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BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL INFORMATION
RELATING TO ANNEXATION

Thank you for taking the time to find out more about joining the City of Tucson. Annexation impacts commercial property owners and business owners in a few more ways than it does residential. This is because of laws and taxes related to conducting business within the city limits.

This page is designed to provide initial information about what joining the City would mean for those with businesses or commercial properties. The intent is to provide you with information, resources and contacts. And, of course, if you have any questions or want to discuss something, please feel welcome to call our staff, too!

Benefits of Being Part of the City of Tucson:

•	You will be served by Tucson Fire Department – Your business, customers, employees and property will be protected by a nationally Class 2 ranked fire department (which may also mean lower insurance rates for your business).
•	You may contract with the City of Tucson for competitively priced commercial garbage collection and recycling services.
•	You will be served by Tucson Police, unequaled in our region in terms of staffing, equipment, and training.

Business-specific Taxes/Costs Associated with Joining the City of Tucson:
There are different taxes that apply to businesses and those who lease properties to tenants. Below is a list of the specific taxes that would apply upon annexation. For more information on these taxes and methods for collecting them, visit the City of Tucson’s Finance Department web site.

These taxes include:

•	A Business Privilege Tax is applicable to businesses selling products. This cost would be paid directly by the consumer.
•	An Occupational License Tax would apply to business owners providing a service (accountant, lawyer, etc.) and would be assessed quarterly.
•	Property Owners leasing space out to businesses would be subject to a Lease Tax/Commercial Rental Sales Tax, currently at a rate of 2%, on leases for the value of the lease. This would be assessed monthly and requires a one-time application and fee of $10.
•	Sign fees would apply for any signage used for advertising. An annual fee of $13 plus $0.12/per sq. ft. of signage per sign is assessed per year.

City Departments & Services

City of Tucson’s Business Index
This web page is a list of links to other City pages relating to business.
Finance Department Business License Section
(520) 791-4566	www.tucsonaz.gov/finance/
For valuable information regarding operating a business in the City of Tucson including On-Line Tax Forms, Business Privilege/Occupational License Applications
Development Services Center (DSC)
(520) 791-5550	www.tucsonaz.gov/dsd/
Building Permits, Zoning, Parking and Paving - The City of Tucson is a one-stop planning and construction center that promotes quality land development and facilities plan reviews. This department serves as the first point of contact for anyone seeking assistance with development-related issues within the City of Tucson.
Business Development Finance Corporation (BDFC)
(520) 623-3377	http://www.bdfc.com/
BDFC offers a wide range of business loans that can range from $10,000 to $100,000, including financing specifically just for businesses located within the city limits. Information on any loan program can be obtained by contacting BDFC.
City of Tucson Small Business Commission
(520) 791-4593	http://www.tucsonaz.gov/finance/SBC.html
The Commission advises the Mayor & City Council on current and proposed City policies affecting small businesses and facilitates communication between the City and small businesses. This site provides you with information about the Commission, its members and meetings.
Tucson Fire Department
(520) 791-4010	Fire Prevention - Business Assistance Unit
The Business Assistance Program was created to help small to medium sized businesses understand and follow the International Fire Code as adopted by the City of Tucson. In addition to these regulations, the Business Assistance Program team has arranged to act as a liaison with the various agencies that may have an impact on your business.
Urban Planning and Design
(520) 791-4505	www.tucsonaz.gov/planning
Area and Neighborhood Plans, Design Guidelines, Planned Area Developments, Redevelopment Plans, Subregional Plans, Plan Amendments.
Environmental Services (Solid Waste)
(520) 791-3272	www.tucsonaz.gov/esd/
Small Business Recycling Programs
Tucson-Pima Public Library
(520) 791-4010	www.lib.ci.tucson.az.us/business/
Small Business Information Center providing services and resources that promote the development of successful businesses

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Updated 9/6/05