Business Licenses

General Information

A business license is an annual tax you pay each calendar year for doing business within the unincorporated area of the County of Contra Costa.

The county ordinance requires that you obtain a license for conducting business within the unincorporated area, even if your business is located outside our limits or you have a business license from another city.

Conducting business in the unincorporated area of the County of Contra Costa without a license can result in penalties, notice of violations, and court action.

It is important to know that most California cities and counties have a business license tax ordinance. However, each city has its own tax rate, structure, and requirements. Check with the appropriate city or county for their requirements.

The County of Contra Costa Business License Division makes every effort to expedite the timely processing of your business license application. However, please be aware that there may be circumstances that will delay the processing of your application.