Newton County, Georgia
Covington websites for Newton County trades
Covington's occupational tax counts owners as employees, and a solo business pays $75 plus a $25 administration fee. New commercial locations add a $100 fire certificate of occupancy.
Owners count toward the tax
The city's 2026 application sets the tax by full-time equivalent employees, counting W-2 workers and owners: $75 for 0 to 1, $120 for 2 to 4, then $120 plus $25 for each employee over 4 up to 20. Larger brackets continue from $520. A $25 administration fee applies to every business, rising to $50 on late renewals.
Every new business pays a $100 fire certificate of occupancy except home occupations. Businesses starting after July 1 pay half the tax. State-licensed practitioners can choose to pay $100 per practitioner instead of the employee-based tax.
Applications go to the Department of Planning and Development at 2194 Emory Street NW (770-385-2020). If you lease your space, you attach a signed owner authorization. Restaurants, body artists and hotels need Newton County Environmental Health permits before opening. Incomplete applications are returned.
Fee questions go to the Planning and Development Department at 770-385-2174, the number printed on the city's renewal form.
Covington trades we build for
- Roofing Commercial roof jobs around the square call for credentials up front.
- Lawn care A solo mower pays the lowest bracket. A service map does the selling.
- Handyman Clear job lists make quotes quick.
- Pressure washing Before-and-after shots of brick and siding sell.
Covington design picks
Templates for roofers, lawn crews, handymen and washers.
Ridgeline RoofingCredentials first
Canopy LandscapeLawn photos up top
Local Family BusinessWarm look for handymen
Quote-First LandingWashing quotes fastMade-up companies; yours uses your Covington details.
Covington and Newton County
Tell us which Covington neighborhoods and Newton County communities you serve. We'll list only those.
Newton County storms
Storms crossing Newton County bring down limbs on roofs and fences. Send us a note and we'll post your availability.
Covington occupational tax
From the City of Covington's 2026 application and renewal forms.
- Occupational tax
- By FTEs including owners: $75 (0-1), $120 (2-4), +$25 each over 4; $25 admin fee ($50 late). Half after July 1. City of Covington · City of Covington
- New locations
- $100 fire certificate of occupancy for new businesses except home occupations. City of Covington
Covington FAQs
What does a one-person business pay in Covington?
$75 in tax plus the $25 administration fee, per the 2026 application.
Do owners count as employees?
Yes. The worksheet counts W-2 workers and owners.
Is there a fire fee?
Yes. $100 for a fire certificate of occupancy for new businesses, except home occupations.
What if I open in the fall?
Businesses starting after July 1 pay half the tax.
Nearby Georgia pages
Pick a design and tell us about your business
We build it, host it and keep it running. Questions first? Email [email protected].