You need a Commercial Activity License to do business in Philadelphia. This includes businesses that are located outside the city limits that do business in the city. This license links all of your businesses and the legal entity you registered for your Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT).

Some activities require an Activity License Number instead. This includes:

• Renting three units in a building that you live in.
• Operating a non-profit.
• Getting a vacant property license (residential or commercial).

Please visit the Department of Licenses and Inspections Commercial Activity License page.