Most companies require licenses or permits to operate. Starting a Business Checklist · Entity Types · Tax Information. Most businesses will need some form of California business license. Most counties and cities in California require businesses to have a local license, and many businesses will need a seller's permit.
The reason for this is that every city in California can charge fees for any business located in its jurisdiction as a tax collection mechanism and also as a way to track economic development statistics. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a list of federally regulated businesses and contact details for government agencies to which you should submit an application. Virtually every business will need at least one type of license or permit to legally operate in the state of California. Contact the California Tax Service Center for more specific information on tax obligations and registration procedures for All California counties have their own rules and regulations, so check with your local city or county government office to determine what state licenses your new company might need.
The cost of a standard commercial operating license can vary by location in the state of California, and some cities even exempt small businesses from paying any fees. You can obtain a business license online by applying to the right regulatory or licensing agency for your company. All types of businesses are required to obtain a business license in California, no matter what industry you are in or how much revenue you generate. However, if the federal government regulates your business activities, you must apply for and obtain appropriate federal business licenses and permits.
Most small businesses won't need to obtain any federal license or permit, but depending on the size or activities your business performs, you may need to obtain a federal license. The first step to obtaining a California business license is to name and form your company if you haven't already done so. In California, most businesses need to obtain a business license at the county or city level for tax purposes. The California Business Investment Services unit offers customized site selection services for businesses, real estate executives, and site selection consultants.
You can run a business as a sole proprietor (only you) or general partnership (you and one or more partners) rather than forming a business entity such as an LLC or a corporation. You might find that your initial to-do list is surprisingly long, with tasks ranging from creating your company name to determining your company's address. In short, yes, but a business license is only part of the equation if you want to sell products online in California.
