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Madera County, CA Local Taxes & Fees: Business Tax Classification (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Ch. 5.04, Business Licenses
Standard annual fee
$40, all businesses
Issuing office
County license collector
Applies to
Unincorporated Madera County only

Summary

Madera County requires every business applicant to disclose enough detail to classify the business activity before the license collector can determine the license fee.

City-specific rules exist: Madera has its own business tax classification rules that differ from Madera County's county-level regulations. If you live in Madera, check the city-specific page instead.

Applicants must provide accurate and complete information to facilitate proper classification of the business activity and determination of applicable license fees.3.Upon payment of the required fees, the License Collector will issue a business license that includes:a.The name of the license holder and the issuance date;b.The nature of the business activity authorized;c.The address or location where the business will operate;d.The status of the license (e.g., permanent, temporary) and, if applicable, the expiration date;e.Any additional information deemed necessary for regulatory enforcement or compliance.(B)Business Validity.1.A business license remains valid provided that all required fees are paid on time and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.2.Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in license suspension, penalties, or other enforcement actions as prescribed by county regulations.(C)Business License for New Businesses.1.Individuals or entities starting a business within the county shall pay the business license amount as approved by the Board.2.The annual license amount, including fees, will be charged, with no prorations, regardless of the timing of the application within the fiscal year.3.Applications submitted within 30 days prior to the start of the next business license cycle will be granted and approved for the full 12-month term beginning with the new cycle.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).

Full Breakdown

Under Madera County Code § 5.04.060, applicants for a county business license must submit accurate, complete information so the Community and Economic Development Department can properly classify the business activity and determine the applicable license fee. The classification mainly drives processing, though: Section 5.04.180 sets the fee for nearly every business at forty dollars per twelve-month period, with no proration and no separate tiers by industry. This chapter applies only within the unincorporated portion of Madera County; the cities of Madera and Chowchilla issue their own separate business licenses.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a required business license, or misrepresenting business information on the application, is a misdemeanor under § 5.04.200, and the tax collector may also suspend or revoke the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the business license fee change by business type in Madera County?
No. Section 5.04.180 sets a flat $40 annual fee for nearly all businesses; classification data is used to process the application, not to set a tiered rate.
Do businesses inside the city of Madera need this county license?
No. This chapter governs only the unincorporated portion of Madera County; the city of Madera and Chowchilla issue their own separate business licenses.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Madera County

All Madera County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California local taxes & fees overview

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Business Tax Classification in Cities Across Madera County