Business Services

The County Council of Beaufort requires all businesses operating within the unincorporated areas of the County, including home based businesses to obtain a business License.

Businesses are required to renew and pay for a business license annually. Each business license are based upon the type of business, location, and the estimated revenue of the business. The business license will be issued for a twelve-month period from May 1 - April 30.

Taxes for new businesses are paid at the time the business is started. The initial tax is based upon a projection of the gross revenue and a pro rata percentage of the annual tax determined from the month of startup. The Business license taxes will then be paid yearly, and due by April 30th of each year.

Who is subject to a business license? Any business that is physically located within the unincorporated boundaries even if no income has been generated, or any business that conducts business within the unincorporated boundaries of Beaufort County, this includes rentals.

Short-term Rental units are must comply with the Short Term Rental Permit (STRP) requirements prior to renting or operating as a short-term rental property. Permits are nontransferable, and required to be renewed each year. Short-Term Rental Package

Businesses that are located within any areas of Beaufort County operating places of amusement, must contact Beaufort County Business Services regarding an Admission account.

Contractors can use the Standardized Business License Application in lieu of the New Business Package

Business Class Gross Revenue $0-$2,000
Minimum Fee		 Rate per Thousandths or Fraction Thereof
Class 1 $35.00 $0.37
Class 2 $40.00 $0.47
Class 3 $45.00 $0.57
Class 4 $50.00 $0.67
Class 5 $55.00 $0.77
Class 6 $60.00 $0.87
Class 7 $65.00 $0.97
Class 8 $40.00 $0.47
Nonresident (not located within the unincorporated boundaries) rates apply and doubled.
The following taxes and fees must also paid to the County based on the type of business:
Accommodations Tax

All persons or businesses renting sleeping accommodations for less than ninety (90) days are required to open an account with the County Council of Beaufort Business License department and remit taxes monthly. Accommodations Taxes are 3% of gross revenue collected for rentals and due by the 20th day of the month following each preceding month. Payment coupons for the current year will be mailed when an account is opened. Renewals will occur each year in January or February.

Make checks payable to Beaufort County Treasurer and remit to Beaufort County Business License Department, Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901.

In the event "accommodations taxes" are not remitted to Beaufort County violator shall pay a penalty of (1.5) percent of the unpaid amount for each month or portion thereof past due until paid in full.

Upon the sale of a rental unit, please submit a Statement of Closure form to the County's Business License Department to close the account. The statement may be submitted via hand delivery, mail, or fax (843)255-9411.

Note: if there is not any gross revenue to report, please send in your signed coupon marked -0- for posting to your record.

Short Term Rental Information

Accommodations Tax Payment Form

Hospitality Tax

Hospitality tax is paid by the consumer or patrons of restaurants, lounges, grocery stores, convenience stores and any other establishments that sell prepared food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages. This tax is based on 2% of the total gross sales price received for prepared food, meals and beverages sold.

Make checks payable to Beaufort County Treasurer and remit to Beaufort County Business License Department, Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901.

In the event "hospitality taxes" are not remitted to Beaufort County the violator shall pay a penalty of (1.5) percent of the unpaid amount for each month or portion thereof past due until paid in full. Upon the closure of a business, please submit a Statement of Closure form to the County's Business License Department to close the account. The statement may be submitted via hand delivery, mail, or fax (843)255-9411.

Note: if there is not any gross revenue to report, please send in your signed coupon marked -0- for posting to your record.

Business License Application Hospitality Tax Payment Form

Admission Fee

Admission fee is an 2.5% fee and is imposed on the amount charged for the actual entry into admission based places of amusement and recreation within the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Beaufort County. Admission fees are due by the 20th day of the month following each preceding month. Payment coupons for the current year will be mailed when an account is opened. Renewals will occur each year in January or February.

Make checks payable to Beaufort County Treasurer and remit to Beaufort County Business License Department, Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901.

In the event "admission fees" are not remitted to Beaufort County the violator shall pay a penalty of (1.5) percent of the unpaid amount for each month or portion thereof past due until paid in full. Upon the closure of a business, please submit a Statement of Closure form to the County's Business License Department to close the account. The statement may be submitted via hand delivery, mail, or fax (843)255-9411.

Note: if there is not any gross revenue to report, please send in your signed coupon marked -0- for posting to your record.

Admissions Fee Payment Form Admissions Fee Registration Form

Business License Changes

If a business has a change in the name, address and/or location, the County's Business License Department shall be notified. Please submit a completed Change of Business Name and/or Location form via hand delivery or mail to the Beaufort County Business License department, Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901-1228.Please answer all questions and be sure to sign and date the form. Please note that approvals must be obtained prior to the change of location occurs.

Business License Change Form

Business License Closures

If a business is closed or sold please notify the County's Business License Department by submitting a Statement of Closure form via mail or fax (843)255-9411.

Please note: Business Licenses are non-transferable. Business License Closure Form