Any business that is located within the City of Beaufort (resident), OR out-of-city business (non-resident) who performs work within the city limits, is required by City Ordinance Section 7-10014 to purchase a business license.

Annual licenses are valid from January 1st thru December 31st of each year. Renewals are due by April 15th of each year to avoid penalties and non-compliance.

Temporary one-time licenses are issued when appropriate and are valid only for the event or job for which they are issued.

Violation of the Business License ordinance carries a maximum fine of $500 per day or 30 days in jail or both.
 

When opening a business within the City of Beaufort, there are several approvals and forms that are required. An owner or authorized representative will be required to fill out the necessary forms and have these forms approved by the appropriate city departments.

All applications for a NEW RESIDENT business license must be approved by the Building Inspection / Fire Department. This approval is signed after completion of an inspection of your office location. Contact the Codes Division at 525-7040 to schedule your inspection.

All applications for a NEW RESIDENT HOME BASED business license where the business is being conducted from the residence must be approved for a Home Occupation by the Codes Division. Contact the Codes Division at 525-7040.

Any change in OWNERSHIP or PHYSICAL ADDRESS requires an updated application to be submitted to the Business License office. Physical address changes require inspections by the Building Inspection /Fire Department prior to relocation. All buildings must meet building code and fire safety requirements. Permits are required for any renovations or changes. After the inspection has been passed, and your County Affidavit for business taxes has been updated, return the forms to the Business License Department for final acceptance.
 

All businesses are required to meet:

• Building Codes
• Fire and Safety Codes
• Unified Development Ordinance

All new resident business license applicants will be required to submit the following:

• Completed business license application
• Safety and fire inspection report
• Home occupation approval
• DHEC Inspection report (if applicable)
• SC State license or registration (if applicable)
• Completed and signed County affidavit for business personal property tax

All applications for NONRESIDENT business licenses are required to present a copy of any S.C. State license or registration for their profession or trade along with a completed business license application.

Remember to verify the city business license division of any and all businesses that perform work at your location. This includes, but is not limited to, service, repair, cleaning, maintenance or renovation work and also placement of vending or amusement devices. Any person or business conducting business within the city, whose revenue is not reported through your business as a employee, is required to obtain his or her own business license.
 

• All businesses or trades must have copies of any required SC licenses, registrations, and/or inspections for your type of business
• All restaurants and prepared food related businesses require Health Department approval
• Retail sales businesses are required to obtain a SC sales tax ID number
• If alcohol, beer, or wine is to be served, State law requires a DOR permit, a copy of which must be presented with the business license application
• Vending and amusement machine distributors are required to provide a list of machines and their locations.  A business license is required, as well as a machine permit for all amusement machines prior to placement

Hospitality Fee - There is a 2% local fee imposed by the business on each customer for the purchase of prepared foods or beverages. This 2% hospitality fee is then reported and paid monthly to the Business License department.

Accommodations Fee - There is a 3% local fee imposed by the business on each customer nightly accommodations provided by hotels, motels, inns, beds & breakfast, etc. This 3% accommodations fee is then reported and paid monthly to the Business License department.

Other fees may apply depending on the nature of your business.  Please contact the department with any questions.
 

The City offers a graduated rate for new businesses locating in Beaufort.  In the first year of operation, the business will only pay the base rate as determined by the SIC Code.  At the first renewal, the business will pay 40% of the applicable rate.  On the second renewal, the business will pay 60% of the applicable rate.  On the third renewal, the business will be required to pay 100% of the applicable rate.
 

Department of Revenue
Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
SC Tax Commission
DHEC
County Business License
County Auditors Office
 

Beaufort Business License Division
P.O. Drawer 1167
Beaufort, South Carolina 29901
(843) 525-7025
(843) 525-7013 (fax)
Email the Business License Division