Business Tax License

City of Cookeville Business Tax License

Title 5, Chapter 3, of the Cookeville Municipal Code requires businesses operating within the city limits of Cookeville to obtain a City of Cookeville Business Tax License.

Application

When a business is located inside the city limits of Cookeville, two business licenses are required; one from the City of Cookeville and one from Putnam County. 

An application for a City of Cookeville Business Tax License (PDF) must be completed and returned to the City of Cookeville with the $15 application fee. The City of Cookeville Police Department requests a Business Key Holder form be completed for after hour emergencies. The completed Business Key Holder form (PDF) must be returned to our office with the Business Tax License application.

The City of Cookeville also requires proper zoning for all businesses. To verify that your business location is zoned for the type of business, please call the City Planning Department at 931-520-5271. The City of Cookeville Special Standards of the Zoning Code (PDF) allows certain business in residential areas. The business owner of a home occupation must sign the Affidavit for Home Occupation (PDF) that states you will abide by the Home Occupation requirements. The completed affidavit must be returned to our office with the Business Tax License Application.

The Putnam County Clerk’s Office issues business licenses for Putnam County.  The office is located at 121 South Dixie Avenue and the phone number is 931-526-7106.

Business Tax Return, Payment, Minimal Activity Fee

Businesses with $100,000 or greater in gross yearly receipts (standard license) file their return and pay any tax due online utilizing the Tennessee Department of Revenue TNTAP website. Standard licenses will not be renewed until a return is filed and payment made utilizing TNTAP.

Businesses with yearly gross receipts greater than $3,000 but less than $100,000 (minimal license) must pay a $15 Minimal Activity Fee to the City of Cookeville before their Business License will be renewed. Additional information can be found on the State of Tennessee Department of Revenue website, or by calling the Tennessee Department of Revenue.  

Business Information Changes

Any change in business name, ownership, location address, mailing address, classification or gross sales bracket should be reported to the City of Cookeville. A Business Tax Change Form (PDF) should be completed and returned to our office in person, by mail or by fax. Our mailing address is:

City of Cookeville Business Tax Department
P.O. Box 998
Cookeville, TN 38503-0998
Fax: 931-526-4897