What is an occupational business license?
A Kenton County and Cities’ Occupational Business License is a license to operate a business within Kenton County and its city or cities designated within an occupational license account. The purpose of the occupational license is to fund general operating expenses, such as police, fire, public works, administrative services and emergency medical departments.
The Fiscal Court, through the Business Services department, is the licensing agent for Kenton County and its cities. Individuals and business owners operating in Covington can apply for a Covington-specific or countywide business license through the city of Covington or through Kenton County Fiscal Court's Business Services department.
A fixed fee is imposed for the privilege of engaging in any business, profession, occupation, or trade within Kenton County and cities in Kentucky, regardless of the legal residence of the party so engaged. (KRS 160.482 - 160.488). The business license fee is nonrefundable and non-transferable.
Countywide Occupational Business License
A countywide business license, priced at $225.00, is available for companies that operate in more than four cities or are uncertain about their locations of operation during the year. This license covers business activities within Kenton County and its cities, including Covington.
Fees associated with an occupational business license
Occupational business licenses must be renewed annually with a fee. Additional occupational fees required for most businesses are:
- Employee’s Quarterly Withholding: This is a wage-based payroll fee for employees and an overall wage-based fee for the business.
- Annual Occupational Fee: This fee rate is set by the county and city or cities a business operates in. It is based on net profit and/or gross receipts.