Finance

Business Licenses


Businesses operating within the city limits of Seneca are required to purchase a City of Seneca business license. A business license is an excise tax on the privilege of doing business in a municipality or county and not a sales, income or property tax. It is a method of requiring a business or occupation to contribute its share in support of the government "as it regards the profits or advantages of such occupations."

The license must be computed on gross income pursuant to state law without deductions. It does not apply to those who work for wages or salary.

Fees are based on the rate class associated with the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 2017 edition. Please contact our office at 864-885-2700 for correct classification of your business or use this link for the US Census website:

https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/

All new businesses located within the city limits must obtain a City of Seneca business license before opening for business. All City of Seneca business licenses expire April 30th.

Taxpayers are not exempt from a license tax simply because no notice or application was mailed to them. Every business operator is presumed to have knowledge of the law applicable to the business.

Confidentiality: The City of Seneca realizes that a business's financial information is confidential. It is the City's policy to keep all financial information on all business licenses confidential as well.

Now Available Online:


You can now conveniently get your Business License online using our CitizenServe portal. Here's all the things you can now do online:

  • Apply For A Business License
  • Apply For A Vendor License
  • Apply For A City Contractor Business License
  • Search For A License
  • Learn More About Licensing

Common Errors To Avoid


  • Be sure your application and check are signed and dated.
  • Call 864-885-2700 for assistance in calculating your business license fee.
  • Resident businesses pay your renewal fees before April 30th to avoid penalties.

Resident Business License


Please see the list below for the information required for obtaining a new business license for a business located within the city limits of Seneca:

  • Zoning Compliance (Seneca Planning Department 864-885-2726)
  • New Business Utilities Application (Seneca Light & Water 864-885-2723)
  • Business Name
  • Owner’s Name
  • Mailing Address
  • Physical Location of Business
  • Phone Number
  • Fax Number
  • Federal Id Number or Social Security Number
  • Description/Type of business you will be opening
  • Emergency Contact Information

New City of Seneca Resident Business License Application

Non-Resident Business License


All non-resident businesses coming into the city limits to work must apply for a City of Seneca business license. The license is based on a per job basis. Every job requires a current City of Seneca business license or an update on that license.

Please see the list below for the information required for obtaining a new business license for a business located outside the city limits of Seneca wanting to conduct business within the city limits of Seneca:

  • Business Name
  • Owner’s Name
  • Mailing Address
  • Physical Location of Business
  • Phone Number
  • Fax Number
  • Federal Id Number or Social Security Number
  • Description/Type of business you will be conducting
  • Address of the job where you will be working
  • Amount you will be paid for the job (all City of Seneca non-resident business licenses are based on the gross receipts paid (labor & materials) to the business)

NOTE: The City of Seneca accepts the standard business license application provided by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) to non-resident business owners.

New City of Seneca Non-Resident Business License Application

MASC Standard Business License Application

Contractor & Subcontractor Info


Businesses operating within the city limits of Seneca are required to purchase a City of Seneca business license. This also pertains to General Contractors, Residential Contractors and Subcontractors.

Contractors and subcontractors have no basis under state law to claim an exemption from the business license tax. A contractor who claims the license fee charged for being certified by the state exempts him from municipal license fees may be charged without regard to other forms of taxation. Each municipality in which he takes a contract may collect a license fee. 1950-51 Op. Attorney General pg. 198

Festival (Craft & Food) Vendor Info


The City of Seneca has several events during the year which include, but are not limited to, Jazz on the Alley, Cruisin on Main, Seneca Fest, July 4th, Brew and Que, Jeep Fest, Halloween on the Green, and the City Christmas parade.

Craft vendors and food vendors must have a City of Seneca business license for any events held in the city limits. Depending on the event, a booth fee may be required. Insurance information is required by the city for ALL food vendors.

Note: Anyone participating in a city event is required to have a business license. ex: musicians, bands, DJs, advertising your business or organization.