Failure to obtain a business license is a violation of Title 7 of the Los Angeles County Code and a misdemeanor. Continued failure to comply with Title 7 requirements will result in fines and potential legal action. A company caught operating without a license could be forced to stop operating. In some cases, once licenses are obtained, the company is free to reopen.
But in some cases, a company may have to wait for a mandatory probationary period, or worse, a city may refuse to grant a license to the company. Not having a business license can have serious consequences, as it can put your credibility at stake and expose you to financial penalties, 4-minute read. You can obtain a business license online by applying to the right regulatory or licensing agency for your company. You can obtain a California business license by accessing CalGold to find the right licensing office for your location and type of business.
Once you have identified your licensing office, fill out and submit an application for a business license. For example, not meeting a renewal deadline and being out of compliance for a couple of months will often result in a lower penalty than a company deliberately operating without a valid business license for years. Santa Monica is a vibrant business community and one of California's most popular tourist destinations. Small Business Administration to determine the types of licenses and permits you will need to conduct business in your area.
Many people don't realize that business closures are the potential result of not obtaining or renewing a business license. Open the Business License Tax Calculator to help you calculate your business license tax liability. Most companies don't need a federal business license, but some industries, such as broadcasting, investment advice, and drug manufacturing, do have federal regulations and licenses. In California, most businesses need to obtain a business license at the county or city level for tax purposes.
While almost all businesses in Santa Monica are subject to business licensing tax, other charges may apply to your application and renewal. If you're a small business owner in California looking for resources to help you move forward, here are some organizations you might want to learn more about. Business license taxes are based on the tax rate associated with the assigned business classification (see Ratings %26 tax rates). While you may not have a physical location in Santa Monica, if you conduct business within the city limits of Santa Monica, you must obtain and maintain a business license.
SCORE offers volunteer business professionals and expert mentors to advise and guide entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. A business license is an annual statutory permit for the privilege of conducting business within the city. The business name, location, phone number and name of the owner are subject to the California Public Records Act. If your company carries out activities regulated by the federal government, you will need to apply for the appropriate license or business permit.
