Richland County, as with most cities and seven counties across the state, requires that all businesses located or doing business within the jurisdiction have a business license with that jurisdiction. Businesses will need a business license from each city or county that they do business in if that city or county requires a business license. On the other hand, businesses only need business licenses from cities or counties they are located in or do business in. This applies to all types of businesses including home– based businesses. Independent contractors or people paid by a business with a 1099 Form are also required to have their own business license, separate from the business.

Business licenses are valid for one year, most expiring on December 31. The deadline to renew without penalty will vary by jurisdiction. Some important deadlines are listed below.

January

• Forest Acres Business License deadline for non–resident businesses, January 1

• Richland County Business Personal Property Tax deadline, January 15

February

• City of Sumter Business License deadline, February 15

March

• IRS Corporate Tax Return deadline, March 15

• Richland County Business License deadline, March 15

• Sumter County Business License deadline, March 15

April

• Arcadia Lakes Business License deadline, April 15

• Blythewood Business License deadline, April 15

• Columbia Business License deadline, April 15

• Forest Acres Business License deadline for resident businesses, April 15

• Irmo Business License deadline, April 15

Although business license rates will also vary, all business licenses are based on gross income. Business licenses do not transfer, so when a change of ownership occurs, the new owner must obtain a new business license. It is important that gross revenue be accurately reported as many cities and counties have auditors to verify reported revenues and collect 5% per month penalties on any underreporting. Richland County allows businesses to renew their business license online (www.rcgov.us/bsc) as does Charleston County and several other cities and counties around the state.

Most cities and counties also require that all businesses file and pay Business Personal Property Taxes. This is a property tax on the fixtures, furniture, and equipment owned by the business. However, if a business leases their fixtures, furniture, and equipment, the leasor is responsible for the Business Personal Property Tax payment.

Businesses must first file with the County’s Auditor’s Office in the county in which they are located, after which bills are prepared and mailed to the businesses. Businesses must then pay their Business Personal Property taxes by the deadline to avoid penalties. Richland County’s deadline for businesses to pay their Business Personal Property Taxes is January 15.

Other requirements may apply to certain types of businesses in different jurisdictions. These may include, as with Richland County hazardous materials permits, precious metals permits, accommodations taxes, hospitality taxes, tourism development fees, and others. Businesses are strongly encouraged to contact their local jurisdictions to verify all the requirements for their type of business and ensure that they are complying with those requirements.

To assist the business community in better understanding the county’s requirements to do business, the Business Service Center has developed a Richland County Business Handbook. It is available online at www.rcgov.us/bsc. Limited numbers of hard copies are available for $5 at the office.