• What is a Business License/Tax Certificate?
• When is a Business License/Tax Certificate Required?
• What is the Duration of a Business License/Tax Certificate?
• Can a Business be Conducted from a Personal Residence?
• Is an Alarm Permit Required?

What is a Business License/Tax Certificate?
A Business Tax Certificate is commonly referred to as a Business License, however this term is a misnomer because it implies competence in a given field with testing for qualifications. The City of Hawthorne does not regulate the competence of professions for the purpose of enforcement.

When is a Business License/Tax Certificate Required?
Any person conducting or purporting to conduct any business, profession, trade or occupation, either directly or indirectly must pay a Business Tax, whether or not said person has a fixed place of business within the City and regardless of it being for profit.

The Business Tax benefits both the community and the business sector by generating revenue to support City services.

What is the Duration of a Business License/Tax Certificate?
All Business License/Tax Certificates are issued for a calendar year period and expire December 31st of each year. Renewals must be paid in full on or before January 31st of each year, or penalties in the amount of 25% per month to a maximum of 100% will accrue. Renewal notices are mailed approximately 30 days prior to the expiration of a business license/tax certificate. Failure to receive a renewal notice will not relieve licensee of delinquency penalties -- it is the responsibility of the owner to maintain a current certificate.

Business License/Tax Certificates are not transferable, and as such, change of owner(s) and or address requires a new application and inspection fees.

Can a Business be Conducted from a Personal Residence?
Business License/Tax Certificates are issued to businesses being conducted from a residence, however there are restrictions. If you intend to operate a business from your home, please contact the Planning Department to determine the regulations prior to commencing with any activity.

Is an Alarm Permit Required?
If you maintain an alarm system in your business, an Alarm System Permit is required in addition to the Business License/Tax Certificate. The annual fee for an Alarm System Permit is $62.00, and is valid for a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). There is also a one time application fee of $50.00.