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Business License FAQ

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Q: Who needs to have a business license?

A:

Surprise City Code requires any person who practices, transacts or carries on any business within the municipal limits of the city to obtain a city business license. This requirement includes businesses within the municipal limits of Surprise and those who may be physically located outside of the municipal limits but enter the city to conduct business or perform services.

Q: How can I get a business license application?

A:

Applications for a business license can be obtained on-line, by mail, email or in person from the Revenue Division (Cashier’s Office) at Surprise City Hall.

Q: How do I submit my business license application?

A:

Applications can be turned in by email (business.license@surpriseaz.gov), mail, or in person at Surprise City Hall.

Q: How can I get a Liquor License?

A:

Liquor Licenses are handled jointly through the City Clerk’s Office and the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control.

Q: Do I need a business license to have a garage sale?

A:

Yard/garage sales, held on residential property, are considered casual sales and
would not require a business license.

Q: How much is a business license?

A:

Upon approval applicants will be assessed the appropriate annual license fee.

Q: How long is a business license good for?

A:

The city license is only valid for the calendar year in which it was issued.

Q: How long does it take to get a business license?

A:

The licensing process can take up to fourteen business days from the date of submittal. Processing includes routing through multiple departments, and finally back to the Revenue Division. Notification of results will be emailed and/or mailed to the applicant.

Q: I’ve sold my business, what do I do with my license?

A:

Cancel your license by sending written notice or emailing notice (business.license@surpriseaz.gov) to the city as soon as the sale is final. The business license is non-transferable between owners. New owners must apply for their own license and pay any applicable fees.

Q: I operate the same business at two different locations – can one license cover this?

A:

No. A person engaged in or conducting one or more businesses must procure a license for each location. A “location” is a place of a separate business establishment.

Q: How do I renew my license?

A:

A renewal notice will be emailed or mailed to you in September. Business License renewal fees are due on December 31st of the current year. Late fees will be assessed if not paid by the due date.

Q: Can I pay my renewal online?

A:

The City of Surprise offers online business license renewal for most business types.  If you are eligible for online renewal please log onto https://css.surpriseaz.gov/CSS/default.aspx and enter the Account ID and Owner’s CID that is located on your Business License Renewal Notice.

Q: I have closed my business and am not doing business anymore. Do I need to do anything?

A:

Yes. Written notification to cancel a business license must be submitted. Also, if the cancellation is due to a change in ownership, provide the name and address of the new owner.

Q: How can I pay for my license or renewal?

A:

1. We accept the following payments in person at City Hall: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, cash, checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks.
2. We accept the following payments via mail: Checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks.
3. We accept the following payments online: Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

Online business license renewal is available for most business types.  If you are eligible for online renewal please log onto https://css.surpriseaz.gov/CSS/default.aspx and enter the Account ID and Owner’s CID that is located on your Business License Renewal Notice.

Q: What are your hours?

A:

Our hours of operation are 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding City holidays.

Q: What is your mailing address?

A:

City of Surprise
Attn: Revenue Division
16000 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, AZ 85374-7470

Q: Where are you located?

A:

We are located at 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.