Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Columbia, SC

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

2. South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

   If you apply restricted-use pesticides, or apply any pesticide in Categories 3, 5, 6, 7a, 7b or 8 to another person's property as part of your job or for compensation, you are a Commercial Applicator and must be licensed by the SC Department of Pesticide Regulation, which is administered by Clemson University — not by the SC Department of Agriculture. You must pass the Core exam plus each category exam and file an Evidence of Financial Responsibility form completed by your insurer.

   Official government source

   $50 new commercial pesticide license fee, plus any charge the exam program sets for the Core and category exams.·Not published. After you pass the exams, DPR mails or emails the licensing forms; the license is issued after those forms, the financial responsibility evidence, and the $50 fee are returned.

   $50 new commercial pesticide license fee, plus any charge the exam program sets for the Core and category exams.

   Not published. After you pass the exams, DPR mails or emails the licensing forms; the license is issued after those forms, the financial responsibility evidence, and the $50 fee are returned.

1. City of Columbia Business License

   Every business with a location inside Columbia city limits must hold a general business licence from the City of Columbia Business Licensing Division. The licence is renewed each year and must be displayed at your place of business. Applications and renewals are handled through the Business Licensing Self-Service Portal. Zoning compatibility for the business address is confirmed separately through Planning & Development.

   Official government source

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class under the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (S.C. Code Section 6-1-400 et seq.) — there is no flat fee. For a new business the fee is projected from the start-of-business date through December 31; at renewal it is based on the previous year’s reported gross income. Use the city’s rate-class schedule to calculate your amount.·All Columbia business licences expire April 30, with the licence year running May 1 to April 30 and renewal season opening in February. Fastest through the Self-Service Portal; the city warns that mailed renewals can take six to eight weeks between February and June.

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class under the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (S.C. Code Section 6-1-400 et seq.) — there is no flat fee. For a new business the fee is projected from the start-of-business date through December 31; at renewal it is based on the previous year’s reported gross income. Use the city’s rate-class schedule to calculate your amount.

   All Columbia business licences expire April 30, with the licence year running May 1 to April 30 and renewal season opening in February. Fastest through the Self-Service Portal; the city warns that mailed renewals can take six to eight weeks between February and June.

2. City of Columbia Business License (landscaping — no separate contractor registration)

   Neither the City of Columbia nor Richland County maintains a separate landscaping or irrigation contractor registration. Landscaping businesses obtain the standard City of Columbia business license like any other business. Separate state licensing may apply to the work itself — for example a SC LLR contractor license for larger construction/irrigation work, or Clemson Department of Pesticide Regulation certification for applying pesticides or herbicides.

   Official government source

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator·License year runs May 1–April 30 (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.), with renewal season opening in February; the city publishes no standard processing time

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator

   License year runs May 1–April 30 (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.), with renewal season opening in February; the city publishes no standard processing time

Official Sources

• City of Columbia Business License Division
• South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

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