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1. Do I need to obtain a business license for both the City of Bartlett and Shelby County?

Yes. If your business is located within the Bartlett city limits, or if you do business in Bartlett, you will need to obtain both a city and a county license. Please see either the City of Bartlett’s website or call 901-385-6428 and Shelby County Business Tax 901-222-3059.

2. How do I obtain a business license?

First, obtain the Shelby County Business License (1075 Mullins Station).
Secondly, the Bartlett’s application packet is not on-line but is located within the city’s Tax Department. The process includes picking up the packet, filling it out and taking it to get approvals from the Zoning/Planning and Codes Enforcement Departments. The Fire Marshall approval will be needed for commercial buildings. Once the approvals and application have been completed, the original packet must be returned to the Tax Department with the $15 application fee, which can be paid in check or cash. In addition, a copy will be made of the Shelby County Business License and the business owner’s driver’s license. (TCA 67-4-723) The business license will be mailed to the physical location listed on the application.

3. What is a Personalty tax and why do I have to pay it?

Personalty tax is a tangible tax on the assets used to run and operate your business listed on an asset schedule provided by Shelby County. The Shelby County Assessor’s office provides the assessed value. If the asset schedule is not filed by March 1 with Shelby County, they will issue a forced assessment.

4. If my business closes what do I do?

Business closures are handled by the TN Department of Revenue. All closures will require that the business file a final/closed gross receipt tax return and remittance of all taxes. A copy of the final/closed business tax return must be given to the Bartlett’s Tax Department.
Also, the Shelby County Assessor’s Office Asset Schedule Department must be notified within 15 days after the date of selling or terminating the business. If the business asset schedule is not closed by December 31 of the year in which the business was sold or closed as assessment will be levied for the next year.