Business Licenses

Thank you for choosing the City of Alton to locate your business.  The business community is a vital ingredient in the continued growth of our City.
Under normal circumstances, the business licensing process takes approximately 14-21 days to complete.  Building, zoning, and/or fire code inspections may add to this time frame.  I’ve enclosed information that you may find useful. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
If your business is located within the Appearance Review District boundaries you are required to have all signage and exterior changes approved by the Appearance Review Commission.  Façade Grant funds are available for up to 25% of eligible exterior repairs and improvements.  For Façade Grant information, please contact the Department of Development & Housing at (618) 463-3801.
The sales tax rate for businesses located outside of our business district is 7.85% for retail and 8.35% for restaurants. Businesses located inside the Alton Square Mall Business District are subject to a 1% Business District tax. The sales tax rate for those businesses is 8.85% for retail and 9.35% for restaurants.
For specific questions related to Business Licensing or if you choose to no longer operate a business in Alton, please notify the Treasurer’s Office in writing at: 101 E Third, Suite 102, Alton, Il 62002 or e-mail: businesslicensing@cityofaltonil.com.

Once again, thank you for choosing Alton.

Sincerely,
 
Cameo C. Holland

Description of Business Licenses

Class A-$50

Examples-List is not inclusive
Most Retail Business
Handbills
Taxi (plus $50.00 per cab)
Massage Business/Therapist

Class B-$100

Examples-List is not inclusive
Special Events (no longer than 7 consecutive days)
Auction House
Dangerous Weapons
Ambulance
Pet Shop/Kennels

Class C-$200

Examples-List is not inclusive
Outdoor Advertising
Nursing Home, Shelter Care
Restaurants (unless alcohol is sold, if selling alcohol see Liquor Commissioner)
Hotel
Mobile Home Court
Shooting Galleries
Liquid Petroleum (selling, dispensing, dealing, peddling, or delivering)
Sale of Foodstuffs

Class D-$400

Examples-List is not inclusive
Fortune Telling
Lumber Yard

Class E-$600

Examples-List is not inclusive
Pawnbroker

Vending Machines-$20 decal per machine

Registering a Business

Please contact the Madison County Clerk's Office to register your business by calling 618.692.6290 or by clicking here.

Businesses must also register with the Illinois Department of Revenue by clicking here.

Business Change of Information

Click here for the Business License Change Application

Business License Application Form

Click here for the Business License Application

Business List 2019

Click here for the Business List 2019