City of Monroe, LA

Q: What are the requirements to start a business?

A: (1) Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy at the Planning and Zoning Department located at 802 N 31st Street, Monroe, LA or online at MGOConnect Under Apply Online for Planning & Zoning - Certificate of Occupancy Application.  For assistance and additional information, please contact our Planning and Zoning Department at 318-329-2210. The certificate fee is $75.00.

(2) Proceed to the Tax and Revenue office located at 316 Breard Street, Monroe, LA 71201 to apply for an Occupational License and a local sales tax number. Both the license and sales tax registrations are required before the business can be operational. To obtain an application click on the link below or pick one up at the Tax & Revenue office. If you need further assistance or would like to have an application faxed, please call our office 318-329-2220 and select option #3, Occupational & Alcohol licenses.

Click here to download the license form

(3) Before the occupational license can be released, an inspection is required. If there are any violations discovered during the course of the inspection, the necessary corrections must be made and the Inspections Department notified for final inspection. For final inspection, call the Inspections Department at 318-329-2351 to schedule an appointment.

(4) Upon completion of the final inspection, present your final inspection copy (Yellow) to the Tax and Revenue office to receive your Occupational License.

Q: Are the license transferable?

A: Licenses are nontransferable and considered null and void if the company changes ownership.

Q: What is the cost associated with the license?

A: The licenses are based on type of business you are planning to operate in the City of Monroe. Refer to the reverse side of the application for an occupational license tax tables and the associated Louisiana Revised Statutes.

Q: How to obtain a tax id-number?

A: Tax-id numbers are assigned to every applicant that is classified as retail dealer, etc.

Q: When are licenses renewed?

A: Occupational Licenses must be renewed by the last day of February each year, with penalty & interest of 6.25% per month starting March 1st and continuing until license is paid.