Business Licenses
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
The Town will begin processing business license renewals for the 2026-27 license year on March 2, 2026. Licenses which are not renewed by April 30th are subject to a late of penalty of five percent (5%) per month in addition to the standard license amount. All applicants should be submitted online through Citizenserve as the Town is no longer providing paper applications.
The Town will begin processing business license renewals for the 2026-27 license year on March 2, 2026. Licenses which are not renewed by April 30th are subject to a late of penalty of five percent (5%) per month in addition to the standard license amount. All applicants should be submitted online through Citizenserve as the Town is no longer providing paper applications.
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Every person or entity engaged in (or intending to engage in) any calling, business, occupation or profession in whole or in part within the town limits of Seabrook Island is required to obtain an annual business license and pay an annual tax for the privilege of doing business within the town. A “business” is defined as any "calling, occupation, profession or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, either directly or indirectly."
A license is required for all new businesses (including home occupations, rental properties and non-resident contractors) prior to operating in the Town of Seabrook Island. A new or updated license is also required when there is a change to an existing business's ownership or principal place of business. Businesses operating without a required license may be subject to a fine of up to $500.00 per day. Business License TaxThe annual business license tax is based upon a business's rate classification (Classes 1 through 9.2) as well as its gross income from the previous year. New businesses use their estimated gross income for the balance of the license year. Contractor (construction) business licenses (Rate Class 8.1) have two options: annual (based on your previous year’s income or estimated income if a new business) or per project (renew at the base fee to be able to quote jobs and update your license as you get projects).
License Year & RenewalsThe town's business license year runs from May 1st through April 30th. Renewal notices are mailed to all existing businesses on an annual basis.
Business licenses must be renewed by April 30th of each calendar year. Licenses which are not renewed by April 30th will be subject to a late penalty of five percent (5%) per month. Late penalties are in addition to the standard license tax. All applications must be submitted online through Citizenserve as the Town is no longer providing paper applications. After your application is approved, you may make payment online via a credit card, come to Town Hall and make payment in person or mail in a check. Please note all payment is due upon receipt and if the license is not paid for within 14 days, the application could be voided for lack of payment. Rental PropertiesAll owners or agents placing advertisements offering a residential unit in the Town of Seabrook Island for rent or lease for a Short Term Rental shall clearly display the STR Permit number for that residential unit in the text of such advertisement.
All residential dwellings which are rented or leased (or offered for rent or lease) as an overnight accommodation for periods of less than 30 consecutive days will be required to obtain a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit if they do not have currently have one. Please note that STR Permit applications must be submitted as well as a Business License application. For STR permitting requirements and application forms, please click here. Contractor DecalsCommercial vehicles are required to display a town business license decal at all times. New decals are issued each year to businesses with a valid town business license. Decals are for identification purposes only and do not provide access behind the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) security gate.
SIPOA Gate AccessA town business license does not grant commercial access behind the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) private security gate. For information about obtaining a commercial pass, please contact SIPOA by phone at (843) 768-0061 or by email at [email protected].
For more information, please visit SIPOA Commercial Resources. Canceling/Closing Business LicenseTo close your business license if you are no longer conducting work within the Town of Seabrook Island, please complete the Request to Cancel Business License form and email it to [email protected]. Please note if you close your business license and wish to conduct work within the Town of Seabrook Island in the future, you must apply for and obtain a new town business license prior to engaging in any business activities.
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