Business Tax Certificate Information

Welcome to the City of Santa Barbara! The Business Tax Certificate program benefits the well-being of the overall community by funding essential services, such as: fire, police, economic development, sidewalks, streets, and parks and beach maintenance. The purpose of a Business Tax Certificate (often referred to as a "business license") is solely to raise revenue for general municipal services to residents and businesses; it is not a "license" or "permit."

Santa Barbara Municipal Code provides for the City to levy and collect business taxes, business improvement district assessments, and fees for other regulatory permits. We are pleased you are considering participation in the Santa Barbara business community and wish you much success. The Accounts Receivable office in the Treasury Division is responsible for the administration of this program, which includes ensuring that businesses operating in the City are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.

Expiration Dates & Renewals

The City of Santa Barbara transitioned on January 1, 2023 to a CALENDAR-YEAR renewal basis. Business tax certificates expire December 31 of each year. All businesses have until January 31 to renew their business tax certificate without a late penalty, as required by Santa Barbara Municipal Code Title 5 Business Taxes and Permits, Chapter 5.04.170. If you have not received a renewal notice from Avenu Insights & Analytics, please renew online or contact Avenu for assistance.

*If paid on or after delinquent date of February 1, a 10% penalty will be applied for each month past due, up to a maximum 100% of the amount.

Changes to Your Business

If you have moved, changed the name of your business, changed partners, added on or decreased your working space, or incorporated you can update your account information online with Avenu Insights & Analytics.

Only the owner(s), officers, or authorized agents can make changes to the business account or request a reprint of a business tax certificate.

If you have purchased or inherited a business you will need to file for a new business tax certificate.

No longer in business? To close a business, or if you have sold it, be sure to notify Avenu Insights & Analytics in writing by email or mail. Include the date business ceased under your control. Please include escrow date of sale and buyer information.

Business tax certificates are not transferable.

If you have received a letter from Avenu MuniServices LLC inquiring about your business activity and you do not have a current year business tax certificate, please read the following:

The City of Santa Barbara has contracted with AVENU MuniServices LLC to conduct a business tax certificate compliance review to identify all businesses that may be operating in the city without a business tax certificate. If you received a notice with an application and need assistance completing the application, require information, or believe that this notice does not apply to you, please contact one of AVENU MuniServices’ Tax Specialists Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time at (800) 987-0999.

Applications from AVENU MuniServices, once completed, can be mailed directly to:

City of Santa Barbara
C/O Business License Processing Center
PO Box 27947
Fresno, CA  93729-7947

The following files include active businesses who have registered for a City of Santa Barbara business tax certificate (also known as a business license). The files are updated by the 10th business day of each month and include the following information: Business name, business address, business phone, ownership information, and business activity.

This file is provided in .xls format. For questions, please call (805) 564-5346.

New Santa Barbara Business Listing:

• Latest New Business List

• Prior Month's New Business List