Since July 1, 2013, business owners with more than 10 full-time employees have been required to comply with E-Verify. A full-time employee is an employee who is employed “to work not less than 35 hours per week.” Business owners with 10 or fewer full-time employees are exempt from E-Verify. But don’t stop reading here – even if you are exempt, there is still paperwork!

Before you receive your occupational tax certificate (business license), you will have to provide evidence to the City that you are exempt from the E-Verify requirements. The exemption affidavit, as provided by the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, can be downloaded here.

If you have more than 10 full time employees and fewer than 100 you are required to register with and utilize the federal work authorization program (E-Verify). If your business falls into this category, you are required to file an affidavit to receive a city business license and state tax certificate. This affidavit will confirm compliance with E-Verify, rather than exemption from E-Verify. That compliance affidavit, as provided by the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, can be downloaded here.