Planning an Event in McCall? Better Check with the City First
Today we learned from someone in the McCall city clerk's office that their business license ordinance has been revised to reflect the need for all businesses, even those not located in McCall, to secure a business license to conduct business there. The wording is rather nebulous, saying,
"Any person or entity seeking to engage in, prosecute or carry on any trade, business or profession within the limits of McCall must obtain a General Business License from the City Clerk. "
According to the source, anyone and everyone working in McCall, no matter how long, must have a license, including delivery vehicles. When asked how the the ordinance would be enforced, she wasn't sure. The license fee is $125 and good for one year. Renewal is $25.
McCall is one of 13 cities in Idaho that collects a local option sales tax. The person stated that the city wants to be certain the tax is collected on all products and applicable services rendered within McCall city limits, hence the license requirement. When a business applies for a city license, they will also receive information about the need to collect the local option tax.
So, before planning your wedding, reunion, anniversary party or another event in McCall, be certain to contact the city clerk's office. If you bring a cake or flowers from Boise or another location, you could be double taxed, once by the vendor and again by McCall. Hiring a band or DJ from another area? They may need a license. Holding a church camp, 4H camp, Girl Scout or Boy Scout camp? You could be charged tax on the food and other items you bring with you.
Let's hope McCall's city council has thoroughly considered the implications of this new requirement. They could be limiting business occurring in McCall, rather than filling their coffers. Personally, I will recommend to my clients that they consider Cascade or even Stanley or Ketchum rather than McCall as the location of their special event.
Update - On June 30, 2016, the city clerk secured an opinion from the city attorney who determined that a business license will not be needed but a local tax permit will be. The tax permit can be secured from the city clerk's office.
"Any person or entity seeking to engage in, prosecute or carry on any trade, business or profession within the limits of McCall must obtain a General Business License from the City Clerk. "
According to the source, anyone and everyone working in McCall, no matter how long, must have a license, including delivery vehicles. When asked how the the ordinance would be enforced, she wasn't sure. The license fee is $125 and good for one year. Renewal is $25.
McCall is one of 13 cities in Idaho that collects a local option sales tax. The person stated that the city wants to be certain the tax is collected on all products and applicable services rendered within McCall city limits, hence the license requirement. When a business applies for a city license, they will also receive information about the need to collect the local option tax. So, before planning your wedding, reunion, anniversary party or another event in McCall, be certain to contact the city clerk's office. If you bring a cake or flowers from Boise or another location, you could be double taxed, once by the vendor and again by McCall. Hiring a band or DJ from another area? They may need a license. Holding a church camp, 4H camp, Girl Scout or Boy Scout camp? You could be charged tax on the food and other items you bring with you.
Let's hope McCall's city council has thoroughly considered the implications of this new requirement. They could be limiting business occurring in McCall, rather than filling their coffers. Personally, I will recommend to my clients that they consider Cascade or even Stanley or Ketchum rather than McCall as the location of their special event.
Update - On June 30, 2016, the city clerk secured an opinion from the city attorney who determined that a business license will not be needed but a local tax permit will be. The tax permit can be secured from the city clerk's office.
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