Business Licenses
Please click here if you are planning on starting a new business in Mill Valley.
Questions about Business Licenses:
Libby Haxton, Accounting Specialist
Phone: (415) 384-4802
lhaxton@cityofmillvalley.org
Chapter 5.04 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code requires an original signature for Applications for Business Licenses. So while we can't accept electronic business license applications over the Internet, we have made the application available here in Acrobat PDF for you to download, print out, and complete.
|
Download the Business License Application (PDF) Short-Term Rental Registration Form (PDF) |
To apply for a license, return the fully completed and signed application, along with your license fee to City Hall, 26 Corte Madera Avenue. The Finance Department is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed alternate Fridays.
Or you can send it via US mail to:
Finance Department
City of Mill Valley
26 Corte Madera Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: (415) 388-4033
Business License Tax Information
The City of Mill Valley requires a business license for any business activity within city limits. Applications must be made and approved before operations begin.
The license year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 of each year. Fees are due from the first date of business license activity. Penalties may be charged for past due fees. Fees for a new operation starting after October 1, January 1 or April 1 may be pro-rated.
For General Businesses:
General business operations are classified A, B or C according to the table below. License fees in these classes are based on a 12-month estimate of gross receipts.
Determine your General Business Classification...
| Class A | Class B | Class C |
|---|---|---|
| Auto repairs Construction contractors Laundry services Manufacturing Retail trade Wholesale trade Gas station Antiques |
Architectural services Beauty services Building services Commercial rentals Engineering services Landscaping services Travel services (All businesses not specifically listed elsewhere) |
Accounting services Financial services Insurance services Legal services Management services Medical/Health services Public relations Real Estate services |
then calculate your annual business license tax
| Gross Receipts Range | Class A | Class B | Class C |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-7,500 | $15.00 | $22.50 | $30.00 |
| 7,501-15,000 | 30.00 | 45.00 | 60.00 |
| 15,001-25,000 | 45.00 | 67.50 | 90.00 |
| 25,001-50,000 | 60.00 | 90.00 | 120.00 |
| 50,001-100,000 | 100.00 | 150.00 | 200.00 |
| 100,001-250,000 | 150.00 | 250.00 | 300.00 |
| 250,001-500,000 | 300.00 | 375.00 | 450.00 |
| 500,001-750,000 | 450.00 | 562.00 | 675.00 |
| 750,001-1,000,000 | 600.00 | 750.00 | 900.00 |
| 1,000,001-2,000,000 | 800.00 | 1,000.00 | 1,200.00 |
| 2,000,001-3,000,000 | 1,000.00 | 1,250.00 | 1,500.00 |
| 3,000,001-4,000,000 | 1,200.00 | 1,500.00 | 1,800.00 |
| 4,000,001-5,000,000 | 1,400.00 | 1,750.00 | 2,100.00 |
| 5,000,001-10,000,000 | 2,000.00 | 2,500.00 | 3,000.00 |
| 10,000,001 and over | 3,000.00 | 3,750.00 | 4,500.00 |
For Delivery Businesses:
Delivery business license taxes are based on the following schedule.
| Not exceeding 1/2 ton capacity, per vehicle | 22.50 |
| Over 1/2 ton capacity, per vehicle | 37.50 |
| Over 1/ton capacity, per vehicle | 75.00 |
| Over 1 1/2 ton capacity, per vehicle | 112.00 |
| Over 2 to 3 ton capacity, per vehicle | 150.00 |
| Over 3 ton capacity, per vehicle | 225.00 |
For Living Accommodations:
Living accommodations include hotel, motel, apartment, rooming house, house rental, etc. The annual business license tax is $15.00 per dwelling unit. Short-term Rentals (less than 30 days) are required to submit a registration form as part of the business license approval process, as well as monthly remittance of transient occupancy tax collected. Additional information for owners and guests here.
For Other Licenses:
| Auctioneers without a fixed place of business in Mill Valley | $500 per year or $50 per day |
| Carnivals and Fairs |
$400 first day, $300 each additional day (plus concession charge) |
| Christmas Tree Lots | $45.00 per year |
| Circuses | $750.00 first day, $562.50 each additional day |
| Peddlers or Solicitors | $500.00 per year |
| Taxicab | $60.00 per vehicle, per year |
For Commercial Filming:
| Persons Employed at Location | Rate Per Day |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | $150.00 |
| 4 to 6 | 300.00 |
| 7 to 9 | 600.00 |
| 10 & over | 900.00 |
| Do you live within Mill Valley city limits? That's important to know for sure when seeking a business license. Some Mill Valley addresses (such as those in Strawberry, Tam Valley, Homestead, Almonte and Alto) are actually in unincorporated portions of Marin County -- out of our jurisdiction. Check your street address here to find out. |
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