Business Licenses

Many licenses and permits can be submitted in the Customer Self-Service Portal. All licenses and permits can be obtained at Johns Creek City Hall, 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097. City Hall is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For general questions regarding permits and licenses, please call 678-512-3200.

Before signing your lease, you should confirm that your business is located within the city limits. If you are within the city limits, you have 30 days from the start of business to obtain a Business Tax Certificate.

The Business Occupation Tax is a tax levied by the city on persons, partnerships, corporations or other entities for engaging in an occupation, profession or business within the City for the purpose of raising revenue.

The Business Tax Certificate serves as a business license and is issued following receipt of full payment of the occupation tax and verification that the applicant has satisfied other requirements specified by law, such as State licensure, zoning requirements, etc.

Complete the business tax return application for a new business and submit full payment of taxes and fees. If your business is required to have a State of Georgia license, we will need a copy of the state license(s).

If you are operating a business within the City of Johns creek and have a location or office within the City, you must pay the occupation tax within 30 days of commencing business in the City, or by March 31 if your business was in operation the preceding calendar year.

No, you are only required to obtain a business license or pay for the occupation tax to the local governing jurisdiction. If the business is located in Johns Creek, you would apply to the City only. If the business is located in unincorporated Fulton County, you would apply to the County only.

If your company has 11 or more W-2 employees who work 35 hours or more per week and withhold payroll taxes, your company is required to have an e-verify number.

Note: If you have 11 or more employees, your Business Occupational Certificate (Business License) will not be issued until the city receives your E-Verify number. Your E-Verify number is 4 to 6 digits in length and must be numerical only with no alpha characters.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

Please visit the Census website to determine the appropriate NAICS code for your business activity.

The City of Johns Creek business occupation tax is based on the total gross receipts of the business in combination with the most current profitability ratios, NAICS Code, number of employees (if more than 99), administrative and regulatory fees. View the fee schedule (PDF).

Gross receipts are the total amount a business received from all sources during its annual accounting period, without subtracting any costs or expenses. Business types are categorized by NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes as define below. This code is assigned a profitability index which corresponds with a specific tax rate. The tax rate applied to gross receipts will determine the tax assessment. View the fee schedule (PDF).

No. If your Johns Creek business relocates within the City of Johns Creek limits, you must first notify City of Johns Creek Revenue Division of this change. You will be required to complete a Change of Information Form (at no additional charge) in order for the Fire Department and Planning & Zoning Division to review the new location and complete any necessary inspections.

Business licenses expire on Dec. 31 of each calendar year. You will receive an email notification prior to the expiration reminding you to renew.  The business occupation tax due date is March 31. Failure to renew a business license prior to March 31 will result in a 10% late filing fee and interest.

If you do not receive a renewal notification, please contact the Revenue Division at 678-512-3242 or revenue@johnscreekga.gov.

Yes. Non-profit organizations located in Johns Creek must register as a business with the City of Johns Creek. Although non-profits fall within the City’s definition of a business, they are exempt from paying occupation taxes. Non-profits must register (PDF) with the City of Johns Creek along with a Letter of Determination reflecting their tax-exempt status. For more information, contact the Revenue Division at 678-512-3242 or revenue@johnscreekga.gov

Online Payment

Pay online in the Customer Self Service Portal (CSS)

In Person

City Hall
11360 Lakefield Drive
Johns Creek, GA 30097

By Mail

Checks and money orders may be mailed to:

City of Johns Creek
Attn: Revenue Division
11360 Lakefield Drive
Johns Creek, GA 30097