Claremont · the Inland Empire
Bookkeeping for Claremont businesses
The Claremont business license in plain words
Claremont's code says most businesses that operate or do work in the city need a license, which the city also calls a Business Tax Certificate. That includes home based businesses. It also includes businesses outside Claremont that work in the city, such as contractors, gardeners, repair people and consultants. Owners who rent two or more units also need one.
A Claremont license is good for one year and must be renewed every year. The fee depends on the type of business, its gross receipts, or both. If you stop doing business, you need to tell the city.
Many businesses need special permits or approvals before the city issues a license. The city has a page for how to apply and a page for renewal options. Start on the City of Claremont business license page.
Records to keep for your Claremont license
| Record | What to keep | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Business Tax Certificate and renewal date | A copy and the date it expires | It is good for one year |
| Gross receipts for the year | Your monthly sales totals | The fee can depend on gross receipts |
| Special permits or approvals, if needed | Copies of each one | The city may need them before it issues a license |
| Notice to the city if you close | A copy and the date | The city asks you to tell it when you stop |
How we work with Claremont businesses
We do monthly bookkeeping and payroll. We work in QuickBooks Online and Xero. We close your books by day 10 and send a profit and loss statement, a balance sheet and a cash summary.
We are not the city and we are not lawyers. Rules, costs and forms change, so always check with the city before you apply or renew. This guide is based on the city's own business license information.
Questions people ask
- I live outside Claremont but work there. Do I need a license?
- Often, yes. The city says businesses outside Claremont that do work in the city, such as contractors, gardeners, repair people and consultants, need a business license. Check the city's business license page for the current steps.
- Do you apply for or renew my Claremont license for me?
- No. You apply and renew with the city. We record what you paid in your books.
- Do you do payroll for my staff?
- Yes. Payroll is one of our two services, along with monthly bookkeeping.
Details checked in October 2026 from the City of Claremont's business license information. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the city.