Title
Staff Report for Update on the Business License Tax Holiday (Information Only)
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This report provides an update on the results of the Business License Tax Holiday, which was initiated on September 1, 2013 and runs through December 31, 2014.
BACKGROUND
Beginning September 1, 2013, the City of San Leandro instituted a Business License Tax Holiday, waiving business license fees for new businesses through August 2014.The Business License Tax Holiday was extended on July 7, 2014 to run through December 31, 2014.
Under the Tax Holiday program, businesses that are new to San Leandro, including start-ups and businesses re-locating from other areas, have been exempt from paying the tax through the 2014 calendar year. The City has also waived a zoning conformance review fee of $107 for new businesses. The Business License Tax Holiday excluded out-of-City contractors, businesses not located in San Leandro, rental property owners, amusement devices, and waste disposal sites.
The intent of the program was to capitalize on the improving economy as well as major economic drivers such as the Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center and Lit San Leandro to ensure that the City did everything possible to attract new businesses.
Initial Outreach and Media Coverage
A primary benefit of the Business License Tax Holiday has been the message it sends regarding San Leandro's willingness to support new businesses. Combined with a robust program of business incentives, the One Stop Permit Center, and a business-friendly attitude by staff, the Tax Holiday helps to proclaim that San Leandro is open and ready for business. Toward that end, publicity for the Tax Holiday was important as the City sought to spread the word about this program. Outreach was very successful and the coverage helped to draw attention to the numerous positive developments occurring in San Leandro.
Press coverage of the Business License Tax ...
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