors required to be licensed in your city?: Yes, all contractors (defined as) a person, licensee, subcontractor, or business entity that enters into an agreement to perform any service to work to provide a certain product in exchange for valuable consideration (includes, but shall not be limited to a subcontractor, contract employee, or a recruiting or staffing entity), who performs work in the city limits of Beaufort is required to obtain a City Business License (PDF) regardless of whether the business is physically located within city limits or outside the city limits. The contractor's business license fees are abased on the contract amount of the job.

Fees include:

Hospitality Fee: There is a 2% local fee imposed on the gross proceeds derived from the sale of all prepared food/beverages and is paid by the consumer to the provider. The fees collected are to be remitted to the City of Beaufort monthly by the 20th.
Local Accommodations Fee: There is a 3% local fee imposed on the gross proceeds from the rental of any accommodations within the City. These fees are to be remitted to the City of Beaufort monthly by the 20th.
Group Events Business License is a temporary license for the specific special event.
Food Truck Permit requires business license, inspection, and City decal prior to operation.

The City offers a 3-year graduated rate for New businesses located within the city limits. This includes:

The first year of operation, the business only pays the base fee
The first year renewal, the business will pay 40% of the applicable rate
The second year renewal, the business will pay 60% of the applicable rate
The third and subsequent renewals the business will pay 100% of the application rate

7. Can I transfer my license to someone else?: Business licenses are not transferable from one owner to another. The new owner must apply for a business license in their name.

The City of Beaufort accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards.

With the implementation of our Beaufort Payment Portal, payments can be made conveniently from your computer, tablet, or smart phone.

9. How long is a City Business License valid for?: Except for a Group Event Business Licenses or a Temporary Contractor's License, a company's initial business license is valid from the time they begin operations through December 31st. Every year thereafter, the license requires renewal. Learn more on our City Business License Renewal page.