Office Hours

  • Monday - Friday
  • 8:30am - 4:30pm

Contact Information

  • Phone Numbers

  • 843-832-0018
  • 843-563-0018

  • Fax Numbers

  • 843-832-0037
  • 843-563-0037

  • Email

  • Mailing Address

Dorchester County Business License
500 N. Main St.
Box 3
Summerville, SC 29483

Forms

Common Terms

  • Business: a trade, calling occupation, profession, or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, either directly or indirectly.
  • Classification: that division of businesses by major groups subject to the same license rate as determined by a calculated index of ability to pay based on national averages, benefits, equalizations of tax burden, relationships of services, or other basis deemed appropriate by Dorchester County
  • Gross Income: the total revenue of a business, received or accrued, for one calendar year collected or to be collected from business done within the unincorporated area of the County, except from income from business done wholly outside of the unincorporated area of the County on which a license tax is paid to some municipality or a county and fully reported to the County.
  • Unincorporated Area: area located outside the city limits in Dorchester County.
  • Deductible Income: Income that is generated in any municipality or county where a license fee is required.
  • License Inspector: the person designated by the County Administrator to administer this ordinance.
  • SIC: Standard Classification Manual

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 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.


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.