Georgia doesn't require a statewide business license, so a lot of new owners assume registering their LLC with the Secretary of State is the whole job. It isn't. Most cities and counties, Cherokee County included, require their own separate business license (often called an occupation tax certificate) before you can legally operate, even if you're working out of your house with no storefront.
Why this one slips through
It's easy to miss because nobody sends you a reminder before the fact. The Secretary of State confirms your LLC exists; the county has no idea you exist until you tell them. Most owners find out one of two ways: a renewal notice shows up unprompted for a license they never applied for, or a client asks for your business license number on a contract and there isn't one.
The requirement, the fee, and the paperwork all vary by city and county. Woodstock, Canton, and Ball Ground don't necessarily handle it the same way, so it's worth confirming directly with your local government before assuming last year's answer still applies.
What it actually costs you to skip
Usually not much in the short term. Longer term, it's back taxes and penalties assessed all at once, plus the awkward conversation with a landlord or lender who wants to see it and you don't have one.
If you started a business in the last year or two and you're not sure whether this box got checked, it's a five-minute question to answer, and better to ask now than find out at renewal time.
This post is general information, not specific tax, accounting, or legal advice. Your situation may differ, so talk to us before acting on anything here.