How to Renew a Business License Online

In the name of convenience and efficiency, the Department of Finance in the County of Marin has provided a helpful video tutorial on how to renew a business license online. To get started, make sure you have your business license account number and pin ready, as well as any additional information specific to your business type. By navigating to their website and following the step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to renew your business license with ease. The video covers everything from entering the verification code and updating your account information, to calculating the license tax and making a payment. Remember that late payments may result in penalties, so be sure to renew on time and keep your business active!

Renewing your business license online not only saves you time and effort, but it’s also a simple and straightforward process. The County of Marin requires businesses to comply with SB205 Storm Water Drainage regulations and identify potential effects on water quality, so be prepared to complete the necessary forms. By completing the renewal process, you will receive your new business license certificate via mail, and you can rest assured that your business is in compliance with all legal requirements. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Business License Department. So why wait? Renew your business license today and keep your business running smoothly!

Renewing a Business License Online

Renewing your business license online is a convenient and efficient way to ensure that your business remains compliant with local regulations. By following a simple step-by-step process, you can renew your license from the comfort of your own home or office. This article will guide you through the entire process, from gathering the necessary information to completing the payment. Let’s get started!

Gather the necessary information

Before you begin the online renewal process, it’s important to gather all the necessary information. Make sure you have your business license account number and pin ready. Your pin can be found on the renewal form in the upper right-hand corner near your account number. Depending on your business class type, you may also need additional information such as gross receipts, number of rental units, or number of vehicles. Having this information at hand will make the renewal process easier and faster.

Navigate to the website

To renew your business license online, navigate to the website of the County of Marin’s Department of Finance. The website address is www.marincounty.org/bl. Once you’re on the website, look for the section titled “Annual Business License Renewal” and click on the “Renew Business Online” button. This will take you to the online renewal portal.

Enter verification code

On the online renewal portal, you will be prompted to enter a verification code. This code can be found in an image on the screen. Enter the code accurately to proceed to the next step.

Enter business license account number and pin

After entering the verification code, you will need to enter your business license account number and pin. Your pin can be found on the renewal form in the upper right-hand corner near your account number. If you are unable to locate your pin, there is an option to have it emailed to the primary contact’s email on file. Once you have entered the necessary information, click on the “Find Account” button to proceed.

Verify and update business information

The next page will display all the information that the County of Marin has on file for your business. Take a moment to verify that all the information is current and up to date. If any of the information has changed, you can update it on this page. If you need to make substantial changes, you can also select the option to request an account information update. It is important to ensure that all the information on file is accurate for future communication and compliance purposes.

Check for delinquency

On the same page, under the account information section, you will find a line titled “New License Expires” along with the date. If the date shown is from the previous fiscal year, it means that your account has been delinquent, and you failed to renew in the past fiscal year. In such cases, you will have to complete the renewal for each delinquent period. This requires you to log back in and renew for each delinquent year until the date shows the next fiscal year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your delinquency, you can contact the business license department for further assistance.

Enter Standard Industrial Classification Code

The next step requires you to enter your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code. The SIC code is a coding system used by the government to classify industries. It is important to provide the correct SIC code as it helps the County of Marin identify the potential effect that each business may have on water quality. If you are unsure about your SIC code, you can search for it by typing in at least three characters in the search box or by visiting the provided website.

Complete SB 205 Storm Water Discharge Compliance form

Starting from January 1st, 2020, anyone seeking a new business license or renewing their existing license must complete the SB 205 Storm Water Discharge Compliance form. This form is required by the County of Marin to comply with state laws and regulations regarding water quality. It prohibits the discharge of pollutants and non-storm water to county streets and storm drains. If you are a short-term rental operator, you may need to attach a completed form for the Affidavit of Public Notification. The fillable form can be downloaded from the transient occupancy tax website. If you are not a short-term rental operator, you can check “Yes” if you require an exterior signage from the Department of Finance. After completing the required information, click on the “Save and Continue” button to proceed.

Answer additional questions

The next section will require you to answer some additional questions under the “Additional Information”. Make sure to read and respond to these questions accurately. For short-term rental operators, if you check “Yes” for the Affidavit of Public Notification, attach the completed form under file attachments. If you do not have to attach any forms, check “Yes” to requesting an exterior signage. Once you have answered all the questions, click on the “Save and Continue” button to proceed.

Save and continue

After answering the additional questions, you have completed the necessary steps to renew your business license online. Click on the “Save and Continue” button to proceed to the next section.

Verifying Owner and Contact Information

Verifying the owner and contact information is an essential part of the business license renewal process. This step ensures that the information on file is accurate and up to date. Take a moment to review the owner and emergency contact information displayed on the page. If any changes are necessary, you can make them by clicking on the “Edit” button. If there is no emergency contact listed, you can add one by clicking on the “Add Emergency Contact” button. Once you have reviewed and made any necessary changes, click on the “Done with Contacts Go to Next Step” button to proceed.

Proceed to next step

After verifying and updating the owner and contact information, you are ready to proceed to the next step of the renewal process. Clicking on the “Done with Contacts Go to Next Step” button will take you to the next section.

Enter Business Information

In the “Enter Business Information” section, you will need to provide specific details depending on your business class type. These details may include gross receipts from the previous calendar year, the number of rental units, or the number of vehicles, depending on your business type as indicated on your renewal form. Once you have entered the required information, the business license tax will be automatically calculated for you. Take a moment to review the information you have entered, and when you are ready, click on the “Continue” button to proceed.

Proceed to next step

After entering the necessary business information, you are ready to proceed to the next step. Click on the “Continue” button to move to the next section of the renewal process.

Review Fees and Provide Signature

In the “Review Fees and Provide Signature” section, you will be presented with a detailed breakdown of all the fees owed for the renewal of your business license. Take the time to carefully review the fees and ensure that they are accurate. Once you have reviewed the fees, you will need to provide a digital signature at the bottom of the page. To create your digital signature, simply put your signature between two forward slashes, as shown in the provided examples. After signing and inputting your name and phone number, click on the “Continue” button to proceed.

Continue

Once you have reviewed the fees and provided your digital signature, you are ready to continue with the renewal process. Click on the “Continue” button to move on to the next section.

Choose Payment Method

In the “Choose Payment Method” section, you will have the option to select your preferred payment method from the list of acceptable forms of payment. The options may include debit or credit card payments and e-check payments. It is important to note that there may be processing fees for debit or credit card payments. If you choose to pay with an e-check, ensure that you input the account number and routing number correctly. The system will not provide an error message if the information is inputted incorrectly. Take your time to select the appropriate payment method and provide the necessary details. Once you have filled in your banking and billing information, click on the “Submit Payment” button to proceed with the payment process.

Submit payment

After choosing your payment method and entering the required information, you are ready to submit your payment. Click on the “Submit Payment” button to complete the payment process. It is important to note that clicking multiple times may result in multiple charges, so be sure to click only once.

Confirmation and Receipt

Upon submitting your payment, you will be directed to a confirmation page that provides a summary of your payment. Take a moment to review the details and ensure that everything is in order. You will also have the option to print a receipt for your records. After reviewing the confirmation page and printing the receipt, you have successfully completed the renewal process.

Wait for issuance of new business license certificate

After completing the online renewal process and submitting your payment, the County of Marin will process your renewal and issue a new business license certificate. The certificate will be mailed to the mailing address on file. Please allow some time for the processing and delivery of the new certificate.

Beware of penalties and interests for late payments

It is important to note that late payments for business license renewal may result in penalties and interests. To avoid any additional fees, be sure to renew your business license on time and submit your payment by the due date.

Renewal Process and Dates

Understanding the renewal process and important dates is crucial for maintaining a valid business license. Business licenses are valid for a specific period, typically from July 1st to June 30th of the next year. Renewal notices are sent out annually in mid-June, with a payment due date of July 31st. Additionally, an email notification will be sent to those who have provided an email address. If you do not receive your renewal form by July 1st or have any concerns regarding the renewal process, it is recommended to contact the Business License Department for assistance. It is also important to note that if you wish to close your business, there is an online option available on the County of Marin’s website.

Business license validity period

Business licenses are valid from July 1st to June 30th of the next year. It is crucial to renew your license before it expires to ensure continuous compliance with local regulations.

Renewal notices and due date

Renewal notices are typically mailed out in mid-June, providing businesses with ample time to complete the renewal process. The payment due date is July 31st, allowing businesses to submit their payments promptly.

Contact Business License Department for missing renewal forms

If you do not receive your renewal form by July 1st, it is recommended to contact the Business License Department for assistance. They will be able to provide guidance and ensure that you have all the necessary forms for renewal.

Closure of a business

If you wish to close your business, there is an online option available on the County of Marin’s website. By visiting www.marincounty.org/bl and selecting “Close a Business Online,” you can initiate the closure process.

Updating business license information

To update any information in your business license, you can visit the County of Marin’s website and select “Request Account Information Update” under the “Update Account Information” tab. Make sure you have your business license account number and web pin ready to log in and make the necessary updates.

Additional Resources

For more information and resources on renewing your business license online, you can follow the links provided on the County of Marin’s website. These resources can provide additional guidance and answer any specific questions you may have.

Conclusion

Renewing a business license online is a convenient and efficient process that ensures your business remains compliant with local regulations. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can easily navigate through the online renewal portal and complete your renewal with ease. Remember to gather all the necessary information, verify and update your business information, review and sign the fees, choose the appropriate payment method, and wait for the issuance of your new business license certificate. Always be mindful of the renewal dates and contact the Business License Department if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for watching the video and for renewing your business license online!