Business Zone
Business License/Business Tax Certificate All individuals, corporations, firms, syndicates, joint stock corporations, partnerships, trusts, associations, organizations, clubs, and societies which offer goods, materials, commodities, wares, merchandise or services for sale to the public in Culver City and all professions, crafts, trades, occupations and callings of every kind and nature which are carried on for profit in Culver City are required to obtain a business tax certificate (also known as a business license) within 30 days of starting business.
A business tax certificate is required whether the business actually makes a profit or not. Independent contractors must obtain a business tax certificate. Non-profit organizations are required to obtain a business tax certificate but are exempted from paying business tax on those activities for which they have I.R.S. proof of tax exemption.
Business License & Business Tax Certificate FAQ'sDownload Business License FormsTransient Occupancy Tax (Hotel/Motel Tax)
Transient occupancy tax is levied on hotel/motel room rent charges for all hotel/motel room occupants, except those guests whose stay is for more than 30 consecutive days. The tax rate is 12% of the rent charged for the room.
Utility Users TaxesElectricity, gas, water, telecommunications and cable television services provided to both residential and business users are subject to local utility user tax. The utility user tax rate is 11%.
To view the City's current UUT ordinance (updated on April 8, 2008), please
click here.
Business Name SearchLocate a Business in Culver City Accounts Payable & Accounts ReceivableHow can I pay my refuse collection bill? What is the penalty for late payment? Why is it so high?Refuse payments may be made by mail, at the City Hall drop box or in person to the Finance Department. Payment must be received by the City Treasurer by the last day of the month. Postmarks are not accepted as proof of a mailing date. Payments placed in the City Hall drop box must be deposited before 5:00 pm on the last day of the month or they will not be credited until the following business day. The late payment penalty is 50% of the amount due. The late payment penalty is set by resolution of the City Council.
How often does the City pay vendors? Vendors are paid weekly. Information on a specific payment is available from the City department which authorized the purchase in question.
Why do businesses located in a Business Improvement District (BID) have to pay a special assessment?A Business Improvement District (BID) is a mechanism authorized by City ordinance to enable all businesses in a specific area to self-assess fees to support common marketing programs and other measures to improve business conditions. Both the existence of the BID and the assessment fee schedule must be re-authorized each year by the City Council. A BID fee is not a tax. At the request of the BID member businesses, BID fees are collected by the City and transferred to the BID governing body for administration and expenditure. For more information on BID's in Culver City, contact the Redevelopment Agency at 310-253-5760.