A number of other California state licenses may be required for operating your business. . If you have questions, please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711). The Business Entities Section of the Secretary of State's office processes filings, maintains records and provides information to the public relating to business entities (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships and other business filings). The current statewide sales and use tax rate is 7.25 percent. Learn more about the differences between a sole proprietorship and an LLC. Veteran Assistance Programs
In that role, he was responsible for writing, editing, and strategizing content geared toward small business owners. If we approve your request, all or part of the interest may be relieved. Explore Incentives. We know that running a business can be challenging; therefore we want to help you succeed. Visit our Sign Up Now page and select the Create My Logon option. Oakland, Kern County, Ventura Enter Business Type (s) * view all If your customer provides you with a valid CDTFA-230 General Resale Certificate and you accept it in good faith and in a timely manner, your sale to them is not taxable. A username and password logon allows users to: You will need to create a username and password to gain access to your account. For example, if you give away merchandise as a gift or use the property yourself, you owe use tax on the purchase price of the property. Find information about local, state and federal business registration processes, permits, licenses and certifications below. Helping your business succeed is important to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). needs, 2023 Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. Specific questions related to permitting and licensing for any business type must be directed to the associated agencies. Best Credit Cards for International Travel. Make sure the amounts you report on your return are the total taxes or fees you collected from your customers plus any use tax you owe. Featured Services Food Facility Permits Review the permit process to ensure the food sold at your business is safe, wholesome, properly labeled, and produced under sanitary conditions. If you purchased property without tax and used it in your business, you may owe use tax. For more information, visit our Online Services overview page. Online registration is a convenient, fast, and free way to register online for a permit, license, or account with the CDTFA. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Business types and activities generally determine the licenses and permits needed to operate a business in California. Also, it does not provide information on any specific license number(s). We have a number of helpful industry guides, online seminars, and frequently asked questions. Online Services Limited Access Codes are going away. If you have questions, please call (562) 570-6211 or email lbbiz@longbeach.gov. Office of Veterans Business Development, US Department of Veteran Affairs
Write your CDTFA account number on your check or money order. A third party receives access on an account-by-account basis. Then Request Power of Attorney selection and follow the prompts. A business plan is a blueprint of every aspect of your business. A power of attorney allows an account owner to be represented by legal counsel, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Enrolled Agent (EA), or another representative. The California Business Search provides access to available information for corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships of record with the California Secretary of State, with free PDF copies of over 17 million imaged business entity documents, including the most recent imaged Statements of Information filed for Corporation. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. Business Enterprises Program
For more information about our online services, please see our Resources page and Tutorial videos. You can email us with any general or non-confidential tax or fee questions. If your business sells, manufactures, imports or distributes alcoholic beverages, you must apply for the appropriate license(s) with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and register to pay an Alcoholic Beverage Tax with the Department of Tax and Fee Administration. How do I register for a permit, license, or account? The following tips can help you avoid problems with paying your taxes and fees. YOUR CALIFORNIA SELLER'S PERMIT Your Rights and Responsibilities Under the Sales and Use Tax Law CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION . Our goal is to provide information that is easily accessible, which will not only assist you in understanding your sales and use tax obligations but help you avoid simple filing mistakes. Helping your business succeed is important to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). The Working with the CDTFA section helps you find the location of local CDTFA offices nearest to you for walk-in assistance, getting an educational consultation, obtaining tax and fee advice, and updating CDTFA with changes to your business. Business license can be a specific operating license but is often used to refer to an array of permits. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, except state holidays. The e-mail will need to be resent. We apologize for any inconvenience. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. To create your username, please visit the CDTFA online services home page and click on Sign Up Now. For additional information and licensing requirements, please contact the City of Torrance Business License . You can also submit changes on form CDTFA-345-WEB, Notice of Business Change and mail it to the provided address. Our goal is to provide a good web experience for all visitors. Depending on your business type there may be additional permits, licenses or certifications that your business needs to acquire. Programs, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Then select the Submit a Claim for Refund link and follow the prompts. You are required to keep us notified of changes to your business, including changes in ownership, address, contact information, or when you close your business. The Filing and Payments section provides key resources related to filing returns and paying taxes or fees owed. Small Business Program DGS Business Development 5 th. Rob is an SMB writer and editor based in New Jersey. You should gather all the information that you will need: We offer a number of convenient payment methods for our tax and fee payers to apply toward current and past due liabilities. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. You can find more information in our Online Payments Frequently Asked Questions. Apply for Building Permit Business Owners. Your business is still regulated by the county and city where you operate, so obtaining the appropriate California business licenses is still necessary if you operate your business from or in California. Business licenses or permits are not issued by the California Secretary of State. Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship, Social Security Administration
Once you have begun a business, make sure you have your key business details in order and ready for beginning your application. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Though California does not require all businesses to obtain a business license, many types of businesses are required at a city or county level.
Please click on each of the resources below to determine if your business requires any licenses or permits. Follow the prompts to create your third-party delegate username and password. A public health operating license is required of businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, fitness facilities or any other businesses that are related to peoples health. Enter the account number and security code mailed to you. To submit a request for relief, log in with your username and password and select the account you want to request relief for. The Request a Filing Extension option is located under the I Want To section, select Request a Filing Extension link and follow the prompts. If your business is renting or selling tangible goods, you will need a sellers permit, which is regulated on a statewide level, though it may be controlled by your local county. The online filing system offers helpful information to guide you through the process. Using CalGold.ca.gov, you should determine which other licenses controlled on the local or statewide level may be applicable for your business and submit the appropriate information to apply for those licenses. In addition, you may need other licenses or permits to legally operate from your local government or local county clerk depending on your business activity or location. State in New Business Starts 1 Permit & Regulatory Assistance GO-Biz will assist any size company with permitting and regulatory assistance. To be valid, resale certificates must contain specific information. Electronic Filing Sales and Use Tax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Cigarette Electronic Filing (eFiling) Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), International Fuel tax Agreement (IFTA) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Motor Fuels Tax Electronic Filing Information Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Pro Tips to Doing Business with CDTFA Successfully, Sales and Use Tax Record Keeping Requirements, Sales Made on State-Designated Fairgrounds, California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates, Covered Electronic Waste Recycling Fee Guide, Teleproduction or Other Postproduction Service Equipment, Diesel Fuel Used in Farming and Food Processing, Timber Harvesting Equipment and Machinery, The Taxpayer Educational Consultation Program, Keeping your Business Information Current, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, California Office of Small Business Advocate, California City and County Sales and Use Tax Rates, Local and District Tax Guide for Retailers, Information for Local Jurisdictions and Districts. Your request cannot be processed until the liability (tax/fee, interest, and penalty) for which the CRF was assessed has been paid in full. For additional information, visit our online services Tutorials page, click the Logging In drop down and watch the How to Grant Secondary Access video. Why Locate Here; Move Business to San Jose; Become a Preferred Vendor; OPPORTUNITIES. When you registered, you were assigned a reporting basis: Make sure you file on time even if you can't pay. Renew a Business License in California Frequently Asked Questions Show more Learn. https://business.lacity.org. This enhances security and your overall customer experience. An email with a link to reset your password will be sent to the email address on file. You may pay directly from your bank account, with a credit card, check, or money order. Getting a business license is a key part of becoming official in the eyes of the state. As part of our commitment to helping you understand your sales and use tax obligations, we have established The Taxpayer Educational Consultation Program. Usernames are provided at an individual level. Depending on which city, county, or area your business operates within the State of California, you may need a different type of business license. Visit the website of your city or, if you live in an unincorporated area, your county and fill out the appropriate forms to begin the process. We continue to expand our online resources to better assist taxpayers succeed by offering helpful and convenient online services. How to File a Sales and Use Tax Return With One Selling Location Using Your Limited Access Code, How to File a Sales and Use Tax Return With Multiple Locations Using a Limited Access Code (Including Schedule C & B), How to Complete Schedules C and B to Allocate the 1% Local Tax, How to File Schedule B Using the Upload Feature, How to File Schedule A Using the Upload Feature, How to Retrieve a Saved Return Using Your Limited Access Code, How to View Previous Returns and Payments, How to File an Alcohol Customs Broker's Report of Transactions, How to File an Alcoholic Beverage Common Carrier's Report of Delivery, How to File a Beer and Wine Importer Tax Return, How to File a Beer Manufacturer Tax Return, How to File a Distilled Spirits Tax Return, How to File a Common Carrier's Tax Return, How to File a Public Warehouse Distilled Spirits Inventory Report, How to File a Vendor's Report of Beer Shipments into California, How to File a Wine Grower/Direct Wine Shippers Tax Return, California Electronic Cigarette Excise Tax (CECET), How to File a California Electronic Cigarette Excise Tax (CECET) Return, How to File a Cannabis Retailer Excise Tax Return, How to File a Tobacco Products Manufacturer/Importer Return, How to File a Cigarette Wholesaler's Report, How to File a Cigarette Distributor and Importer Tax Report, How to File a Tobacco Products Distributor Tax Return, How to File a California PACT Act Cigarette/Tobacco/ENDS Report, How to File a Cigarette Manufacturer's Tax Return, How to Renew a Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer License, How to Renew a Cigarette and Tobacco Products Wholesaler License, How to Renew a Cigarette Manufacturer/Importer License, How to File a Common Carrier's Report of Cigarette Deliveries, How to Renew a Cigarette and Tobacco Products Distributor License, How to Renew a Tobacco Products Manufacturer and Importer License, How to File an Electronic Waste Recycling Fee Return, How to File an Emergency Telephone Users Surcharge Return, Energy Resources (Electrical Energy) Surcharge, How to File a Consumer Electrical Energy Surcharge Return, How to File an Electrical Energy Surcharge Return, How to File an Aircraft Jet Fuel Dealer Tax Return, How to File Diesel Fuel Claims for Refunds and Reports, How to File an Exempt Bus Operator Diesel Fuel Tax Return, How to File a Government Entity Diesel Fuel Tax Return, How to File a Supplier of Diesel Fuel Tax Return, How to File a Supplier Motor Vehicle Fuel (MVF) Tax Return, How to File a Train Operator Information Report, How to File a Terminal Operator Information Report, How to File a Hazardous Waste Disposal Fee Return, How to File a Hazardous Waste Facility Fee Return, How to Make a Hazardous Waste Facility Fee Prepayment with a Username and Password, How to File a Hazardous Waste Generation and Handling Fee Return, How to File a Hazardous Waste Generation and Handling Fee Prepayment with a Username and Password, How to File a Hazardous Waste Generator Fee Return, How to Make a Hazardous Waste Generator Fee Prepayment with a Username and Password, How to File an Integrated Waste Management Fee Return, How to File an Integrated Waste Management Fee Return for a Nonhazardous Wood Waste Facility, How to File an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Quarterly Fuel Use Tax Return, How to File an Interstate User Diesel Fuel Tax Return, How to Renew an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) License and Decal, How to File a California Battery Fee Return, How to File a Manufacturer Battery Fee Return, How to File a California Battery Fee 2022 Annual Split Rate Return, How to File a Manufacturer Battery Fee 2022 Annual Split Rate Return, How to File a Natural Gas Surcharge Consumer Return, How to File a Natural Gas Surcharge Public Utility Gas Corporation Return, Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Fee, How to File an Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Fee Return, Oil Spill Prevention and Administration Fee, How to File an Oil Spill Prevention and Administration Fee Return, How to File an Exempt Bus Operator User Use Fuel Tax Return, How to Renew a Flat Rate Alternative Fuel Decal, How to File a Timber Yield Tax Return and Harvest Report, How to File an Underground Storage Tank Maintenance Fee Return, How to Create a Username and Password for Business Owners and Gain all Access, How to Create a Username and Password for Business Owners who Received a Security Code from CDTFA, How to Create a Username and Password for Third Party Access, How to Login and Make a Payment as a Marine Invasive Species (Ballast Water) Fee Agent, How to Login and Make a Fee Payment as a Marine Invasive Species (Ballast Water) Third Party, How to Make a Payment Without a Username & Password, How to Make a Prepayment Without a Username & Password, Overview of the Online Services to Users With a Username and Password, How to Request Relief from Penalties and/or Interest, How to File Claim for Refund Online & How to Find Claim Status, Cmo Presentar Una Declaracin de Impuestos sobre Ventas y Uso Si Solo Tiene un Punto de Venta Ultilizando su Limited Access Code, Cmo Recuperar una Declaracin Guardada Utilizando el Acceso Limitado, Declaracin de Impuestos Con Mltiples Puntos de Venta con un Limited Access Code, Como presentar una declaracin trimestral del acuerdo internacional del impuesto sobre el uso del combustible (IFTA), Cmo completar el Formulario B usando la funcin de carga, Cmo presentar un Formulario MV Concesionarios de vehculos usados - reporte de ventas, Cmo poder ver sus declaraciones presentadas y pagos efectuados, Cmo renovar una licencia y calcomana del Acuerdo Internacional del Impuesto sobre el Combustible (IFTA por sus siglas en ingls), Cmo crear un nombre de usuario y contrasea si es el dueo de un negocio y podr obtener acceso completo a sus cuentas, Cmo crear un nombre de usuario y contrasea si es el dueo de un negocio y recibi una carta por correo postal con un Cdigo de seguridad por parte del CDTFA, Cmo realizar un pago sin un nombre de usuario y contrasea, Cmo realizar un pago anticipado si no ha creado un nombre de usuario y contrasea, Information for Local Jurisdictions and Districts, Make a request for relief or request an extension, Track and obtain correspondence with CDTFA, Access and manage multiple accounts under one login, Add a new business location to an existing account, Register to pay taxes on internet purchases of cigarette/tobacco products, Hazardous Substances Taxes Disposal Fee, Hazardous Substances Taxes Facility Fee, California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecyle), No online registration as CDTFA registers vessel owner or operators based on information from the California Marine Exchanges, A valid form of Identification (Driver License, City ID Card, Employment Authorization Card, Matricula Consular ID, Military ID, Non Immigrant Visa, Non-U.S. Driver's License, Non-U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Alien Card, State Identification Card, Tribal Issue Photo ID, U.S. Passport Card, U.S. Passport, or U.S. Visa), Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer ID (ITIN), Bookkeeper/Accountant Address and Phone Number (if applicable), FEIN (Partnership, Association, Organization, Trust, Estate, Joint Venture, Receivership/Fiduciary, Unincorporated Business Organization, Corporation, Limited Liability Partnership, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Corporation), California Secretary of State Entity Number (Corporation, Limited Liability Partnership, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Corporation), Officer, Member, or Partner Information (date of birth, SSN, or driver license and address), Agency Name (Federal, State, and Local Government), Contact information of the person(s) who maintains the books and records (name, address and phone number), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Number, Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), Distributor License Number (not required), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) number, California Employment Development Department (EDD) number (payroll number), Underground Storage Tank Ownership Document, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 637 Letter of Registration, Department of Transportation (DOT) number, Certificate of Registration for Motor Carriers (MX) number, California International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) number, Interstate User Diesel Fuel Tax License number, Serial Number of a mobile/manufactured home or aircraft, Decal Number of a mobile/manufactured home, Make of a mobile/manufactured home, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, Year of a mobile/manufactured home, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, Purchase date of the mobile/manufactured home, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of vehicle, License plate number of vehicle or undocumented (DMV registered) vessel, Location address of mobile/manufactured home, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, Documentation number of US Coast Guard registered vessel, One click starts the process for the permits, licenses, and accounts, You can easily apply for new licenses or add business locations, The system is free to use; however, some permits, licenses, or accounts may require a fee or deposit, View the status of your application(s) online, Get emails with updates on the status of your application(s), Online help and live assistance during business hours, Get links to reference materials related to your business activities, Hazardous Substances Tax Transportable Treatment Unit, Sales, purchases, transactions, and deductions or other reportable information for the filing period, Insurance Tax accounts (includes Home Protection Insurance, Life Insurance, Ocean Marine Insurance, Property and Casualty Insurance, Surplus Line Brokers, Title Insurance), If you prefer to pay by sending us a check or money order instead of paying through our online system, there is an option to print a payment voucher after you file your return.