Dorchester County Online

Business Licenses

Functions

Responsible for processing Business License applications, renewals, and
appeals within the unincorporated areas of Dorchester County. These
business licenses are regulated by the applicable state codes and county
ordinances and serve to raise revenue through a privilege tax.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Business Application?

This application needs to be completed if you are running a business
from your home. Certain requirements pertaining to Planning and
Zoning must be met in order for us to issue a business license.
Please review this form carefully. This needs to submitted along
with the business license application and fee.

What is the Business Affidavit?

Dorchester County Council adopted an ordinance in
July of 2007 which is the Lawful Employment Ordinance 07-02.
This ordinance pertains to the hiring of illegal immigrants.
All new business and renewals of existing businesses must
fill this form out each year. You need to have it notarized as well.
We do have notaries in our office that will be more than happy
to assist you with that.

What businesses are required to have a Dorchester
County Business License?

A Dorchester County Business License is required of every person engaged
or intending to engage in any calling, business occupation or profession
within the unincorporated areas (outside the city limits) of Dorchester County and is
required to pay the annual license fee. If your business is subject to
a Dorchester County Business License, please contact our
office for more information.

If I have a reasonable assumption that a business is using
illegal employees or sub contractors what procedure should I follow?

Answer: email at bcrook@dorchestercounty.net
for any questions, concerns or complaints. We must have a written
compliant. Please see the document “Compliant of Violation of Lawful
Employment” under the Forms section on this page. Please completely
fill this form out. (We will issue the compliant number). You may
also view the Lawful Employment Ordinance 07-02 on this page
for further information.

Do I need a Business License?

Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling business,
occupation or profession, in whole or in part, within the unincorporated
areas of Dorchester County is required to pay an annual license fee
and obtain a business license as herein provided.

When is the Business License Due?

Due date for renewal business license is August 31. However there is a two (2) week
grace period given as of September 13. A monthly 5% penalty compounded will be added
monthly from then on.

What is a license year?

The business license year will be from September 1 of the current year
until August 31 of the ensuing year. This time period shall be
considered a license year.

What if I own two businesses, would I need a separate business
license for each location?

Yes. A separate license shall be required for each place of business and for each
classification of business conducted at one place. If gross income cannot be separated for
different classifications at one location, the license fee shall be computed on the combined
gross income for the classification requiring the highest rate. A license fee based on gross
income shall be computed on the gross income for the proceeding calendar or fiscal year,
and on a twelve-month projected income based on the monthly average for a business in
operation for less than one year.

Would I need to obtain a business license before I open my business?

Yes. A business shall be required to have a business license prior to operation in
Dorchester County. The fee for a new business shall be computed on the estimated
probable gross income stated in the license application for the balance of the license year.
No refund for a license fee will be granted due to annexation of business into a municipality,
during the license year. Failure to obtain a business license could result in a fine up to
$425.00.

Is there a registration form that needs to be filled out in order to
obtain a business license?

Yes. The owner, agent or legal representative of every business subject to this ordinance
must complete an application form provided by Dorchester County. Required information
includes your Social Security Number and/or Federal Identification Number, and your South
Carolina Retail License Number (if applicable). The business name as reported on the South
Carolina income tax return, and all information about the applicant and the business deemed
necessary by the County is required.

Do I need to display my business license once I receive it?

Yes. All persons shall display the license issued to them on the original form provided by the
County in a conspicuous place in the business establishment at the address shown on the
license. A transient or non-resident shall carry the license upon his person, or in a vehicle
used by the business, readily available for inspection by an authorized agent of the County.

How long do I have to notify the County if my business address changes?

A change of address must be reported in writing to the County within ten (10) days after
removal of the business to a new location and the license will be valid at the new address
upon written notification of the County and compliance with zoning and building codes.
Failure to obtain approval of the County for change of address shall invalidate the license
and subject the licensee to prosecution for doing business without a license.

Will the County send me a notification when my
license fees are due?

The County may, but shall not be required to, mail written notices that
license fees are due. If notices are not mailed they shall publish a notice
of the due date in the newspapers of general circulation within the County.

Business License renewal applications for the current year are
mailed upon approval of prior year. After September 13, a 5% per
month penalty is applied.

Is there a chance my business license application
may be denied?

Yes. The license inspector shall deny a license to an applicant when the application is
incomplete, contains a misrepresentation, false or misleading statement, evasion or
suppression of a material fact, or when the activity for which the license is sought is
unlawful or constitutes a public nuisance.

What forms of payment can you make?

We accept cash or checks payable to Dorchester County.

Contact Information