Application for Business, Occupation and Professional License
The City of Scottsdale requires a license for service-oriented businesses located in Scottsdale that do not have a City of Scottsdale transaction privilege (sales) tax liability. This includes all activities or acts including, but not limited to service, professionals, trades and occupations, personal or corporate. To engage or continue in business the owner must obtain a Business, Occupational and Professional license.
Service oriented businesses located outside the City limits are NOT required to obtain a Business, Occupational and Professional License from The City of Scottsdale.
Business Occupation and Professional License Application
(PDF/111kb/3pp) - fillable form
For determination of tax liability please review the taxable activities on our web site. It is possible the business owner may be subject to use tax, review the use tax information to make a determination.
Application Process
- To apply for a license, complete the online license application. When completed, print and return the application with a check for the $12.00 US non-refundable application fee and applicable license fee as listed below. You should begin the application process at least 35 days prior to starting business to allow time for internal processing. If you do not, this may not allow enough time for license approval prior to your business start date, which will result in the billing of a late penalty.
- Once approval is received from the Code Enforcement Personnel and all fees have been paid, a license will be mailed to the applicant.
- If the business location is not zoned for the business activity described on the application, a notice of denial will be mailed.
Separate License
Each business is required to have a separate license for each location or entity located in the City of Scottsdale city limits.
Annual License Fee Table
The Annual License fee is computed by the number of employees and the start date of the business.
| Number of Employees | License Fee (if paying before bus. start date) | Delinquent License Fee (if paying after bus. start date) |
| 0-2 | $50.00 US | $75.00 US |
| 3-7 | $75.00 US | $112.50 US |
| 8-11 | $100.00 US | $150.00 US |
| 12-25 | $125.00 US | $ 187.50 US |
| 26-100 | $150.00 US | $ 225.00 US |
| 101-200 | $175.00 US | $ 262.50 US |
| 201&Over | $200.00 US | $ 300.00 US |
| For new businesses with a start date after March 31, prorate the license fee quarterly. |
| Business Start Date | License Fee (if paying before bus. start date) | License Fee (if paying after bus. start date) |
| JAN 1 - MAR 31 | full annual fee | 150% of applicable license fee |
| APR 1 - JUN 30 | 3/4 annual fee | 150% of applicable license fee |
| JUL 1 - SEP 30 | 1/2 annual fee | 150% of applicable license fee |
| OCT 1 - DEC 31 | 1/4 annual fee | 150% of applicable license fee |
Copies of Code
Copies of the Scottsdale Business, Occupational and Professional License code are available from Tax and License Registration or the Business, Occupational and Professional ordinance can be viewed online.
Office Hours:
Monday Through Friday 8:00 am. to 5:00 PM
(Except Holidays)
If fingerprint processing is required,
please arrive at our office by 4:30 p.m.
Office Location:
7447 E. Indian School Road, Suite 110
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
