South Fulton is dangling a limited-time lifeline to local firms that have been flying under the radar. The city has rolled out a 90-day Business Amnesty Initiative beginning April 1 that gives businesses operating without a license, or those that failed to renew, a chance to register for a 2026 business license without late fees, penalties or interest. City leaders say participating businesses must still pay any past-due license taxes, and that the amnesty runs through June 30, 2026.
In a March 11 press release via City of South Fulton, Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs framed the effort as part of a broader push to back local entrepreneurs. "The City of South Fulton is open for business, and we want our entrepreneurs and local companies to grow with us," Gumbs said. "This initiative removes barriers, gives business owners a clean slate and reinforces our commitment to building one of the most business-friendly environments in the region."
How the amnesty works
Eligible businesses include those that never obtained a license within 30 days of beginning operations or that failed to renew for 2025 or earlier, as reported by Fulton Neighbor. That outlet also reports that late fees, penalties and interest accrued for 2023 and earlier will be waived, but businesses still have to pay any outstanding license taxes to complete registration.
Where to sign up and the deadline
According to City of South Fulton, eligible businesses can apply online at sages.gov to register for a 2026 business license and remit any past-due license taxes. The city notes that annual business-license renewals are due by March 31, and that the amnesty window is intended to give those who missed that deadline a clear path to compliance.
What officials say
Reginald McClendon, director of Community Development and Regulatory Affairs, said the amnesty "will help drive increased economic momentum," according to Fulton Neighbor. City officials say bringing more enterprises into compliance boosts legitimacy for small firms and strengthens the tax base that underwrites local services.
Business owners who think they may be eligible are encouraged to gather basic records of past activity, start a 2026 application at the SageGov portal and be prepared to settle outstanding license taxes during the amnesty window. The city says staff in the Community Development and Regulatory Affairs office and the Community Relations & Services Division will be available to help owners navigate registration.
