Step 1:
Contact the Planning Department at (510) 799-8244 or smatinpour@herculesca.gov to obtain required Use Permit. 

Step 2:
If you have received an Approved Use Permit, choose from one of two options on how to file for a new business license: 1) file and pay online through Neumo (previously known as Avenu Insights), or 2) complete a hard copy form and email it to Neumo and pay by phone.

• Option 1: To get started with Online Registration click on the following direct link: https://hercules.bizlicenseonline.com/ then follow the instructions below for a first-time online user to sign up and create an online profile through Neumo (be sure to choose the appropriate category):

New Businesses to Hercules - Appy Online as New

1. Click Sign Up → Business Account.
2. Select NEW ACCOUNT and complete the registration information fields.
3. File Application/Return by selecting location, category and filing frequency.
4. Select business category and complete required fields based on business activity.
5. Select payment method and submit return.

^{Note: New business license applications must be reviewed and approved before issuance of license. Neumo will route your registration for the review process on your behalf.}

You may print your confirmation if desired. Confirmations are stored electronically under Filing History.
        
For questions during the registration process, call Neumo (previously known as Avenu Insights) Customer Service: (866) 240-3665; for IT Tech Support (877) 693-4435.  

• Option 2: To obtain a hard copy application/form and pay by phone, click here and it will take you to Neumo’s website so you can choose the correct taxpayer form. Click on Hercules, then choose the appropriate form. After you complete the form, email it to bizlicensesupport@muniservices.com and someone from Neumo’s Business License Dept. will contact you to obtain payment by phone.

Courtesy Renewal notices are usually sent in December or by end of November each year. Renewal notices are only a courtesy. Businesses are still responsible for renewing licenses by January 1st annually with a 30-day grace period – to be paid by January 31st without incurring late fees. 

Late Fees: Effective February 1st, the late fee is 25% of business license amount and goes up an additional 25% each month it’s late until penalty maxes out at 100%. 

If you misplace a renewal form or do not receive one and need to renew your business license, you may renew one of two different ways—Option 1: file and pay renewal online or Option 2: download and complete hard copy application and email to Neumo:

• Option 1: 

File and pay for the business license renewal online through Neumo (previously known as Avenu Insights)

Please click on the following direct link: https://hercules.bizlicenseonline.com/ then follow the enclosed instructions to renew a business license:

Renew Your Hercules Business License Online
^{(First-time online users must click Sign Up to create a username/password and create an online profile.)}

1. Returning site users → Log in with username/password.
2. From Home page, select File Application/Return.
3. File Application/Return by selecting location, category and filing frequency.
4. Select business category and complete required fields based on business activity.
5. Select payment method and submit return.

For questions during the registration process, call Neumo (previously known as Avenu Insights) Customer Service: (866) 240-3665; for IT Tech Support (877) 693-4435.

• Option 2:
  To obtain a hard copy form and pay by phone, click here and it will take you to Neumo’s website. After you get to their site, click on the following links:

1. State of California
2. Tax Payer Forms
3. Hercules
4. Click on the appropriate form

5. Complete the form, then email it to: bizlicensesupport@muniservices.com.

   Someone from Neumo’s Business License Dept. will contact you to obtain payment by phone. If needed, you may call Neumo toll free at (866) 240-3665.