Business owners and those seeking to open a business in Okaloosa County will pay one, flat rate for their Business Tax Receipts (BTR) starting July 1, 2013. The Board of County Commissioners adopted a revised ordinance presented by the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office which outlines the cost for a BTR. Formally known as an Occupational License, BTRs are required to conduct business in Okaloosa County. Tax Collector Ben Anderson said, “The previous method of determining the cost had many different tiers, was confusing and even made some businesses purchase multiple BTRs.”
The revised ordinance calls for the annual Business Tax Receipt for all businesses located in Okaloosa County to be $35.00. Tax Collector Ben Anderson stated, “We presented the flat rate idea to the County Commission as a way to simplify government and maintain a fair, competitive work environment for all business entrepreneurs.” He continues, “Commissioners agreed and brought forth the long overdue revisions to the business ordinance.”
The local Business Tax Receipt is imposed by the Board of County Commissioners for the privilege of doing business in Okaloosa County. Persons who provide merchandise, entertainment, or services to the public, even if only a one-person company or home-based business, must obtain a local Business Tax Receipt before they can conduct business.