Savannah, GA Business License Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no-fluff guide to getting legal and licensed to do business in the City of Savannah, Georgia. It focuses on the local “business license” (called an Occupational Tax Certificate) plus the state and federal registrations most Savannah businesses need. It also covers tough spots like zoning, inspections, alcohol and food permits, short-term rentals, and real-world timelines.

Links below go to official city, county, state, or federal sources. Verify all fees, deadlines, and forms before you file. Rules and costs change—sometimes fast.

Quick help (read this first)

• If your business address is inside Savannah city limits, you almost always need a City of Savannah Occupational Tax Certificate before you open your doors. Apply through the City’s Revenue Department. Use the City’s site search at City of Savannah — Official City Site and search “business tax certificate” or “occupational tax.” If you’re outside the city, check your municipality or county.
• You must confirm your location is zoned for your business use before you apply. Start with the Savannah Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and contact the Planning staff. See the official code at Savannah Code of Ordinances — Unified Development Ordinance (official codified rules).
• Most businesses also need a free federal EIN, Georgia tax registration (sales tax, withholding), and any industry permits (food service, alcohol, contractor license). Start with the IRS EIN application and the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) for state taxes.
• If you’ll have more than 10 employees (11+), Georgia law requires E-Verify to get or renew your local business license (affidavit required). See the Attorney General’s immigration compliance resources at Georgia Attorney General — Immigration Key Issues.
• Restaurants and any business preparing food need a permit from the Georgia Department of Public Health (via the Coastal Health District/Chatham). Start at Coastal Health District — Food Service Program for forms and inspections.
• Short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) need a City of Savannah STVR permit and you must collect lodging taxes. Start at City of Savannah — Official City Site and search “short-term vacation rental.”
• Alcohol sales require both a City of Savannah license and a Georgia state license. State licensing starts at Georgia DOR — Alcohol & Tobacco, then coordinate with the City.
• Questions and not sure where to start? Call Savannah’s general help line at 311 inside city limits (or visit the City of Savannah — Contact and 311 page and use the site search for “311”).

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What “business license” means in Savannah (the basics)

The City of Savannah calls its business license an “Occupational Tax Certificate.” Most businesses with a physical location or that regularly operate in the city must have one and renew annually. The City uses your estimated or actual gross receipts to calculate the occupation tax and charges an administrative fee.

• Official source: City of Savannah (Revenue/Business Tax). Use the site search at City of Savannah — Official City Site and search “Business Tax,” “Occupational Tax Certificate,” or “Business License” for current applications, fee schedules, and renewal dates.
• The City’s rules live in its Code of Ordinances (UDO and related chapters): Savannah Code of Ordinances — Unified Development Ordinance (official).

Reality check:

• The City will not issue your certificate until you pass zoning/location approval and any required inspections.
• If you sell food, pour alcohol, or host overnight guests, expect extra paperwork, inspections, and time.
• If you wait until just before opening, you’ll likely delay your launch. Start filings as soon as you sign your lease.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t locate the City’s exact forms online, call 311 (inside Savannah) or visit the City Hall Revenue counter listed on the City of Savannah — Official City Site contact pages. For complex uses, contact the Savannah-Chatham County planning staff via the code portal linked above and ask for zoning verification guidance.

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Snapshot: who issues what (and where to apply)

Use this table to see which agency handles each major task. Always verify fees and timelines with the linked authority.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If a link doesn’t show the form you need, use the site’s search bar or use the phone/contact options on the official page. City staff usually direct you to the current application packet.

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Step-by-step Savannah licensing checklist (start here)

Most businesses follow this path. You can start steps in parallel to save time. Critical items come first.

• Confirm your location and zoning fit your business use.
  • Check the City’s Unified Development Ordinance for your zoning district and allowed uses: Savannah Code of Ordinances — UDO.
  • Ask City Planning staff how your use is classified and whether you need a change-of-use permit, a Conditional Use, or a Certificate of Occupancy.
  • For home-based businesses, confirm home occupation rules (hours, signage, customer visits).
  • Plan inspections and build-out early to avoid delays.
  • Plan B: If the location doesn’t work, consider a different address or nearby jurisdictions such as Pooler, GA — Official Site, Garden City, GA — Official Site, Thunderbolt, GA — Official Site, or Tybee Island, GA — Official Site. Each has its own licensing.
• Register or organize your business entity (if needed).
  • LLCs, corporations, and some partnerships file with the Georgia Secretary of State: Georgia SOS — Corporations Division (eCorp).
  • Sole proprietors don’t file with SOS, but still need local licensing and tax accounts.
  • If your business name differs from your legal name, register a trade name (“DBA”) with Chatham County via the statewide portal: GSCCCA — Trade Names.
  • Plan B: If SOS processing is slow, consider expedited filing options shown on the SOS site or start as a sole proprietor (with advice from your accountant/lawyer) and convert later.
• Get your federal EIN (free).
  • Apply online with the IRS: IRS — EIN application.
  • You’ll receive your EIN letter immediately in most cases.
  • Plan B: If the online tool is down, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (hours vary) or fax/mail per instructions on the IRS site.
• Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue.
  • Use the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) to register for sales & use tax, withholding tax, and other state business taxes.
  • If you sell taxable goods or certain services, you must collect sales tax at the combined state + local rate. Use the DOR to determine your rate by address using their resources.
  • If you rent rooms or homes short-term, you must collect the state hotel-motel fee of $5 per room night (state fee) in addition to local lodging taxes. See Georgia DOR — State Hotel-Motel Fee (official).
  • Plan B: If the online GTC registration throws errors, use the contact channels on the DOR site or visit a regional DOR office listed on Georgia DOR — Contact.
• Register as an employer (if hiring).
  • Unemployment insurance: Georgia DOL — Employers.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have 3 or more employees in Georgia: SBWC — Employers.
  • E-Verify: If you have more than 10 employees (11+), you must enroll in E-Verify and submit the required affidavit to your local government when applying for/renewing your occupational tax certificate. Guidance: Georgia Attorney General — Immigration Key Issues.
  • Plan B: If you’re not sure about your employee count (seasonal, part-time), ask your attorney or SBDC advisor. When in doubt, prepare the E-Verify affidavit and be ready to enroll.
• Prepare required documents for Savannah’s Occupational Tax Certificate.
  • Government-issued photo ID (Secure and Verifiable Document list accepted in Georgia): GA Attorney General — Secure and Verifiable Documents.
  • SAVE affidavit (citizenship/qualified alien verification) as required under Georgia law (local governments must collect this to provide public benefits such as business licenses).
  • E-Verify affidavit (if applicable) confirming your E-Verify company ID and status.
  • Proof of location: signed lease, deed, or notarized letter of authorization from the property owner.
  • Zoning approval/Certificate of Occupancy (if required).
  • State professional or industry license (if your profession is regulated, e.g., cosmetology, contractor).
  • Estimated gross receipts for the current year (used to calculate the occupation tax).
  • Plan B: If any affidavit requires notarization and you’re stuck, most banks, UPS Stores, and libraries offer notary services. The City may have in-office notaries—ask before you go.
• Apply for your Savannah Occupational Tax Certificate.
  • Use the City’s online instructions and application linked from the City of Savannah — Official City Site (search “Occupational Tax Certificate” or “Business Tax”).
  • Pay the administrative fee and initial tax based on your projected gross receipts. Fees vary by business class and receipts; the City’s schedule controls.
  • Plan B: If you can’t apply online, complete the downloadable form and file in person at the Revenue office listed on the City site. Bring all IDs and affidavits.
• Layer in industry permits (restaurants, alcohol, STVR, body art, childcare, etc.).
  • Food service: Coastal Health District — Food Service.
  • Alcohol: Georgia DOR — Alcohol & Tobacco and City alcohol licensing (start at the City site and search “Alcoholic Beverage License”).
  • STVR: Start at the City site (search “Short-Term Vacation Rental”); you will also handle hotel/motel taxes through the City and DOR.
  • Plan B: If sequencing is unclear (city first, then state, or vice versa), call the City’s licensing staff via 311 and confirm the correct order for your category.
• Open accounts for local property and business personal property tax (if applicable).
  • Your business equipment and furniture may be subject to business personal property tax. Check with the Chatham County Board of Assessors for returns and due dates. Start at Chatham County — Official Site and navigate to the Board of Assessors.
  • Plan B: If you can’t find the business personal property form, search “Tangible Personal Property Return” on the county site or contact the Assessors via the county’s contact page.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re stuck on sequencing, book a no-cost session with the UGA Small Business Development Center — Savannah Office (free advising). You can also get free mentoring from SCORE Savannah.

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Required documents: what Savannah and Georgia usually ask for

You’ll need a simple, complete packet to avoid delays. Missing documents are the most common reason for hold-ups.

• Government photo ID that appears on Georgia’s Secure and Verifiable list
  • Official list: GA Attorney General — Secure and Verifiable Documents.
• SAVE affidavit (citizen/qualified alien verification)
  • Local governments must collect this to issue public benefits like business licenses.
• Private Employer Affidavit (E-Verify) if you have more than 10 employees (11+)
  • Guidance: Georgia Attorney General — Immigration Key Issues.
• Proof of entity (if LLC/corp): Georgia SOS registration record
  • Verify/print from Georgia SOS — eCorp.
• EIN confirmation letter (IRS CP 575 or 147C)
  • If you lost it, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line 800-829-4933 for a 147C letter.
• Proof of premises (lease, deed, or owner’s authorization)
• Zoning/occupancy documentation (C.O., change of use, or zoning confirmation)
• Industry licenses (if regulated) — e.g., cosmetology, contractor, food permit

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask the City Revenue clerk for the exact application checklist they use to pre-screen files. Bring originals and copies. If you’re home-based, confirm whether in-person submission is required or if electronic copies are acceptable.

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Fees, taxes, and renewals (what to expect)

Savannah’s Occupational Tax is typically based on your business class and gross receipts, plus an administrative fee. Exact brackets, rates, and fees are set by City ordinance and the current fee schedule.

• Where to verify current dollars: Find the fee schedule and renewal calendar on the City’s site via City of Savannah — Official City Site (search “Occupational Tax Fee Schedule” or “Business Tax Renewal”).
• Sales and use tax: Georgia state rate plus local add-on (varies by jurisdiction). Use DOR resources to determine the rate for your business location. Register and file via the Georgia Tax Center (GTC).
• Hotel-motel taxes and state hotel-motel fee: If you rent rooms/units short-term, you must collect local lodging tax and the state hotel-motel fee of $5 per room night. Source: Georgia DOR — State Hotel-Motel Fee.
• Alcohol excise taxes and license fees: Both state and city have fees and taxes. See Georgia DOR — Alcohol & Tobacco for state requirements and use the City site for local fees.
• Business personal property tax: File annual returns for equipment and furnishings. Start at Chatham County — Board of Assessors (navigate to Assessors).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t find exact current dollar amounts online, call 311 for the City’s Revenue office contact, or use the contact forms on the City site. For state rates, use the DOR’s rate lookup tools inside the Georgia Tax Center (GTC).

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Common specialty permits in Savannah (by industry)

Check these common cases. Exact permits can differ by address and use.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your industry isn’t in the table, call 311 and ask for the Revenue or Development Services desk. Bring a one-paragraph description of your operations to get routed to the right permit.

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Timelines and realistic sequencing

Here’s a practical timeline. Your mileage will vary based on inspections, build-outs, and public hearings.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your open date is in jeopardy, meet with the City’s staff (via 311 scheduling) and ask about parallel processing options. For example, you may be able to submit your occupational tax application contingent on final inspection sign-offs.

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Taxes and filing calendar (Georgia + Savannah)

Many new owners get tripped up by tax calendars. Use the official resources to confirm your assigned frequency and due dates.

Sources:

• Georgia Tax Center (GTC) — official DOR portal for registrations, rates, and filing.
• Georgia DOL — Employers — employer wage reporting schedules.
• Chatham County — Board of Assessors — personal property tax forms and deadlines.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you miss a due date, file and pay as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. Contact DOR via the Contact DOR page to request penalty abatement if you have reasonable cause. For City renewals, contact the Revenue office via 311 immediately.

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Real-world examples (Savannah-specific)

These are common Savannah scenarios with the order of operations that actually works.

• Home cottage baker in Baldwin Park
  • Confirm home occupation rules allow your activity (limited traffic, signage). Use the City site and UDO link to verify.
  • Cottage Food License is issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (not DPH). See Georgia Department of Agriculture — Cottage Food for permits, labeling, and kitchen requirements.
  • Get your EIN (IRS), register for Georgia sales tax (GTC), and apply for the City Occupational Tax Certificate with the required affidavits.
  • Plan B: If your recipes or process fall outside cottage rules, you may need a commercial kitchen commissary permitted by DPH. Ask the Coastal Health District about shared kitchens on their food service page.
• Retail boutique on Broughton Street
  • Before signing a lease, have the space checked for compatible use and any change-of-use triggers. Budget time for inspections and potential minor build-outs (exit signage, egress, ADA access).
  • Register for sales tax (GTC). Apply for the City Occupational Tax Certificate. Verify signage permitting rules for the historic district on the City site.
  • Plan B: If the timeline is tight, negotiate with your landlord for a “license to occupy for permitting” period so you can run inspections before rent starts.
• Wine bar off Forsyth Park
  • Start alcohol licensing research early: state (Georgia DOR) and city (background checks, hearings, notices, distance rules).
  • Sequence inspections (building and fire) with bar build-out. Obtain food permit only if serving time/temperature control foods (DPH definitions apply).
  • Apply for the City Occupational Tax Certificate once your approvals are moving.
  • Plan B: If alcohol licensing timing blocks your launch, consider opening initially as a retail bottle shop or private event space (if allowed by zoning) while the poured-on-premises license clears. Confirm with City staff before pursuing.
• Short-term vacation rental (Victorian District)
  • Check STVR caps/overlay rules and application packet on the City site. District caps can stop new permits until supply opens.
  • Register for lodging taxes locally and the state hotel-motel fee via GTC. Many platforms collect and remit some taxes, but owners are responsible for any gaps.
  • Plan B: If you can’t get an STVR permit in your preferred district, consider long-term rental (no STVR permit) or a location in a district with available capacity. Verify with City staff first.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Book free help: UGA SBDC — Savannah Office and SCORE Savannah. Show them your draft timeline and landlord terms to spot risks before you pay build-out costs.

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Common mistakes to avoid

These are the errors local owners report most often. Avoid them to save weeks.

• Signing a lease before verifying zoning and required approvals
• Assuming a “simple” change of tenant requires no inspection (it often does)
• Forgetting the SAVE and E-Verify affidavits at license application and renewal
• Using the wrong business name (DBA not registered) on tax accounts and city filings
• Missing the state hotel-motel fee of $5 per room night for short-term stays (it’s separate from local lodging tax)
• Waiting to register sales tax until after opening; DOR often assigns monthly filing at first—plan cash flow accordingly
• Not aligning landlord build-out timelines with health/fire inspection scheduling
• Overlooking personal property taxes on equipment and furniture
• Not keeping copies of all applications, receipts, and approvals (you will need them at renewal)
• Leaving signage and exterior changes until the end—historic districts have rules and review steps

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you already made one of these mistakes, don’t panic. Gather paperwork and call 311 to reach the right City team, or the state agency via their contact page. Explain the timeline honestly; many offices will help you triage next steps.

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Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources (Savannah and Georgia)

Savannah and Georgia have programs and certifications that can help you compete for contracts, capital, and customers. Ask about language access and disability accommodations when you book appointments.

• Women-owned businesses
  • SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB) certification for federal contracting: SBA — WOSB Program.
  • WBENC private-sector certification: WBENC — Certification.
• Minority-owned businesses
  • City and state supplier diversity programs list bid opportunities. Start at Georgia DOAS — Supplier Diversity.
  • SBA 8(a) Business Development Program: SBA — 8(a) Program.
• Veteran-owned businesses
  • SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (SDVOSB/VOSB): SBA — Veteran Certification.
  • Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) services in the Southeast: SBA — VBOC Program.
• LGBTQ+-owned businesses
  • NGLCC certification (supplier diversity): NGLCC — Certification.
• Disabled-owned businesses
  • Disability-owned business certification (DOBE/SDV-DOBE): Disability:IN — Certification.
• Immigrant-owned businesses and language access
  • Many Georgia and Savannah offices will provide interpretation on request. When calling, ask for language assistance. For state tax help, use the DOR contact page: Georgia DOR — Contact.
• Free local advising and workshops
  • UGA Small Business Development Center — Savannah — confidential, no-cost advising and training.
  • SCORE Savannah — free mentoring, webinars, and templates.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you have trouble with a certification portal, contact the program’s help desk linked on each official page. The SBDC can also help you prepare documents and navigate the portals.

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How to apply: City of Savannah Occupational Tax Certificate (OTC)

This is the city “business license.” Gather your packet first to avoid multiple trips.

• Find the current application and fee schedule
  • Go to City of Savannah — Official City Site and search “Occupational Tax Certificate” or “Business Tax.” Download the latest packet or follow the online portal instructions.
• Complete the forms and affidavits
  • Occupational Tax application (business info, NAICS code, owner info, gross receipts estimate).
  • SAVE affidavit (citizenship verification) and E-Verify affidavit (if 11+ employees). See state guidance: GA Attorney General — Immigration Key Issues.
• Attach required documents
  • Government ID (from the Secure & Verifiable list), lease/deed/authorization letter, zoning/occupancy documents, entity documents (if LLC/corp), state license (if required).
• Pay the fees and tax
  • Administrative fee plus occupation tax based on projected receipts and business class. The City’s schedule controls the exact $ amounts.
• Wait for approvals/inspections (as needed)
  • If inspections or approvals are pending, your license may be on hold until the City receives final sign-offs.
• Renewal
  • The City sets annual renewal deadlines and late penalties. Confirm your due date and keep your gross receipts records for accurate reporting.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your application stalls, ask the City clerk for your file’s missing items list. Fix everything in one pass. If zoning is the hold-up, meet with Development Services to resolve occupancy, life-safety, or plan review issues.

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Zoning, building, fire, and health — the compliance stack

Licensing is only one layer. Your space and use must comply with zoning, building code, fire code, and (if applicable) health code. Start with zoning, then building/fire, then health if serving food.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If interpretations conflict, ask for a coordination meeting with City Development Services (zoning/building/fire) and, if relevant, the Coastal Health District. Bring drawings and your operations plan.

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State registrations you likely need (beyond the City)

Here’s the standard Georgia stack for Savannah businesses. Each is an official source.

• IRS EIN
  • IRS — Apply for EIN. Free, usually instant.
• Georgia Department of Revenue (sales tax, withholding, other taxes)
  • Georgia Tax Center (GTC). Register and manage returns here.
• Georgia Department of Labor (unemployment insurance)
  • Georgia DOL — Employers.
• Workers’ compensation compliance (Georgia)
  • Required for 3+ employees. SBWC — Employers.
• Professional or trade licenses (if regulated)
  • Georgia Secretary of State — Licensing Boards.
• Alcohol licensing (if applicable)
  • Georgia DOR — Alcohol & Tobacco and City-level license.
• Cottage food producers (if applicable)
  • Georgia Department of Agriculture — Cottage Food.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If a state account is held up, use each agency’s “Contact Us” page to create a ticket, then follow with a phone call. Keep your case number and summarize in writing for your records.

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Keeping compliant after you open

Licensing is not a one-and-done. Build a simple compliance calendar.

• Track renewals and filings
  • City Occupational Tax Certificate renewal (annual; date on your license).
  • Sales tax returns (monthly/quarterly/annual as assigned, often due 20th of the following month—confirm on GTC).
  • Withholding returns (as assigned on GTC).
  • Unemployment insurance wage reports (quarterly deadlines on GA DOL).
  • Personal property tax returns (Chatham County schedule).
• Monitor changes to your operations
  • New location, owner, or business structure? Update the City and state accounts.
  • New product lines (e.g., adding wine tastings)? Revisit permits (alcohol, health).
• Keep records
  • Save license certificates, inspection reports, tax filings, and receipts for at least 3–7 years (check your accountant’s advice).
• Prepare for inspections
  • Keep extinguishers serviced, exits clear, and permits posted. For food businesses, stay inspection-ready at all times.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re behind, prioritize filings that carry the highest penalties (taxes first), then renewals. Communicate with the City and DOR. Many issues get easier once you show good faith by filing and paying what you can now.

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If you’re outside Savannah city limits

Licensing is local. If your address isn’t in the City of Savannah, you’ll need the right jurisdiction.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call the city hall clerk in your jurisdiction (contact info on each official site) and ask for “business license” or “occupation tax” information. They will direct you to the right office and forms.

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Funding, counseling, and help when things get hard

Licensing delays and compliance costs can strain cash. These official resources are free or low-cost.

• Counseling and workshops
  • UGA Small Business Development Center — Savannah — free advising, business plans, financial projections.
  • SCORE Savannah — free mentoring, templates.
• Contracting and certifications
  • Georgia DOAS — Supplier Diversity — register as a supplier and explore diverse certifications that help with state contracts.
• Federal help for small businesses
  • SBA — Funding Programs — loans, disaster assistance, counseling. Local SBA district office info is on sba.gov.
• Food business support
  • Coastal Health District — Food Service — plan review, inspection checklists, forms.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you receive a denial or citation, read it carefully and note appeal deadlines in bold on your calendar. Contact the issuing office right away through their official contact page to understand the fix or appeal process.

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Frequently asked questions (Savannah and Georgia)

• Do I need a City of Savannah business license to sell online from my home?
  • If your home is inside city limits and you’re operating a business, you generally need an Occupational Tax Certificate and must follow home occupation rules. Confirm specifics in the UDO at Savannah Code of Ordinances — UDO.
• What if I use a business name that’s not my legal name?
  • Register a trade name (“DBA”) with the county. Start at GSCCCA — Trade Names and select Chatham County.
• How much is the Savannah business license?
  • The occupation tax is based on gross receipts and business class, plus an administrative fee. Check the City’s current fee schedule and calculator via City of Savannah — Official City Site (search “Occupational Tax Fee Schedule”).
• When are Georgia sales tax returns due?
  • It depends on your assigned filing frequency (monthly/quarterly/annual). Monthly filers often file by the 20th of the following month. Confirm in your GTC account.
• How do I find my sales tax rate for Savannah?
  • Use the Georgia DOR rate tools in the Georgia Tax Center (GTC). Rates depend on the address and can change.
• Is workers’ compensation required?
  • Georgia requires coverage if you have 3 or more employees. Source: SBWC — Employers.
• Do I need E-Verify?
  • If you have more than 10 employees (11+), Georgia law requires E-Verify to obtain/renew a local business license; you’ll file a Private Employer Affidavit with the City. See Georgia Attorney General — Immigration Key Issues.
• I want to operate an Airbnb in Savannah. What do I need?
  • An STVR permit from the City, plus hotel/motel tax registration and the state hotel-motel fee of $5 per room night. Start at the City site (search “Short-Term Vacation Rental”) and see Georgia DOR — State Hotel-Motel Fee.
• Do I need a health permit to sell baked goods?
  • If you qualify for Georgia’s Cottage Food License, you’ll work with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, not the health department. See GDA — Cottage Food. If you don’t qualify, you’ll likely need a food service permit from the Coastal Health District: Food Service Program.
• How do I talk to a real person at the City?
  • Dial 311 inside Savannah city limits or use the contact pages on the City of Savannah — Official City Site to reach the Revenue Department, Development Services, or Planning.

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Troubleshooting by topic (Plan B menu)

Use this quick index for common roadblocks.

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About taxes and “nexus” if you sell into or out of Savannah

• If you ship goods to customers in Georgia, you may owe Georgia sales tax depending on your nexus. Remote sellers with economic nexus must register with Georgia DOR. See Georgia DOR — Sales & Use Tax.
• If you operate in multiple municipalities, each location usually needs its own local business license.
• Marketplace facilitators (e.g., Amazon, Airbnb) may collect some taxes for you, but you’re still responsible for registrations and any taxes they do not collect. Verify with GTC and the City.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your accountant or the SBDC to review your sales footprint. For official registration and filing, use the DOR’s GTC.

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Quick document checklists

Use these short lists when you pack your folder for City Hall or upload documents.

• City Occupational Tax Certificate (most businesses)
  • Completed application.
  • Government ID (Secure & Verifiable).
  • SAVE affidavit and, if 11+, E-Verify affidavit.
  • Lease/deed/owner authorization.
  • Zoning/occupancy proof (C.O., plan review approvals).
  • State licenses (if applicable).
  • Gross receipts estimate for current year.
• Restaurant, café, food truck add-ons
  • Menu and detailed kitchen layout.
  • Equipment specs, grease trap documentation.
  • Food safety manager certificate (as required by DPH rules — see Coastal Health District).
  • Pre-opening inspection scheduling.
• Alcohol license add-ons
  • Background check materials (per City/state instructions).
  • Corporate records (ownership, officers, operating agreement, minutes if needed).
  • Site plan and distance measurements (schools, churches).
• STVR add-ons
  • Proof of ownership/agency.
  • Floor plan and occupancy details.
  • Neighborhood notices or affidavits if required by City procedures.

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Local alternatives if you cannot license in Savannah (for now)

If zoning, caps, or timing block you in the City, consider neighboring jurisdictions with different rules.

• Pooler, GA — Official Site
• Garden City, GA — Official Site
• Thunderbolt, GA — Official Site
• Tybee Island, GA — Official Site

Still keep your Georgia state accounts (DOR, DOL, etc.) aligned to your new business address.

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Helpful templates (what to say when you call)

Having the right info when you call speeds things up.

• Zoning/Planning call opener
  • “I’m opening a [type of business] at [full address]. Can you confirm if [use] is allowed in this zoning district and whether I need a change-of-use or Conditional Use? What inspections and permits should I schedule first?”
• Revenue/Licensing call opener
  • “I’m applying for an Occupational Tax Certificate for [business name]. Can you point me to the current application, the SAVE/E-Verify affidavit forms, and the fee schedule? What’s the current processing time?”
• Development Services/Fire call opener
  • “I’m scheduling inspections for [address]. Here’s my permit number and target open date. What’s the earliest inspection window, and what must be complete before the inspection?”
• Coastal Health District (food) call opener
  • “I’m planning a [restaurant/food truck/coffee shop] at [address]. Can you confirm which plan review packet I should use and typical review timelines?”

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About This Guide

• Purpose: Provide a current, plain-language hub for licensing a business in Savannah, GA, with direct official links and realistic timelines.
• Sources: This guide links directly to official sites, including the City of Savannah, Georgia Department of Revenue, Georgia Secretary of State, Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, Coastal Health District (DPH), and GSCCCA.
• Currency: Last updated September 2025. Fees, forms, and rules can change at any time. Always verify with the linked official agency before you apply or pay.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax, accounting, or licensing advice. Program details, fees, and deadlines change. Always verify with the relevant agency using the official links provided:

• City of Savannah: City of Savannah — Official City Site
• Georgia Department of Revenue: Georgia Tax Center (GTC)
• Georgia Secretary of State (business filings and professional licensing): Georgia SOS — eCorp and Georgia SOS — Licensing Boards
• Georgia Department of Labor: Georgia DOL — Employers
• State Board of Workers’ Compensation: SBWC — Employers
• Coastal Health District (food permits): Food Service Program
• Trade names (DBA): GSCCCA — Trade Names

If you have specific questions, contact the appropriate agency or consult a qualified professional.