Montclair · the Inland Empire
Bookkeeping for Montclair businesses
The Montclair business license in plain words
Montclair says every business that operates in the city pays a business license tax. The license certificate is your proof that you paid it.
A Montclair license runs for one year from the date it is issued, and it cannot be transferred to a new owner. The city offers business license registration online, and you can also apply and pay in person at the Finance counter at City Hall.
Some industrial and commercial businesses must first get the State's Industrial General Permit through the state's SMARTS online system before the city issues a license. Start on the City of Montclair business page.
Records to keep for your Montclair license
| Record | What to keep | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Business license certificate | A copy and the date it was issued | It runs one year from that date |
| Change of owner, if you buy a business | The sale papers | A license cannot be transferred, so the new owner needs a new one |
| State Industrial General Permit, if it applies | The permit papers | The city may ask for it before it issues a license |
| City fees you paid | Receipts for each fee | We record them as license and permit expense |
How we work with Montclair 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
- Can I transfer a Montclair business license when I sell my business?
- No. The city says a license cannot be transferred to another owner. The new owner needs their own license. Check the city's business page for the current steps.
- Do you apply for or renew my Montclair 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 Montclair's business license information. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the city.