Birmingham, Alabama (Oct. 30, 2019) – The City of Birmingham is improving customer service for business owners by adding online filing for business license tax collection.

Businesses will have the option to submit and pay their business license renewals online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week instead of paying in person at City Hall or mailing renewals. Payments can be submitted via ACH Debit (checking or savings) or credit card.

This effort is a partnership between the city and Avenu Insights & Analytics for tax and business licensing processing. Avenu’s Tax & Administrative office is located in Birmingham.

Starting in December, Avenu will begin sending postcards to businesses about the new online access. Businesses with existing licenses will be eligible and will be able to log into the system once they have received a postcard. The postcard will contain their unique username and password. Businesses should visit www.birminghamal.gov/business for more information.

In addition, businesses will receive business license renewal notices in December with instructions on how to file online. The city will continue to accept in-person payments but encourages business owners to take advantage of the new feature.

Online filing allows each business to have a customized experience by using a unique access code that will pre-populate their form with their specific business information. Businesses will enter gross receipts (or other required amounts) and the online portal will calculate the license taxes due, saving business owners time and providing confidence that they have filed correctly. Business owners will no longer have to worry about overlooking required information or miscalculations.

“Customer service is a core value for the city and this goes directly to that commitment,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “Online filing adds tremendous convenience to our business owners, which saves them valuable time and streamlines the process. Partnering with a local company that has a vested interest in our community is an added benefit.”

“The partnership with Birmingham is personal for Avenu’s tax processing team,” said Avenu Chief Executive Officer Paul Colangelo. “The services and support that our office will provide, in addition to the opportunity to secure and find additional revenue for the city that we live, work and play in, adds a higher level of responsibility. We are personally invested in the strategic plan for this city and excited to be a part its continued success.”

While moving forward with this initiative, the city has worked closely with the small business community to identify their concerns and needs.

“When small business owners are forced to step away from their companies to seek business licenses, their company and their customers lose valuable time,” said Darlene Wilson, the city services sub-committee chair of the Small Business Council. “Streamlining this process is fundamental to creating an environment where small businesses can thrive, and we are excited to partner with the city in this effort.”

Tene Dolphin, the deputy director of Business Diversity and Opportunity in the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, the pride of our neighborhoods, and the gathering places of our communities. When we value their time, we are lifting the Birmingham economy.’’

EDITOR’S NOTE: Avenu is spelled correctly. There is no “e’’ at the end.