All businesses operating in Piedmont – including home-based operations, independent contractors, consultants, freelancers, online storefronts – are required to obtain a City business license.

Businesses currently operating without a required license may soon receive a letter providing information about how to register and pay applicable taxes.

Businesses that have not previously registered may be responsible for back taxes for the last three years. However, penalties typically associated with late registration will be waived if businesses register and pay within 90 days from the date on their notification letter.

Business owners can now register and pay applicable taxes quickly and easily through a new online system at piedmont.hdlgov.com. Support is available through a dedicated customer support line at (510) 250-1975, with experts available to guide business owners through the registration process and help calculate taxes based on individual business structures.

Notification letters intended to ensure compliance with longstanding laws

Piedmont’s City Code requires all businesses operating in Piedmont to have a valid business license. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Home-based businesses (includes 1099 self-employment)
• Online storefronts or “influencers” with a Piedmont business address
• Landlords operating long-term or short-term rentals
• Contractors and consultants working in Piedmont, even if located elsewhere

Under the City Code, businesses that fail to obtain a license are subject to late fees and penalties. While these requirements are not new, the new online system provides the City with better tools to understand compliance with existing regulations.

Notification letters to unregistered business are part of the compliance audit recommended by the City’s Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee, an expert body of resident volunteers appointed by the City Council to advise on financial matters.

The audit follows a public education campaign conducted earlier this year to raise awareness of existing laws among community members.

Businesses that need assistance or have questions about their registration status can contact customer support at (510) 250-1975 or visit piedmont.ca.gov/ComplianceLetter