Who needs an occupational license tax registration (city and county) in Kentucky?

Issued by Your city and county occupational tax office (in Louisville, the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission), at step 2 of 6 in the opening sequence: register for tax.

Every kind of business in Kentucky

The Kentucky table lists this for every kind of business.

Each business entity registers for its own account number before opening, and employers withhold the local tax from wages and file quarterly. Where a city sits inside a county that also taxes, both apply; ask both offices before opening.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 2 of 6: Register for tax

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city and county occupational tax office (in Louisville, the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission).

Sources and dates

Louisville Metro Revenue Commission registration and OL-3 instructions (LMCO 110.07); city and county occupational license ordinances. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.