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1. What is an occupational license tax?

An occupational license tax is a tax on the gross receipts of each person or entity operating a physical business location within Jefferson Parish. If your business is located within the city limits of Gretna, Grand Isle, Harahan, Kenner, or Westwego you should pay your occupational license tax directly to that municipality.

2. What is required to obtain an occupational license?

• If a corporation, corporation must be in good standing with the LA Secretary of State.
• A zoning clearance issued by the Jefferson Parish Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement.
• If the name of the business does not include your full legal name or the name of your corporation, a receipt indicating that the trade name of the business has been recorded with the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court requires a notarized affidavit and imposes a fee to record a trade name.
• If business activity includes the sale of food or beverages, the original Plans Review receipt issued by the Jefferson Parish Health Unit.
• The minimum occupational license tax due is $50 and is reduced to $25 for anyone beginning business after June 30. Remittance should be made payable to Joseph P. Lopinto, III, Sheriff and Tax Collector.

3. How often is the occupational license tax paid and when does it expire?

The occupational license tax is renewed annually. All occupational licenses expire December 31 and are to be renewed by March 1 of the new year.

4. Are there any exemptions or special provisions pertaining to the occupational license tax?

Yes. Please review the Jefferson Parish Occupational License Tax Exemptions and Special Provisions (PDF) for specific information.

5. Where can an application for the occupational license tax be obtained?

Westbank:
200 Derbigny St.
1st Floor
Gretna, LA 70053

Applications may be obtained online via our Forms page.

6. How do I make changes (location, mailing address, trade name, etc.) to my account?

All changes require the submission of an updated application. In addition to an updated application, the following changes to accounts located within the unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish must be accompanied by:

• Location: A zoning clearance issued by the Regulatory Department, and if food items are sold, a clearance issued by the Jeff Parish Health Department.
• Trade Name: The new trade name must be recorded with the Clerk of Court
• Ownership: The occupational license tax is not transferable. The new owner(s) must apply as a new business.