Start a Business and Check Local Business Tax Receipts in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County's Tax Collector issues the County local business tax receipt. Businesses in incorporated cities must separately check the applicable city's requirements. Regulated activities may need state or County approval before the receipt can be issued.
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Who needs this
A person opening a business with a physical location in Hillsborough County, including a business in Tampa, Plant City, or Temple Terrace. The required state, County, and city registrations depend on activity and location.
Steps
- 1
Confirm the business location and jurisdiction
Identify the physical business address and whether it is in unincorporated Hillsborough, Tampa, Plant City, or Temple Terrace. A PO box is not accepted as the County business location.
hillstaxfl.gov/taxes/business-tax-services/new-regulated-bus - 2
Check state and County regulation before applying
Determine whether the activity needs a state or County license/approval. The County Tax Collector may require proof for regulated businesses; restaurants and mobile food operators are directed to provide the applicable state inspection approval.
hillstaxfl.gov/taxes/business-tax-services/new-regulated-bus - 3
Gather the County application information
Have the legal/business name, SSN or EIN, physical location, detailed business activity, email, and supporting licenses ready. Register a fictitious name with Florida when applicable.
hillstaxfl.gov/taxes/business-tax-services/new-regulated-bus - 4
Submit the County local business tax application
Apply using the County Tax Collector's BTExpress link. The County says the form must be completed in one session, cannot be saved for later, and duplicate requests should not be submitted.
hillstaxfl.gov/taxes/business-tax-services/new-regulated-bus - 5
Confirm, wait for review, then pay and print
Confirm the application from the email link. The Tax Collector states review normally takes 3–5 business days; after approval, use the payment link to pay and print the County receipt.
hillstaxfl.gov/taxes/business-tax-services/new-regulated-bus - 6
Check separate municipal receipt and ongoing tax duties
For a Tampa, Plant City, or Temple Terrace location, review that city's current business-tax page for any separate municipal receipt. Check tangible personal property tax filing with the Property Appraiser if applicable.
tampa.gov/business-tax
Requirements
- County business location must be in Hillsborough County; a PO box is not an accepted business location.
- County Tax Collector requires a local business tax receipt before the new business begins operation.
- Supporting state or County approvals may be required for regulated activities.
- A separate municipal business-tax receipt may apply within a city; verify with that city.
Documents
- Business/legal name and SSN or EIN
- Physical business address, activity description, and email address
- State, County, or professional license documents when the activity is regulated
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County Local Business Tax Receipt | Use the current BTExpress application and County Tax Collector fee information; amount varies by classification and tax period. | |
| City of Tampa Business Tax | Confirm current classification and amount with the City. | |
| Plant City Business Tax | Confirm current classification and amount with the City. | |
| Temple Terrace Local Business Tax | Confirm current classification and amount with the City. |
Good to know
The County Tax Collector says new business tax accounts run from October 1 through September 30; applications made April 1 through June 30 are issued at a half-year rate.Do not assume the County receipt replaces a city receipt or any state/professional license.The County Tax Collector says to submit only one request and to complete BTExpress in one session because abandoned applications cannot be recovered.For businesses buying an existing business, check outstanding tangible personal property tax liens; those taxes follow the equipment rather than the prior owner.