Business Tax

All businesses that do business in Burbank, whether physically located in Burbank or not, must register for an account. Applications may be brought to our office for processing.

• Burbank-based Business Application
• Out-of-Town Business Application
• Home Occupation Application
• Apartment Owner Rental Application
• Commercial Property Rental Application
• Credit Card Form

Our offices are located in the Community Services Building, 150 North Third Street, Burbank, CA 91502.

To file a new business physically located in Burbank or change the location of an existing Burbank business, please visit our office Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.  

For new out-of-town businesses and existing businesses, our counters are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. to assist you with filing a new business application and for payment drop off.

For questions, please email [email protected] or contact the office at (818) 238-5280. 

Businesses who have premises located in Burbank shall post their business tax certificate or business license on the premises. For those businesses who operate in Burbank without a fixed location, a copy of the registration or license shall be carried on their person.

If a vehicle is involved in the business activity, the vehicle may be required to display a current year decal affixed on the registered vehicle for identification and acknowledgement of payment.

Contractor's Business Tax (PDF) is required for out-of-town contractors working on a construction project in Burbank. This is paid per job with issuance of the Building Permit. Please return application to the Building Permit Counter at [email protected] or P.O. Box 6459, Burbank, CA 91510-6459.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Business Tax? A business tax is a revenue generation mechanism that most cities levy for the purpose of raising revenues to support and improve city services. (Burbank Municipal Code 2-4-802). This IS NOT A GROSS RECEIPTS TAX as used in most cities, with a couple exceptions.
  
  There are varying methods for computing the Burbank business tax based on the type of business activity. The most common method is a basic tax combined with a per employee fee, which is paid annually on a calendar year basis.
  
  A one-time, registration fee is required of each applicant, and Burbank-based business require Zoning Review by Planning Division and payment of a review fee. The business tax rates are adjusted annually based on the Producers Price Index (PPI). 

• Can I make changes to my business tax and/or business license account? City of Burbank business tax certificates and business licenses are not transferable. Any change as to the ownership of the business, the location of the business, business name, or the nature of business conducted, will require a new business tax certificate or business license which will be subject to all applicable approvals, a change fee, and zoning review fee.

• How can I find out the correct zoning designation for a property? The single most important factor regarding the approval process is zoning. We recommend that all business owners, prior to entering into any purchase, lease, or rental agreements, check with the Planning Division regarding appropriate zoning before they apply for a business tax certificate or regulatory business license.
  
  Planning may be consulted by emailing [email protected], phoning (818) 238-5250, or at the Permit Counter during counter hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Please note, Planning's approval must be obtained in writing at their Permit Counter only.

• How do I file Fictitious Business Name Statement? Fictitious Business Name requests are handled by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. For registration and publishing information, please visit the County's web site.