Business Licenses

A Town Business License is required if a business is located within the Town limits, or if an agent of the business comes into Town to conduct business. This includes businesses operated out of your home, and those collecting payment for rental properties. If you are not sure if your business or services require a permit, connect with us. We are happy to help!

Ready to apply or renew online? Visit the Business License Application & Renewal page or scroll down to explore additional contact options and information related to business license applications and renewals.

Business License Application Information

Town of Los Gatos Business License

The license tax due can be determined based on the type of business activity. Those businesses which are based on retail sales, wholesale, manufacturing, and/or jobbing have taxes based on a sliding scale. All other businesses have taxes based on flat fees set forth in the Town Code Sec. 14.20.115. Flat-fee based businesses are pro-rated, by quarter, from the date of application to the end of the year.

Business License Updates as of December 2022

The Town of Los Gatos values its business community and appreciates the local services, products, and community vitality each business provides. We are informing all Town businesses of some recent changes to streamline and improve the business license application and renewal process and update the annual fee structure.

Business License Partnership with HdL

The Town is pleased to partner with HdL Companies (HdL) to provide dedicated business license support to Los Gatos businesses. The Town’s business license application and renewal process is streamlined by offering online business license applications and renewals. HdL will assist with a variety of business license related tasks including new applications, annual renewals, payments, compliance inquiries, and any other general support.

As of December 16, 2022, Town businesses will work directly with the HdL Business Support Center to address business license processing needs, including 2023 renewals. The renewal notices for the 2023 year were mailed out by HdL. The Business License Renewal Portal is now available at LosGatos.HdLGov.com.

Measure J and Business License Tax Program Modernization

In November, Los Gatos voters approved Measure J, which modernizes the Town’s business license tax program. This is the first update to the program since 1991, strengthening funding for core Town services that are enjoyed by Town businesses. Measure J included a 30% increase on flat rate fees, a 40% increase in retailing gross receipts, and a 120% increase in e-commerce, manufacturing, wholesaling, and jobbing gross receipts.

Thank you for your continued investment in the Los Gatos business community. The Town team looks forward to working with your businesses through this transition. Questions can be directed to the Business License Department via email at businesslicense@losgatosca.gov, or via phone at (408) 354-6835.

Additional Requirements

Check CalGold to see if additional Federal, State, and County licenses or permits are required.

Other agency compliance that your business may require:

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) - For seller's permit
IRS and Franchise Tax Board - Employer Tax ID
Employment Development Department - If your business will be having employees
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control - If you intend to sell or serve alcoholic beverages
County of Santa Clara Consumer Protection Division - For serving or preparing food

How to Apply for a Business License

The Town has partnered with HdL Companies to provide dedicated business license support to Los Gatos businesses. You may apply either online, by phone, or through the mail.

Online: Applying online is quick, easy, and convenient! Visit LosGatos.HdLGov.com
Phone: For immediate assistance, call the Town of Los Gatos Business Support Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (408) 502-5687.
Mail: Request an application to be sent by mail by calling (408) 502-5687. Mail the completed form to: Town of Los Gatos Business Support Center, 8839 N. Cedar Avenue #212, Fresno, CA 93720 OR scan and email the completed form to LosGatos@HdLGov.com.

Please note after the business license fee is paid, a Business License will be issued to you by mail or email. Upon receipt of your Business License, the Town of Los Gatos Municipal Code requires it be posted in a conspicuous location at your place of business.

Emergency Information Contact Card

The Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department requires all businesses to update their emergency contact information annually using the Online Emergency Contact Information Form.

License Period

Annual business license renewals are due and payable in advance of January 2nd of each year, are valid for the year in which they are issued. All business licenses expire on December 31st of that year. New business licenses are valid from the date of payment of tax to the end of that year.

Business owners are responsible for renewing their business license no later than January 2, regardless of the receipt of a courtesy notice. Thank you!