California Business License Requirements
In California, if you operate ANY type of business you need a general California city business license. This applies to small businesses and home-based businesses, or a business that does not make very much money.
Obtaining a Business License or Certificate
You can register for a California seller’s permit online with the Department of Tax and Fee Administration. To get a local business license, contact your local government office.
Some California cities refer to a business license as a business tax certificate. Businesses that are operated in unincorporated sections of the state must obtain their license or tax certificate on a county basis.
Online Business Licensing
Yes, all companies are required to obtain a California business license, no matter whether they have a physical storefront or just sell online.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
What happens if you don’t have a business license in California? The standard tax rate in California is set at 1%, meaning that California residents will pay 1% of their property’s value in real property taxes.
Exemptions and Tax-Related Questions
Do I have to pay sales tax on a gifted car in CA? If you received a vehicle or vessel as a gift, you are not required to pay California use tax on that gift. In most cases, the DMV will not ask you to provide a use tax clearance for a gift.
When do you have to register a business in San Francisco? San Francisco’s Business and Tax Regulations Code requires that every person engaging in business within the City must register within 15 days after commencing business. The business registration is then renewed in May on an annual basis.
Business Registration and Costs
How to pay business taxes in San Francisco? You can get a California business license by applying with the appropriate licensing office. The application typically requires the following information:
- Business name
- Business type
- EIN Number
- Business address
Use CalGold to find the appropriate licensing office for your location and business type. Once you’ve identified your licensing office, fill out and submit an application for a business license.
How much does a business license cost in California? Business licenses are administered by cities in California, so prices vary from place to place. They typically cost between $50 and $100.
How do you register a business name in California? If you intend to use a “doing business as” (DBA) name that is different from the official name of your LLC, you must register your DBA within 40 days of the business’s launch.
Licensing in Multiple Locations
If your business is in multiple cities or counties, establish a license at your primary location then get additional licenses where you do business.
Virtually all California businesses need at least one license or permit to legally operate, depending on your business. More information on acquiring a Los Angeles business license can be obtained by calling (844) 663-4411.
Additional Permits in Los Angeles
All people or entities in Los Angeles must get a Business Tax Registration Certificate from the Office of Finance to operate. In addition to a state business license, specific local and state permits may be required. Building and zoning permits restrict what businesses can operate and where. If construction or renovations are needed, apply for building permits too.
There’s no cost to obtain a seller’s permit. Other license costs vary greatly, with licenses like food sales and manufacturing typically amounting to a few hundred dollars, and liquor licenses possibly costing thousands depending on the business type. Research your jurisdiction’s specific licensing requirements and obtain all necessary licenses and permits to legally operate your business.