About this programme
The New and Emerging Technology Business Tax Waiver is a City of Atlanta program, established in March 2015, that waives occupation taxes and administrative fees for qualifying young companies in high-tech, life sciences, information technology, and intellectual property fields. It exists, in the City's words, to 'encourage or maintain select businesses' in these sectors.
How it works
The waiver applies for up to three years from the date a New Business License is issued, or until the business's gross revenue exceeds $1 million, whichever happens first.
Businesses are automatically considered for the waiver when they apply for a City of Atlanta Business License; there is no separate application.
Participating businesses must still renew their business license every year by February 15, even while taxes are waived, or they are disqualified from the program.
Who can apply
The business must have registered within the past 3 years.
Annual gross revenue must be under $1 million.
The business must fall in a qualifying high-tech, life sciences, IT, or intellectual property sector matching specific NAICS and SIC codes, including software publishers, computer systems design services, data processing and hosting, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace products, and scientific research and development.
How to apply
- Apply for a City of Atlanta Business License; eligible businesses are automatically considered for the waiver as part of that application.
- Renew your business license every year by February 15 to keep the waiver active.
Frequently asked
How long does the tax waiver last?
Up to three years from when your New Business License is issued, or until your gross revenue passes $1 million, whichever comes first.
Do I need to apply separately for the waiver?
No. Businesses are automatically considered for the waiver when they apply for a City of Atlanta Business License.
What happens if I miss my license renewal?
You must renew your business license every year by February 15, even while your taxes are waived, or you'll be disqualified.
Can new businesses apply for a license right now?
As of the official page, the City states it is not currently accepting Business License Applications, and that an online portal for submitting them is coming soon.
More funding in Georgia
ACE Small Business Loans
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) · Georgia
Loans from $15,000 to $1.5 million plus coaching for Georgia small business owners and entrepreneurs.
ATDC (Advanced Technology Development Center)
Georgia Tech / ATDC · Georgia
Free mentorship, investor connections, and stage-based programs for Georgia tech startups, with no equity taken.
Atlanta Forward Loan Fund
Invest Atlanta · Georgia
Loans of $5,000 to $20,000 at 2% fixed interest for startups based in Atlanta accelerators and co-working spaces.
Atlanta Startup Growth Loan Program
Invest Atlanta · Georgia
Loans of $50,000 to $150,000 for Atlanta startups under five years old buying assets to grow.
CREATE-X Launch
Georgia Tech CREATE-X · Georgia
$5,000 seed funding plus $30,000 of in-kind services for Georgia Tech students and alumni launching a startup.
Georgia CDFI Loans (Micro Loan Network)
Georgia Department of Economic Development, via ACT!, ACE, and SBAC · Georgia
Micro loans up to $50,000 for very small Georgia businesses through three regional CDFI lenders.
All 14 programmes in Georgia →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.