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All businesses operating in the City of Philadelphia must have a Tax ID number and a Commercial Activity License. This includes businesses that are located outside the city limits but do some or all of their business activity in the City. There is no fee to file, and the process is wrapped together. Learn More.

Download information about how to start a business in Pennsylvania
Register your business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Review information about Federal regulations from the IRS at
Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online

The City of Philadelphia is implementing smart changes to its business tax structure.
Software companies in Philadelphia have the benefit of a tax treatment called Market-Based Sourcing, in which the company only pays the City’s Business Income & Receipts Tax based on the sales that occur in Philadelphia.
Starting in tax year 2016, there is an exemption of the first $100,000 in gross receipts and a proportionate share of net income from the business income and receipts tax.
The Job Creation Tax Credit and Jump Start Philadelphia are programs that provide credits and exemptions to growing companies. Find out more about these programs under “Tools to Grow your Business.”
Click here to get an explanation of the four most common business taxes.