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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

πŸ“˜[View Step-by-Step Application Instructions]

πŸ’Ό About the General Business License

A General Business License is required for the following:

  • All businesses that hold a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license and conduct business in the City of Tempe
  • All businesses that maintain a permanent physical location in Tempe
  • All businesses that rent or lease commercial space located in Tempe
  • Professional service providers with a permanent location in Tempe
  • Home-based businesses located in Tempe
  • Construction contractors with one or more job sites in Tempe only need one license - even if their primary office is located in another city

πŸ“ 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

πŸ” License Renewal

  • Renew annually 

  • First renewal due before Jan. 1, 2027

πŸ“£ If anything changes (ownership, address, business activity, etc.), notify the City within 10 days at www.tempe.gov/licenseportal.

πŸ“‚ 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

πŸ•΅οΈ 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.

πŸ“ž Need Help?

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

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