Apply for a Business Tax Certificate
All businesses operating in the City of San Diego are required to apply for a Business Tax Certificate no later than 15 days from the business start date to avoid late fees. Business Tax applications may be submitted electronically, by mail, or in person. Applications submitted by mail or electronically will be assessed $52 which covers the $34 Business Tax and $17 zoning fee, and $1 SB-1186 State mandated fee.
Please allow up to 2 weeks for receipt of your Business Tax Certificate. You will be notified by mail if additional taxes or fees are due, such as Business Improvement District Assessments, large Business Tax (13 or more employees), late fees, or if additional information is required.
- Business Tax on-line applications may be submitted 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. You must register for a user name and password prior to using this service. Payment types accepted include Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa), ACH checking, and ACH savings.
- Click on the links below to download a Business Tax application.
To submit by mail please include a check for $52 made payable to City Treasurer and send to:
Office of the City Treasurer
Business Tax Program
PO Box 122289
San Diego, CA 92112-2289
To deliver in person please visit our downtown location located at:
Civic Center Plaza Building
1200 Third Ave., First Floor - For questions call the Business Tax Program at (619) 615-1500