So you want to open a business in Milwaukie? Here's what you need to know...
The City's Municipal Code Chapter 5.08 states that no person shall maintain, operate, engage in, conduct, or carry on any business within the city without first having paid the business tax as established by this chapter. A Business Registration is required for businesses operating within the City limits, whether a rental property, commercial or home-based business. It is a tax imposed by the City Council. The registration is effective January 1st through December 31st.
New Rules for landlords:
Owners of rental properties who offer for rent one unit of housing are exempt from business tax. Owners who offer two or more units for rent are subject to business tax. Landlords who are subject to the tax and offer units in duplexes and single family homes pay a single business tax. Landlords who offer units in multifamily dwellings and apartment complexes pay business tax on each location.
What is the fee for a new Business Registration?
The full year fee is $110.00 standard base fee plus $5.00 for each full-time employee, including owners. Two part-time employees equal one full-time employee. A new business which begins January through June will pay the full year fee. A new business which begins July through December will pay 50% of the standard base fee plus $5.00 for each full-time employee, owner and part-time employee.
To register your business:
1. Submit an application and appropriate fee to the Finance Department
2. Finance processes the application and checks with the Planning Department to determine if the use is allowable in that location's zone.
3. Once this information is verified you will receive your business registration certificate indicating you are approved for business.
4. Once your business information is in our database, annual renewal notification will be sent each year in early December.
Going out of business?
Please complete the going out of business information at http://www.ci.milwaukie.or.us/finance/going-out-business and we will remove you from our database.
Frequently Asked Questions can be found on this page below.
For more information contact the Finance Department at 503-786-7555 or finance@ci.milwaukie.or.us
