Apply for a New Business Tax Certificate online or at the Business Tax Office. Refundable business registration fee plus special fees.1. In the sample letter, fill in your personal information. Sample Business Contracts. Fill out the Total Amount Due line with either the tax due or the word "Exempt," as appropriate. All Oakland based businesses should obtain a Zoning Clearance prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate. Use this sample letter to dispute incorrect or inaccurate information that a business supplied to credit bureaus. Do I need a business tax certificate? Write "CARE application" in the email's subject line. Remember to attach your application to the email.