Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 3 — Revenue and Finance›Division II — Business License and Tax Program
Palm Springs Municipal Code Ch. 3.80 Business License Tax Rates—generally
Palm Springs Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Palm Springs
Cite as: Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 3.80 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 3.80.010. License rates prescribed and classified.¶
The several rates of business license taxes payable in connection with conducting or carrying on businesses, shows, exhibitions and games within this city, are hereafter in Chapters 3.80 through 3.96 prescribed and classified. Every person who engages in business, whether or not at a fixed place of business, within the city, shall pay a license tax based upon:
(1) A fixed fee; or
(2) The graduated scale as hereinafter prescribed; or
(3) The graduated scale with minimum fee as prescribed; or
(4) A gross receipts basis.
| The various categories into which particular businesses fall with regard to tax rates payable shall be as hereinafter more specifically set forth. |
|---|
(Prior code § 2201; Ord. 909 § 1, 1971)
§ 3.80.020. Activities within scope of license tax.¶
Each business for which a license tax is paid hereunder shall include and embrace the several activities generally understood and accepted as customary to be associated with and a part of same.
(Prior code § 2202; Ord. 909 § 1, 1971)
§ 3.80.030. Out-of-town businesses.¶
Unless otherwise herein prescribed, with the exception of those contractors licensed by the state pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code of the state, out-of-town businesses shall pay twice the minimum fee; and where no minimum fee is prescribed the out-of-town fee shall be $100 per year.
(Prior code § 2203; Ord. 909 § 1, 1971)
§ 3.80.040. Unmentioned businesses.¶
In any case where business is conducted within the city, whether or not at a fixed place of business within the city, and such business is not specifically mentioned in Chapters 3.40 through 3.96 for purposes of assigning a tax rate thereto, then said business shall have its license tax computed upon the basis of the "graduated scale."
(Prior code § 2204; Ord. 909 § 1, 1971)
§ 3.80.050. Graduated scale basis of computation.¶
Whenever in Chapters 3.40 through 3.96 the term "graduated scale" is used it refers to the following basis of license tax computation; and whenever a license tax is to be computed on the basis of "graduated scale," it shall be computed on the basis of the number of employees utilized in the conduct of the business, with rates as follows:
| Employees | Per Year |
|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | $ 50.00 |
| 3 to 6 | 100.00 |
| 7 to 10 | 150.00 |
| 11 to 14 | 200.00 |
| 15 to 20 | 250.00 |
| 21 to 30 | 300.00 |
| 31 to 40 | 350.00 |
| 41 to 50 | 400.00 |
| 51 or more employees | $400.00, plus $5 for each employee over fifty. |
(Prior code § 2205; Ord. 909 § 1, 1971)
§ 3.80.060. "Number of employees" defined.¶
As used in connection with computations based upon the graduated scale, "number of employees" means the greatest number of individuals taking part in the business during any twenty-four hour period included within the term of the license; provided, however, that no such computation shall be based upon an employee count which was abnormally inflated for a period of less than twenty-four hours by reason of a special event or extraordinary situation.
(Prior code § 2206; Ord. 909 § 1, 1971)
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