I need to understand the process for obtaining a business license in Beaufort County. What is the initial business license tax for a new business (excluding additional taxes like accommodations or hospitality tax)? Are typical processing times for new applications and renewals available online? Where can I find the business license application form online, and what is the main office address and phone number for the Business License Department?
Navigate to 'https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/'. Click on the 'I want to...' dropdown menu. Under 'Business Information', click on 'Apply for a Business License'. On the Business Services page, locate the 'Forms' section and click to expand it. Identify and note the link for the 'New Business Package' as the source for the application form. Locate and click on the 'Rate Schedule' link to find information about the initial business license tax. Identify the minimum initial business license tax based on the provided rate schedule. Locate and click on the 'Taxes and Fees' link to see if there are any additional details on initial fees or processing times. Determine if typical processing times for new applications or renewals are explicitly stated on any of the visited pages (Business Services, Rate Schedule, Taxes and Fees). On the Business Services page, locate the 'Contact' section and extract the main office address and phone number for the Business License Department. Synthesize all gathered information to answer the user's questions, explicitly stating if processing times are not found.
The agent correctly identifies that the initial business license tax is not a fixed application fee but a minimum fee ranging from $35.00 to $55.00 based on business class and projected gross revenue. The agent explicitly states that typical processing times for new business license applications are not available on the website. The agent explicitly states that typical processing times for business license renewals are not available on the website. The agent provides the direct link or clear instructions on where to find the business license application form online (e.g., 'New Business Package' link). The agent provides the main office address for the Business License Department as '100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902 Administration Building'. The agent provides the main phone number for the Business License Department as '(843) 255-2270'.