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General Business License

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APPLY_TEMPE_REGULATORY_LICENSE MAP_COMING_SOON_GBL

🟢 APPLICATION NOW OPEN!

License Fee:

  • Starting Jan. 1, 2026: $25 per year

📘 [View Step-by-Step Application Instructions]

💼 About the General Business License

All businesses with a permanent location in Tempe—including those renting or leasing space, professional services, and contractors with job sites in Tempe—must have a General Business License.

📝 What You’ll Need to Apply

When submitting your application, have the following ready:

  • Full name, address, and contact information for each owner and statutory agent

  • A brief description of the business (including trade name, incorporation, and address)

  • Start date of operations in Tempe

  • AZ Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license number and location code (if applicable) NOTE: our team will verify the license number provided

  • A certification statement confirming all information is accurate

🔁 License Renewal

  • Renew annually 

  • First renewal due before Jan. 1, 2027

📣 If anything changes (ownership, address, business activity, etc.), notify the City within 10 days.

📂 Current License List

[View Current General Business License List] (updated monthly)

🚫 Exempt Businesses Pdf_image_TempeTaxandLicense

You do not need a General Business License if your business meets one of the following:

  • Already holds a City of Tempe regulatory license

  • Is a nonprofit, religious, veteran, or civic service group conducting limited (≤4 times/year) fundraising events and maintains an exempt status under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.

  • Provides only caregiving, childcare, or babysitting not licensed by the State (see [AZDHS Child Care Licensing])

  • Works as an independent contractor for a parent company (e.g., selling beauty, kitchen, or jewelry products)

  • Sells only at special events with a valid City permit

  • Is exempt under Arizona law, including:

  • Provides private lessons (music, cooking, tutoring, swimming, etc.) from a non-commercial space

  • Operates as a government agency or public school district

  • Conducts casual sales (garage sales, selling personal items) ≤4 times per year

⚠️ Penalties

Failure to get or renew a General Business License may result in:

  • Payment of all unpaid license fees, plus

  • A 50% penalty of the total fees due

🕵️ Inspections & Display Requirements

City representatives (including Tempe Police) may visit during business hours to confirm compliance.
Your license must be displayed clearly at your business location and presented upon request.

📞 Need Help?

 Tempe Tax & License
📍 20 E. 6th Street, Third Floor, Tempe, AZ 85281
🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., walk-ins until 4:30 p.m. (except City holidays)
📧 [license@tempe.gov]
📞 480-350-2955

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