Business Tax Certificates and Renewals

Welcome and thank you for choosing Visalia as a home for your business. We believe your success leads to our community's success.

For new businesses, let us help you get started with some information on obtaining your business tax certificate:

A Business Tax Certificate from the City of Visalia is needed before conducting any business, trade, profession or occupation within the City limits under Title 5 of the City of Visalia Municipal Code. Business tax enables Visalia to support local businesses with various City services that ensure a business-friendly atmosphere. To apply for your Business Tax Certificate, please print & complete the application at the bottom of the page. Please note: issuance of a business tax certificate should not be construed as authorization to conduct business unless your business has complied with all local, county, or state license regulations for your business. For more information and how much a Business Tax Certificate costs, please click on the following: 2023 Business Tax Brochure.

Renewal of your business tax certificate:

Business Tax Certificates are issued semi-annually and require fees to be paid ahead of each renewal period. Our renewal periods are January through June and July through December. Fees are due upon receipt of renewal notices. Payments received or postmarked after the delinquent date on the bill will be assessed a 25% penalty fee.
Every March, businesses will receive a Declaration of Gross Receipts Form to be filled out and returned by April 30th. The information is used to calculate the correct business tax fee amount as the tax varies by business type and gross receipts. If not received by the deadline, your business will be charged a $50.00 fee and assessed the maximum fee amount based on your business type.

If you should have to close your business:

It is important to have the City Business Tax staff close your account when you are no longer conducting business within the City. Failure to notify the City, may result in additional taxes and penalties. Notification of business closure must be submitted in writing to our Business Tax office.

Form submission options:

To submit applications, gross receipt forms or closure notice:
•  Electronically submit documents through the following link: Business Tax File Drop.
•  By mail or in person see below.

Counter Hours:  Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.                                                                          Friday - Closed

Location:  707 W Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291
Phone:  (559) 713-4326
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 4002, Visalia, CA 93278-4002
Drop Box 24 hours, 7 days a week  (Located at the westside of the building)

Business Tax Applications:

• Business Tax Application
• 2023 Business Tax Brochure
• Home Occupation Permit Form
• Closure Notice

Additional Policies & Documents:

• Credit Card Acceptance Policy
• CASP Program (SB 1186) (AB 1379).pdf
• SB205 Frequently Asked Questions
• SB205 Compliance Form
• AB1607 Prevention of Gender-Based Discrimination

• ENGLISH
• KOREAN
• SIMPLIFIED CHINESE
• SPANISH
• TAGALOG
• TRADITIONAL CHINESE
• VIETNAMESE