Business Related Town Taxes & Fees

The Town of Hilton Head Island requires any business operating within the limits of the Town, including home occupations, to obtain a Business License. The Business License fee is based upon the type of business, location, and the estimated gross revenue of the business for the remaining calendar year. Fees for new businesses are paid at the time the business is opened. The initial fee is based upon projection of the gross revenue and a pro rata percentage of the annual fee determined from the month of startup. The Business license fees will then be paid yearly upon renewal of the license.

Some business may require that the following taxes and fees also be paid to the Town based on the type of business:

Beach Preservation Fee and Accommodations Tax

All persons or businesses renting sleeping accommodations for ninety (90) days or less are required to open an account with the Town's Business License Department in order to remit quarterly payments of 3% based on their gross revenue by the 20th day of the month following each quarter. The breakdown is 2% going to the Beach Preservation Fee and 1% going to the Accommodations Tax.

Payment forms for the current year will be mailed when an account is opened. Renewals will occur each year in March. Payment forms shall be remitted to the Town of Hilton Head Island, One Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, by the 20th day of the month following each quarter. Beginning the 21st day of the month following the quarter, the penalty rate is 5% per 30 day period until paid.

Note: if there is not any gross revenue to report, please send in your signed coupon form marked -0- for posting to your record.

Upon the sale of a rental unit, please submit a Statement of Closure form to the Town's Business License Department to close the account. The statement may be submitted via hand delivery, mail, or fax (843)341-4637.

Accommodations Tax Payment Form

Beach Preservation Fee and Accommodations Tax Application

Beach Preservation Information

Hospitality Tax

Hospitality tax is paid by the consumer or patrons of restaurants, lounges, other food establishments, grocery, convenience stores and any other establishments that sell prepared food and beverages. This tax is based on 2% of the total gross sales price received for prepared food, meals and beverages sold.

Payment forms for the current year will be mailed when an account is opened. Renewals will occur each year in March. PaymentfForms shall be remitted to the Town of Hilton Head Island, One Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, by the 20th day of the month following each quarter. Beginning the 21st day of the month following the quarter, the penalty rate is 5% per 30 day period until paid.

Note: if there is not any gross revenue to report, please send in your signed form marked -0- for posting to your record.

Upon the closure of a business, please submit a Statement of Closure form to the Town's Business License Department to close the account. The statement may be submitted via hand delivery, mail, or fax (843)341-4637.

Hospitality Tax Payment Form

Please contact the Town's Business License office at (843)341-4610 if you have any questions.