Beaumont, CA Local Taxes & Fees: Business Tax Classification (2026)
Key Facts
- Unlisted businesses
- Referred to City Council to classify and fix the fee
- License year
- July 1 to June 30
- Half-year license
- 50 percent for operations starting after January 1
- Out-of-city vehicle business
- $48 per year under Section 5.20.040
- Late penalty
- 10 percent plus 10 percent monthly, capped at 50 percent
- Unlicensed penalty
- 100 percent of the appropriate license fee
Summary
In the City of Beaumont, California, every business operating in the City needs a city license, and the license tax is set by classification. A business the rate schedule does not name goes from the City Clerk to the City Council, which classifies it and fixes the fee. Title 5 of the Beaumont Municipal Code, chiefly Section 5.20.050, governs.
It is the intent and purpose of this title to license, either for revenue or regulation, or both, as set forth in this title, all business conducted within the City, other than those specifically excepted in this title, and if application for a license is made for any business not specifically referred to in this title, or not included in any of the provisions of this title fixing license fees, the City Clerk shall refer any such application to the City Council for consideration and classification and the City Council shall fix the license fee to be charged therefore.
Full Breakdown
Section 5.20.050 says the title licenses, for revenue or regulation or both, all business conducted within the City other than those specifically excepted. If an application names a business the title does not mention or price, the City Clerk refers it to the City Council for consideration and classification, and the Council fixes the fee. Section 5.04.010 makes it unlawful to run any business, trade, profession, exhibition or occupation in the City without first procuring a license or permit.
Classification runs through the fee schedules. Section 5.20.020 adopts Class I through Class VII schedules by reference, changeable by governing body action and certified by the City Clerk, and Section 5.20.030 lets all title fees be amended by resolution. Section 5.20.080 then lists rates by trade: hawkers pay $100 per year, hotels pay $24, $30 or $36 by room count, and an auction needs a special City Council permit at $600 per year. Many entries only refer back to Sections 5.20.010 through 5.20.060.
Some classes turn on gross receipts. Section 5.20.070 puts vending machine operators dispensing tangible property in Class VIII, from $25 on receipts up to $2,500 to $100 at $20,001 and up. Intangible property vendors fall in Class IX, from $45 up to $210 for $45,001 to $50,000, plus $1.00 per $1,000 above $50,000. Rates use the prior calendar year's gross receipts, and a new business estimates them and trues up within 30 days after its license period ends. Section 5.08.070 counts all receipts, cash, credits and property with no deduction for cost of goods, materials, labor, interest or losses.
Other rules: a business with no fixed place in the City that delivers goods or services by vehicle pays $48 per year (Section 5.20.040). The license year runs July 1 to June 30, and a new operation starting after January 1 can take a half-year license at 50 percent (Section 5.20.010). Each branch or separate place needs its own license, and allied businesses at one location pay the highest fee once (Section 5.04.020).
Violations & Fines
A license is delinquent if unpaid by the last day of the month after expiration. Section 5.04.030 adds a ten percent penalty, then another ten percent on the last day of each later month, capped at 50 percent of the license tax due. Section 5.04.040 penalizes a business operating without a license at 100 percent of the appropriate fee. Section 5.04.080 allows no refund of license fees, and Section 5.12.040 says a clerical error in classification does not prejudice the City's collection of the proper fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my business type is not in the Beaumont rate schedule?
How does Beaumont calculate license tax for gross receipts classes?
What counts as gross receipts in Beaumont?
When is the Beaumont business license year and can the fee be prorated?
What is the penalty for a late or missing license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaumont
California rules heatmap·Compare Beaumont to another location·View the California local taxes & fees overview
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