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| Q. How much does it cost to apply for a business tax account?
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| A. The initial application fee is $30. However, this fee is non-refundable.
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| Q. Do I need a Zoning Clearance? |
| A. If your business is located in Oakland, you are required to obtain a zoning clearance from the Zoning Dept. prior to obtaining a business tax account. The cost is currently $12.25. The Zoning office is located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd floor, phone (510) 238-3911. NOTE: You do not need a zoning clearance if your business is located outside of Oakland or if you have a property in Oakland that is for rent.
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| Q. I own a piece of property in Oakland that I want to rent
out. Do I need a business tax account? |
| A. Yes, all property owners in Oakland who wish to rent out their property must obtain a business tax account. The tax is based on gross rental income (before expenses) collected for the calendar year. The tax rate is $13.95 per $1,000 of gross rental income collected.
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| Q. Where can I obtain a business tax application?
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| A. The Business Tax Office is located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza #1320, 1st floor, in Downtown Oakland. You may also download the applications from our website at www.oaklandnet.com/revenue.
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| Q. I need directions to your office, how do I get there?
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| A. Click here for connection to our directions page. |
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| Q. What are your office hours? |
| A. The Business Tax Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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| Q. How often do I renew my business tax account?
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| A. Business Tax must be paid ANNUALLY, on or before March 1st of each year. It is your responsibility to renew the business tax on time.
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| Q. What methods of payment do you accept? |
| A. We accept cash, check, money order, cashier's check, credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, & Discover), ATM check cards with Mastercard or Visa logo, and ATM debit cards. However, you must come to the office in person if you are paying with an ATM debit card.
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| Q. Can I pay over the phone or via fax? |
| A. Yes. Indicate the type of credit card, credit card number, expiration date of the card, name as it appears on the card, and the dollar amount to be charged.
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| Q. Is there any penalty and/or interest assessed if I don't
pay or if I underpay my business tax? |
| A. Any tax (or portion thereof) that remains unpaid after March 1st is subject to penalty and interest. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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| Q. Can I request an extension to file my business tax?
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| A. Yes. You must request an extension to file the business tax on or before March 1st if you are unable to renew before the due date. This extension will allow you to file your business tax renewal fees no later than April 15th. You may request the extension over the phone, in our office, or by letter/fax.
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| Q. I was unaware of Oakland's business tax requirements. Consequently,
I never obtained a business tax account. My business/rental activity has
been in operation for some time. Am I subject to any late fees?
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| A. Yes. All delinquent business tax accounts are subject to full penalty and interest assessments. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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| Q. I've discovered that I overpaid my business tax. How do
I get a refund? |
| A. Send a written request specifically asking for the refund within one year from the date of payment. Please send your request to: Revenue Audit Section, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 5th floor, Oakland, CA 94612.
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| Q. I don't see my question. |
| A. Click here to enter your question. |
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