Do Business Owners Need to Pay City Taxes?

Do business owners need to pay city taxes?

At a recent Business Summit at Temple University, a participant raised a question that many entrepreneurs quietly wonder:

“Do I really need to pay city taxes too?”

The short answer? Yes.

The long answer? Absolutely yes—if you ever want the city to help you in any way.

Here’s the truth:

If you apply for a grant, the city will check your tax status.

If you need a business license, they’ll check again.

If you’re dealing with permits, inspections, or certifications, guess what? Yep, they’ll look.

In other words, think of city taxes as your business’s membership card. No membership, no benefits. The city won’t give you assistance if your city taxes aren’t paid up.

The good news? City taxes aren’t nearly as scary as state or federal taxes.

In fact, many of our clients are pleasantly surprised at how manageable they are once they get organized.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re behind, don’t panic. Getting caught up on city taxes is usually a lot less stressful than you think—and we can help you get everything in order. More importantly, we’ll help you plan ahead so it doesn’t become a headache again.

So, next time you ask, “Do I really need to pay city taxes?” remember this:

If you ever want the city to be there for your business, you’ve got to show up for them first.

Ready to get squared away with your city taxes? Schedule a consultation with us today!