The deadline for Greenville businesses to purchase their 2016 business licenses without penalty is nearing.

The deadline to purchase a license without penalty is Feb. 1. Beginning Feb. 2 there will be a 15 percent penalty added to the cost of the business license. The penalty will rise to 30 percent March 3.

All current license holders were mailed a reminder in early December, according to City Clerk Sue Arnold.

“Everyone’s business license expired on Dec. 31, but we give everyone until Feb. 1 to purchase their license for the upcoming year,” Arnold said.

Arnold said the licenses can be paid for by cash, check or credit card, and that they can be paid in person by 5 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Business licenses that are being paid through the mail need to be postmarked by the deadline in order to avoid the penalty.

Arnold said business owners who have questions can contact her office at (334) 382-2647.