The Financial Hardship Exemption Program is designed to help single-person businesses
in the City of San Jose whose business income is at or falls below two times the poverty
level income established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The program is
aimed at helping single-person businesses through times of low cash flow.
A financial hardship exemption is granted based on the poverty level guidelines instituted
by the Federal Government. For example, if you are an existing business and believe
your business’ gross receipts, schedule C of your federal 1040 tax returns, will be less than $21,660 you can qualify for the Financial Hardship Exemption Program during the renewal period. If you are a new business, you simply apply for the financial hardship exemption when initially applying for the business tax account.
To qualify for the Financial Hardship Exemption Program, you must submit a completed
Business Tax Hardship Exemption Request form. This form is available on our website
at www.csjfinance.org under “Business Tax Forms and Information”. You can submit this
form in person or mail to:
City of San Jose
Revenue Management
200 E. Santa Clara St. 13th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
If a new application, please do not forget to include the completed Business Tax
Registration form, along with completed Business Tax Hardship Exemption Request
form and the $38.00 financial hardship exemption processing fee (Your request will not
be processed without payment of this fee).
