Starting a New Business

how do i start my own business in the city of Dallas?
  1. Chose what type of business you will be conducting (retail, food service, manufacturing, etc)
  2. Chose a business name. (If they applicant is a Sole Proprietor the business name will be the applicant's full name. If you would like to use another name to do business, a DBA "Doing Business As", you will need to obtain a Trade Name Certificate from the Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court.)
  3. Decide where you are conducting business- Home Based (residential) or Commercial (non-residential). The City of Dallas does not allow PO Boxes or Virtual offices. 
  4. Make sure your location is within the city limits of Dallas. Please view this map to determine if your location falls within the city limits. 
  5. Check the zoning for this location. For questions about zoning, please contact the Community Development Director.
  6. Register as an INC or LLC (Georgia Secretary of State) OR Register the business name as a Trade Name if Sole Proprietor (Paulding County Clerk of Superior Court). 
  7. Apply for a City of Dallas Business License online or in person. 

For a more in depth understanding, visit the Georgia Secretary of State's First Stop Business Guide.

Commercial businesses

All commercial location businesses (and home based daycares) are required to have new business safety inspections by the Paulding County Fire Marshal and the City of Dallas Community Development Building Inspector. The business applicant is responsible to contact both inspectors to schedule time and date. 

Home based businesses 

All home based businesses are required to submit the City of Dallas Home-Based Occupation Form. You will also be required to submit proof of ownership/signed lease. If you lease, you will be required to provide a letter from the property owner/management stating they are allowing the business to be conducted at this location. 

application requirements (all forms can be found here)
  • Occupational Tax Certificate Application 
  • City of Dallas Financial Affidavit
  • City of Dallas E-Verify Affidavit
  • City of Dallas SAVE Affidavit
  • Copy of Applicant's Secure and Verifiable Document (driver's license, passport, etc)
  • Proof of Ownership/ Signed lease
  • Certificate of Incorporation (if LLC or INC) from Georgia Secretary of State
  • Certificate of Trade Name (if using a trade name) from Paulding County Superior Court
  • FEIN (Federal Tax ID Number)
  • Sales Tax ID Number (if applicable)
  • NAICS CODE (6-digits) https://www.census.gov/naics/ 
Required if applicable
  • State License (Open this list to view what occupations require state licenses)
  • Health Inspection Certificate from Paulding County Health Department (770-443-7877)
  • Department of Agriculture Inspection & Certificate (404-656-3645)
  • Grease Trap Inspection & FOG Permit 
  • Immigration Documentation - if applicant is other than U.S. Citizen 
  • 501c3 - if non profit or religious organization 
All applications are viewed by the following departments before an occupational tax certificate can be issued
  • Occupational Tax Clerk
  • Community Development/Permit Tech
  • Zoning
  • Address Verification
  • Marshal's Office (Code Enforcement)
  • Utilities
  • Property Taxes
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