Doing Business in Oxnard
All businesses operating in the City of Oxnard are required to register for a Business Tax Certificate. The City of Oxnard issues a Business Tax Certificate instead of a business license.
A Business Tax Certificate is a necessity to operate any form of business in the state of California. It is issued on an annual basis for the tax you pay every year for operating a business within the City of Oxnard. It must be renewed annually in advance of the first day of the anniversary month of your business operation each year.
You must have a Business Tax Certificate before conducting any business, trade, profession, enterprise, establishment or occupation within the Oxnard limits – even if your business is located outside of the city limits, or you have a business license or tax certificate from another city.
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Business Tax Certificate
You may apply online for your Oxnard Business Tax Certificate via the link below.
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Business Tax Certificate for Contractors
Licensed Contractors may apply via the link below. Businesses based outside of Oxnard may apply by email, fax or mail.
Resources
Permits
Need a permit from the City? From building permits to sign installations, this page is the resource for all your permit questions and needs.
Web Link
Oxnard Business Tax Data
Current business tax data is available online for the public to view and search; data is updated every seven business days.
Web Link
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
The CDTFA is the public agency charged with assessing and collecting sales and use taxes, as well as a variety of excise fees and taxes.
Web Link
CalGold
Comprehensive resource for owners to find the appropriate permit for their business.
Web Link
Assembly Bill 1607
Starting January 1, 2021, Assembly Bill 1607 requires the prevention of gender-based discrimination of business establishments.
Web Link
Frequently Asked Licensing Questions
All businesses operating in the City of Oxnard are required to register for a Business Tax Certificate. The City of Oxnard issues a Business Tax Certificate instead of a business license. A Business Tax Certificate (BTC) is a necessity to operate any form of business in the state of California. It is issued on an annual basis for the tax you pay every year for operating a business within the City of Oxnard. It must be renewed annually in advance of the first day of the anniversary month of your business operation each year.
Any person who conducts any business, trade, profession, enterprise, establishment or occupation within the city shall obtain a Business Tax Certificate, whether or not the physical business address is in or outside of Oxnard.
If your business is physically located within the city limits of Oxnard, you must apply in person to go through Planning and Zoning approval. Once you are approved, you can renew your certificate online each year. If your business is located outside the city limits, your business tax certificate application can be processed by email at [email protected], mail (214 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030) or faxed to (805) 385-7836.
The cost of a business tax certificate is based on the type of business and is calculated either on a flat rate (01/02/11) or gross receipt (31/29). If the business tax is calculated on gross receipts, you will be required to provide a 12- month estimate of gross receipts. Each year thereafter you will be required to remit proof of gross receipts to renew. Download the Acceptable Forms of Gross Receipts PDF to see acceptable forms to verify Gross Receipts as well as information on acceptable deductions.
If you collect retirement benefits, are a non-profit organization, have a valid Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Permit, Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) or are a retired veteran, then you may be exempt from the requirement to pay a business tax. Applicable for Sole Proprietor ownerships only. Please contact Licensing Services to discuss.
The City will send an annual Business Tax Certificate renewal notice. However, it is the business owner’s responsibility to renew before the delinquent date. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts, regardless of whether you receive a renewal notice or not. If you do not receive a renewal notice by the expiration date of the business tax certificate, please contact Licensing Services immediately.
If you own more than one business, you will need to acquire a business tax certificate for each location and for each type of business. You may be eligible for a branch establishment business tax certificate. Please contact Licensing Services at (805) 385-7817 or by email at [email protected] for further information.
Before going to any public agency you should have an exact address for the proposed business. Having an accurate site location is crucial for receiving the correct zoning information and for filing various documents and permits. Private mailbox addresses are for mailing purposes only and cannot be used as a business address.
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