Every person or company conducting business in San José must register for a Business Tax Certificate. Payment is due within 90 days of starting business in San José.

What you need

• Start date of business in San José
• Tax Identification Number (FEIN, SSN, and/or TIN)
• Driver’s License Number (for the principal owner)
• Telephone number
• Ownership name(s) & address(es)
• Address of each location in San José where you do business
• Valid email address
• Contractor's Number/Type (If applicable)
• State Sellers Permit Number (If applicable)
• County Health Permit Number (If applicable)

how to pay 

FOR NEW REGISTRATIONS

If you paid during registration, it will take 2-3 business days for your account to activate. If you did not pay during the registration process, you will receive your invoice by mail within 5-10 business days. Then, you may mail in payment or come back here to pay online.

FOR RENEWALS

Pay your Business Tax online. It will take 2-3 business days for your account to reactivate after the full balance is paid.

2.66% SERVICE FEE

Effective May 1, 2024, when submitting a card payment, an additional service fee of 2.66% will be collected by a third party (Wells Fargo Merchant Services) to cover transaction processing fees. To avoid this fee, payments can be paid online via ACH/eCheck, or paid in person with cash or check or by mailing a check.

NSF FEE

Business Tax payments can be paid online, by mail, or over the phone. If the payment is not honored by a financial institution, for any reason, the payment is null and void. A $24.00 returned payment fee will be charged.

BUSINESS TAX CERTIFICATE

After paying, you'll get a Business Tax Certificate in the mail. Remember to display your certificate at your fixed business location at all times. If you do not have a fixed business location, have your certificate available upon request.