Guidelines
All coin-operated amusement machines are required to display an Occupational Tax Decal. If you place a machine without first paying the fees and displaying a decal, it will be sealed and/or a citation will be issued.
The following guidelines must be followed:
- If placed, a seal may not be broken by anyone other than a City Investigator. There is a $500 fee for breaking a seal or allowing it to be broken.
- Machines may be sealed for decals that have been torn, removed, or otherwise invalidated for those decals not affixed to the machine. A machine may also be sealed if the decal is not displayed in a conspicuous location on the machine. Tape or other non-permanent methods may not be used to attach a decal.
- The owner of the machine is responsible for replacing any decals that have been removed or defaced at the regular price. The City of San Antonio does not sell a replacement decal at a reduced price.
- There is no grace period for the payment of the occupational tax. All machines must have a decal permanently affixed prior to placing the machine in a location available for use by the public or employees.
- All machines displaying a State of Texas Amusement Machine license are required to have a City of San Antonio decal attached. The issuance of an Occupational Tax Decal by the City of San Antonio does not certify that the coin-operated machine is being operated properly. The use of a coin-operated machine as a "gambling device," is illegal under Texas state law. The owner/operator of the coin-operated machine is responsible for ensuring that the machine is not used as an illegal gambling device.
- Coin decal reminders are not mailed. Owners and operators are responsible for paying the appropriate fees by the due date.
Fees
The tax is $15 for each machine and is valid from June 1 - May 31 of the following year. The tax is prorated to $7.50 for machines placed in service from December 1 - April 30.
Requests submitted during the month of May will be processed for the upcoming permit year, which begins on June 1, and will be charged the full annual fee of $15 per machine.
The full $15 tax is required for all sealed machines, regardless of the date the tax is paid. Additionally, a $5 sealing fee will be charged for each machine sealed.
Register
Follow the steps below to register for your coin decals.
Payment Options
When making a payment online, in person or by phone, you must provide the following:
- Your invoice number
- Your customer number (listed on the invoice)
NOTE: Do not submit payment until you have received your invoice.
In Person
Please visit the Cashiers located on the Concourse Level of City Tower.
Address:
City Tower
100 West Houston St., Concourse
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions
You may pick up your coin decals on the same day if you are providing payment in person during one of the designated pickup days and times.
Picking Up Your Coin Decals
You may only pick up your coin decals during the following times at City Tower.
- Mondays: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Thursdays: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Address:
City Tower
100 West Houston St., Concourse
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions
Upon arrival, please report to the Concourse Level and visit the Information Desk for assistance. Please note that staff will only be available during the designated pickup hours listed above.
NOTE: Complimentary parking is available in the City Tower Parking Garage. Before leaving, you must bring your parking ticket to the Information Desk for validation to avoid a parking fee.