Forms Required

Please note that all these forms are available to be completed and submitted electronically on the City's Online Forms Portal. Complete electronically, print/sign, and submit online or in person the New Business Application (PDF) and the Affidavit Verifying Status (PDF). One complete, notarized form is required for each owner, partner, professional, etc., along with a legible copy of their driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID.

The Private Employer Affidavit (PDF) should be signed by the owner/manager/partner of the business. A legible copy of the driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID is also required.

A $25 admin fee required for all certificates issued, regardless of the type.

New Businesses

New businesses can obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate by completing and submitting the New Business Occupational Tax Certificate Application, Affidavit Verifying Status for the owners/partners/professionals/etc., and the Private Employer Affidavit to the City of Newnan for approval. Beginning July 1, 2013 all employers with 11 or more employees must be registered with the E-Verify website in order to obtain a new Occupational Tax Certificate or renewal. All new businesses require zoning approval; some may also require approval of the Building Inspection Department and Fire Marshall. Therefore, a representative of the company must visit City Hall with the paperwork or submit it online to obtain the required approvals prior to the certificate being issued by the Finance department. Questions concerning new business applications can be addressed to the City's Licensing Specialist.

Retail and Annual occupational tax fees are based on gross receipts of the business. Initial fees are generally based on estimated gross receipts; then subsequent renewals are based on the prior year gross receipts of the business. Additional information may be required prior to issuing the certificate for the business. Examples include citizenship affidavits, state licenses, health department approval, professional licenses, etc.

Financial Institutions (Banks) will be assessed a tax of 0.25% of gross receipts annually, with a minimum tax of $1,000 annually. Form PT-440 is submitted with the occupational tax renewal form for the bank, along with the Affidavit verifying status mentioned above.

If you are classified as a Professional (per City Ordinance definition), you may choose to pay a flat fee of $400 plus the $25 administrative fee for each professional, or you may pay based on gross receipts. In addition, professionals must enclose a copy of their State Registration Card with the application for processing by the City. Professionals are defined as Lawyers, Physicians, Osteopaths, Optometrist, Chiropractors, Dentists, Psychologists, Veterinarians, Landscape Architects, Land Surveyors, Physiotherapists, Public Accountants, Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Civil, Mechanical, Hydraulic or Electrical Engineers, Architects, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, and Professional Counselors only. No other businesses will be eligible for this option. Please note that each professional in the business must apply for and renew an occupational tax certificate each year, if the business decides to file with the flat fee method, rather than gross receipts. Additionally, Insurance Agents pay a flat fee of $100 per business location annually.

If you operate as a non-profit organization, you must include documents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) supporting that status, along with the $25 Administrative Fee for processing. No other application fees are applicable.

Veteran's License - Veterans holding a veteran's license and certificate of exemption shall, before doing business or peddling pursuant to such license and certificate in the city, exhibit such license and certificate and register annually with the Finance Department and receive a "no fee veteran's occupation tax certificate" from the city. To be exempt from paying an occupation tax under this chapter, a veteran must qualify under and comply with O.C.G.A. §§ 43-12-1 through 43-12-8. Typically, this means proof of at least a 10% service-related disability and any type of discharge other than dishonorable.

Once all paperwork is submitted and approved and all appropriate fees paid, the Occupational Tax Certificate will be issued by the City. Appropriate fees include any delinquent revenues owed to the City of Newnan by the business or owner(s) of the business. Businesses/Individuals may check for taxes due via this link using the parcel (map) number and the owner's last name. The owner's last name must match that on file with the City of Newnan, which is the owner on record as of January 1st of the current tax year, to use the inquiry feature.