Local Business License

[Amy E.]

Hi,

I'm new and just getting started and can't seem to get anyone locally to answer the question of "Do I need a local business license or not".

I live in Georgia and my home is in a county outside city limits. I've registered an LLC with our Secretary of State and also obtained an EIN from the IRS using my local home address as the address of record (state website would not accept a PO box and to be honest I don't really want to pay for one). I am a little concerned because my home neighborhood has covenants that state you can't run a business from your home. So if I need a business license, I am not sure what address to list.

I've called the county three times asking if I need a business license to hold rental properties (did not mention the LLC, wanted to know what it is for a person first). The first time I called they said they'd call back and never did. The second time I called they said if I make money, I have to have a license (makes sense, the Gov't always gets its share). Then they tried to transfer me and we got disconnected. We I called back, got yet another person who said that since I lived in the county but was intending to buy houses in the city, I needed to talk to the city.

Called the city twice. First time they said they didn't know and would call me back (haven't). I called again this morning and the person didn't know the answer and said they'd have the supervisor call me back (doubt it).

Does anyone have experience figuring out if you have to have a local business licence to own rentals? Is it different if you're a person vs. an LLC? I realize laws are going to vary at the local level, but I can't get my local Government to give me any info.....

Thanks,

Amy