Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Greenville, 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 Greenville Business License

   All businesses conducting business within the City of Greenville must hold a business license, issued by the city's Business License & Revenue Center (Finance Department). The license is renewed annually and must be displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.·Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.

   Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

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

   The City of Greenville does not maintain a separate landscaping or irrigation contractor registration; its Business Licenses page states that all businesses conducting business within the city need the standard business license. Confirm scope-of-work licensing separately — for example Clemson Department of Pesticide Regulation certification for applying pesticides or herbicides, or an SC LLR contractor licence for larger construction work.

   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.); the city publishes no standard processing time — confirm with the Business License Center

   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.); the city publishes no standard processing time — confirm with the Business License Center

Official Sources

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

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