Any business located within the City of Bennettsville or performing work within the city limits is required to obtain a business license each year. Business licenses may be obtained at City Hall, 501 E. Main Street, on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Licenses are valid from May 1 through April 30. Renewals must occur by April 30 of the following year to avoid a penalty. A 5% per month penalty is assessed for any license not renewed by April 30.
The Business License Inspector reviews all applications and must approve them before issuance. Physical businesses located in the City limits must meet all criteria for building, zoning, fire and safety codes as inspected by the Building Official and Fire Marshal. Contractors operating within the City limits are required to provide a copy of their SC State Contractors or Home Builders license prior to applying for a business license.
License Rates
Rates are tiered based on the type of business. There is a base rate on the first $2,000 of gross income, then an amount for each $1,000 in excess of $2,000. Declining rate applies in all classes for gross income in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00). Please contact the Business License Inspector with any questions.
Contact:
Michelle Hodges
Business License Inspector
(843) 479-9001 ext. 317
michelle.hodges@bennettsvillesc.com
501 E. Main St.
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, SC 29512
Hospitality Tax
All food and/or beverage service establishments located in the City of Bennettsville are responsible for collecting a 2% fee on the sale of prepared meals and beverages sold.
Establishments collecting the Hospitality Fees must remit the fees to the City of Bennettsville on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis depending upon the amount of fees collected monthly. Penalties are assessed by the City for late remittance. Fees collected will be accounted for in a special fund by the City to be used for the purpose of funding tourism within the city limits of Bennettsville for visitors and tourist, while enriching the quality of life for residents.
Business Licensing FAQs
The City of Bennettsville Business License Ordinance states that individuals, partnerships, and corporations need a license to “do business” within the city’s limits. This license is referred to as a Business License. An annual fee is paid to the City of Bennettsville for the license.
It means a calling, occupation, profession, or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, either directly or indirectly. One does not have to be located in the City of Bennettsville to be doing business in the city.
If you are operating any type of business inside the City of Bennettsville or performing work or services inside the city limits, then a business license is required prior to operation. Penalties for operating without a license can accrue.
Yes. The City handles local licensing and permits, while the SCLLR and SCDOR handles state tax and licenses (Sales Tax, Accommodations Tax, etc.).
Not always for just a local license, but you will need one for federal tax purposes and often for state registration.
Yes. If the business location is not zoned for the type of business, a violation of the City Ordinance exists or if the applicant is delinquent in payment to the city.
There is an application form on the website. You may also receive an application form by mail, or come by the office located at 501 E. Main Street, Bennettsville, S.C. The telephone number is 843-479-9001, ext. 317.
A separate license shall be required for each place of business and for each classification or business conducted at one place. Gross income verification for each license will be required at the time of renewal. The license fee shall be computed on the combined gross income for the classification requiring the highest rate. You would need to determine if it is to your advantage to keep the businesses separate or combined. The Business License Department can help you with this determination.
As long as businesses are located at the same address, you may operate more than one business under one license. Please keep in mind that if the business types are in different rate classes, then the higher rate will apply. You would need to determine if it is to your advantage to keep the businesses separate or combined. The Business License Department can help you with this determination.
Yes. You need to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation in Columbia as a Residential Specialty Contractor. This licensing process is not difficult or expensive, and the Business License Division will assist you with it. You also need a City of Bennettsville Business License.
Yes.
No, a change of address must be reported to the Business License office, and the business must be in compliance with the zoning, building codes, and all other City or State codes. Failure to report a change of business or ownership shall invalidate the license, and the business can be fined for operating without a business license.