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Please feel free to visit our web section built to address a variety of business-related questions and needs.
To apply for a Business Tax Certificate, either pickup at City Hall or download the application. You can also View Instructions (PDF, 28kb). For information on other agencies, please also view our Agencies to Call list for other contact information.
BUSINESS TAX CERTIFICATES / BUSINESS LICENSE Frequently asked questions -
General Information
Where to get information about Business Tax requirements?
Who is taxed?
What information do I need to provide to receive my Certificate?
Where do I go to get a Zoning Clearance / Police Clearance?
What is the fee for NEW businesses?
What is the fee for a renewal tax calculation?
What if my business is in the County? Where do I go to get information?
General Information
Each of the incorporated cities in Sonoma County (Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sonoma, Sebastopol, Cloverdale, and Healdsburg) requires businesses doing business in their cities to pay a business tax also known as a business license. The business license is renewed every calendar and is due no later than March 31st.
Where to get information about Business Tax requirements?
City of Petaluma
Finance Department
11 English St
PO Box 61
Petaluma, CA 94953
EMAIL: bustax@ci.petaluma.ca.us
Phone 707 778 4354
Who is taxed?
Businesses that are either located in Petaluma or that are located out of Petaluma but generate receipts within the City limits are required by City Ordinance (Chapter 6.01) to pay a business tax to the City. Such businesses will then receive a Business Tax Certificate.
What information do I need to provide to receive my Certificate?
To obtain a Business Tax Certificate, you will be asked to complete an application asking information about the business. If the business is located in Petaluma, you will also need a Zoning Clearance or Home Occupation Use Permit from the Community Development Department. In addition, some businesses, such as solicitors, mobile vendors and taxicabs, will need clearance from the Police Department.
Where do I go to get a Zoning Clearance / Police Clearance?
Community Development Department
11 English St
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707)778-4301
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd No.
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707)778-4372
A Zoning Clearance should be obtained by all new businesses locating within the City of Petaluma, as well as businesses relocating within the City limits.
Prior to obtaining a Zoning Clearance it may be necessary to apply for a Conditional Use Permit.
What is the fee for NEW businesses?
As a new business, you have 30 days to take care of your business taxes before you are charged penalty fees.
Description |
Price |
Duration |
Retailers, Wholesaler, Administrative Headquarters, Miscellaneous businesses, Contractors, Service Businesses, Rental of Property, Amusement, Professionals |
$45 |
Ends with the calendar year |
Transient Sales / Solicitors/ Peddlers/ Mobile businesses |
$65 |
for 120 days only |
Production / Film Making |
$250 |
Per day |
Seasonal Sales |
$125 |
Per each sale event |
Special Events |
$225 |
Per day |
Transportation of persons & goods |
$50 |
Per vehicle |
Renewal tax calculation
The business tax is calculated on the business’ gross receipts generated within the City of Petaluma for the previous year. The following are the current rates for different types of business:
Group 1 |
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Retailers, Wholesaler, Administrative Headquarters, Miscellaneous businesses |
0.016% of total Gross Receipts OR $45.00 whichever is highest |
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Group 2 |
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Contractors, Service Businesses, Rental of Property, Amusement |
0.032% of total Gross Receipts OR $45.00 whichever is highest |
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Group 3 |
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Professionals |
0.048% of total Gross Receipts OR $45.00 whichever is highest |
Those businesses located outside of Petaluma should only use the gross receipts earned within the city limits of Petaluma to calculate their tax due.
What if my business is in the County? Where do I go to get information?
The County of Sonoma does not require a Business License or Business Tax payment at this time. However, if you are located in the County but are generating receipts within the City limits of Petaluma, you are required to pay a business tax and may need County zoning clearances. The County of Sonoma is divided into many zoning districts. Within each district certain rules apply. For more information on whether or not a business will require county permits contact:
County of Sonoma Department of Planning - Zoning Enforcement
2550 Ventura Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (707)565-1900
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