Business Registration

Amount due is $54.00. Business Registry payments received after the filing deadline will accrue penalties.

Amount due is based on business location, business category and number of full-time employees (FTE). If your business is located within the BID, you must also pay the BID assessment fee. BID payments after the filing deadline will accrue penalties.

1. Visit Biz License Online
2. Click on Sign Up
3. Select type of account you are filing for: Business Account or Practitioner Account
4. Enter User Information and Login Information. Store your username and password in a secure place. Click "Save and Continue."
5. Select your secret question and response. Click "Save and Continue."
6. Click on Existing account and enter your account number and business name as it appears in your letter. If you do not have this information please contact muniblsupport@avenuinsights.com.
7. Click the "File Application/Return" quick link.
8. Follow the step-by-step filing instructions to report your Business Registry and BID information.
9. Online Payment Options: ACH Debit (checking/savings) or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*) and/or will prompt a response if left blank. Additional optional fields may be displayed but are not required.

1. Visit Biz License Online
2. Returning Users - Enter your username and the password that you created upon filing last year's Business Registry online application. Click Log in. If you have misplaced your password, click the FORGOT PASSWORD link.
3. From your Home page, click the "File Application/Return" quick link. Follow the step-by-step filing instructions to report your Business Registry and BID information.
4. Online Payment Options: ACH Debit (checking/savings) or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*) and/or will prompt a response if left blank. Additional optional fields may be displayed but are not required.

1. Download and complete the Business Registry Application.
2. Be sure to reference your Avenu account # on the application and complete each section. Initial sworn statements, sign and return the completed form(s) with your payment.
3. For check payments: Make check payable to “Tax Trust Account” and remit along with your form to Avenu at 555 Bryant Street #821, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Do not send application forms/payments to the City of Palo Alto; send to Avenu at 555 Bryant Street #821, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

If you are either:

1. A business or non-profit organization with less than 1 Full-Time-Equivalent employee, including owner/principal.
2. A religious organization with no ancillary business on-site.
3. A home-based or transitory (or virtual) business, you are exempt from obtaining a Business Registry Certificate.  Exempt businesses must file an application form on an annual basis; however, no fee will be applied.  To claim an exemption, file an application form and select your exemption status.

A general contractor or sub-contractor, who performs work from time to time in Palo Alto and does not have a fixed place of business (e.g., office) in the City, is exempt from obtaining a Business Registry Certificate and is not required to submit an application form – no action required.

• Business Name, Description, Structure, State of Incorporation, and Inception Date
• Owner/Principal Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email Address
• Business Address(es) – primary location and any other locations in Palo Alto
• Number of employees (full-time, part-time, contract, and volunteers – including Owner/Principal) at each location during peak times on a normal business day)
• Number of on-site parking spaces dedicated to your business at each location
• Number of annual parking permits purchased for employees at each location
• Square footage your business occupies in each location
  Note: This is the gross area in square feet your business occupies. You can find this information in your lease agreement or building floor plans. For assistance, contact your property management team.
• Federal EIN and/or Sellers permit number