Q. Who is required to pay business tax?
A. All persons who conduct business in the City of Oakland and owners of rental property (residential, commercial and industrial) are required to file and pay an annual business tax.

Q. How much does it cost to apply for a business tax account?
A. The non-refundable registration fee is $30.

Q. Do I need a Zoning Fee?
A. If your business is located in Oakland, you are required to obtain a zoning fee from the Zoning Department. The cost is currently $27.54. The Zoning Department is located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd floor, and can be reached at (510) 238-3911. NOTE : You do not need a zoning fee if your business is located outside of Oakland or if your business activity is a rental property operator.

Q. I am a nonprofit business; do I have to pay business tax?
A. If you are a nonprofit Federal or State of California tax-exempt organization, you may be exempt from payment of the business tax. You must submit a copy of your letter of determination from the Internal Revenue Service or from the California Franchise Tax Board confirming the exemption from income tax. However you are required to register and pay the registration fee.

Q. Is there a tax liability for a business located outside the City of Oakland doing business within the City of Oakland?
A. Yes. You must have a business tax certificate.

Q. Is there a tax liability for a business located within the City of Oakland, but conducts business outside of the City?
A. Yes. However, you may apportion your gross receipts. Apportionment Guidelines are available under tax rulings.

Q. I own a piece of property in Oakland that I want to rent out. Do I need a business tax certificate?
A. Yes, all property owners in Oakland who wish to rent out their property must obtain a business tax certificate. The tax is based on gross rental income at a rate of $13.95 per $1,000 of gross rental income.

Q. I rent a room in my house. Do I need a business tax certificate?
A. Yes, all persons who rent or sublet rooms must obtain a business tax certificate. The tax is based gross rental income at a rate of $13.95 per $1,000 of gross rental income.

Q. Where can I obtain a business tax application?
A. The Business Tax Office is located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza #1320, 1st floor, in Downtown Oakland. You may also download the application from this website.

Q. I need directions to your office, how do I get there?
A. Click here for connection to our directions page.

Q. What are your office hours?
A. The Business Tax Office is open from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Q. How often do I renew my business tax account?
A. Business taxes must be paid ANNUALLY, on or before March 1st of each year. It is your responsibility to renew your certificate on time.

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.

Q. Can I pay over the phone or via fax?
A. Yes. We accept credit card payments by fax. Indicate the type to credit card, credit card number, expiration date of credit card, name as it appears on the card, and the dollar amount to be charged. Fax payments to (510) 238-7128. If you wish to pay by phone, you will additionally be required to provide the social security number or federal tax identification number on record.

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.

Q. Can I request an extension to file my business tax?
A. Yes. You must request an extension to file the business tax on or before March 1st of the year the tax is due if you are unable to renew before the delinquent date. This extension will allow you to remit your business tax liability no later than 45 days from the delinquent date. You may request the extension over the phone, in our office, or by letter/fax.

Q. I was unaware of Oakland's business tax requirements. Consequently, I never obtained a business tax certificate. My business activity has been in operation for some time. Am I subject to any late fees?
A. Yes. All delinquent business taxes are subject to full penalty and interest assessments. NO EXCEPTIONS

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. If the overpayment was a direct result of a clerical, accounting or mathematical error, you must send the request within 15 months from the date of payment. Please send your request to: Revenue Audit Section, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 5th floor, Oakland, CA 94612.

Q. I don't see my question.
A. Click here to email your question to the Business Tax Office.