New occupational tax certificates (business licenses)
Renewing your occupational tax certificate
Alcohol license

Every business in the City of Suwanee must apply each year for an occupational tax certificate, formerly referred to as a business license. The fee for the certificate is based on gross receipts and the tax rate for your business class:

Fee = gross receipts from previous year x the tax rate (0.0004-0.0009) + $50

The maximum fee/tax for any single company is $12,500.

Certain licensed professionals (including architects, doctors, and engineers, among others) may pay a flat fee of $400, rather than a fee based on gross receipts.

As regulated by the State of Georgia, banks should use form PT440 to obtain their occupational tax certificate.

For additional information about occupational tax certificates, see below or contact Accounting Analyst Trinity Hsu at thsu@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

Obtaining a new occupational tax certificate
and certificate of occupancy

Occupational tax certificates for new businesses are available at Suwanee City Hall, 373 Buford Highway.

You may download these forms to help expedite the process for obtaining your occupational tax certificate.

Occupational Tax Checklist (not necessary for in-home businesses)
Occupational Tax Certificate Application (NOT for in-home businesses)
Home Occupational Tax Certificate Application
Police Department Emergency Contact Form

New businesses as well as those that are changing names, changing ownership, or moving to a new location must also obtain a certificate of occupancy. This certificate is required before you may legally occupy your building, obtain your occupational tax certificate, and conduct business operations.

To obtain a certificate of occupancy, contact the Gwinnett County Fire Marshal, 678/518-6100. A copy must be presented to the City of Suwanee in order to complete City inspections.

The process for obtaining a certificate of occupancy usually requires about a week. It also takes about five business days to process a new occupational tax certificate.

Renewing your business license

If you already have a City of Suwanee occupational tax certificate, the City will contact you in early December to renew for the following year. Paperwork is due back to the City in mid-February and payment is due March 31.

Alcohol license

Businesses that sell and serve beer, wine, distilled spirits and/or alcoholic beverages are required to obtain a City of Suwanee alcohol license. The requirements, process, and fees are outlined in the Alcohol License Application Guide. For more information, contact Accounting Analyst Kathy Jones at kathy@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.