If you want to open a business in California, you have to get a license in the city where your business is located.Regardless of how small the business is or how unprofitable it may be, it must be registered.The business license may be referred to as a "business tax certificate" in the county.
Step 1: You can visit CalGold.
The California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development maintains a web-based permit assistance program called CalGold to assist business owners with identifying and finding the appropriate permit office they must contact.Clicking on the hyperlink will take you to this website.
Step 2: You can choose your city or county.
To find the local agency that issues business permits, you should choose the city or county where you will be conducting business.Click the search icon after selecting this information.You can either enter the business type in the box or click "view all" to scroll through the list.You can click on the business types that apply.
Step 3: There is a link for business licenses.
A list of possible permits and licenses will appear after you click the search button."Business License-Business Tax Certificate" should be the second entry.To find out where and how to contact the appropriate licensing office, use the information on the right side.The address, phone number, fax and website should be listed.
Step 4: Get the forms.
You can use the information you got from CalGold to visit the appropriate business license department in person or visit their website for more information.Some offices will have online forms.You can get a PDF of the business license application from the city of Alameda.Some cities, such as San Diego, allow businesses to apply for a business tax certificate online.
Step 5: You have to complete the forms.
Each form will require different information, but most commonly you will be asked to provide the following: business name business address contact information (mailing address, phone number, email, website address) type of businessFederal Tax ID number (FEIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) names and addresses of each individual owner expected annual sales number of employees
Step 6: Pay the fee.
To apply, you will have to pay a fee.The fee depends on the size of the business and the number of employees.Fees can range from $50 to 100.
Step 7: Find out if you need more licenses.
You may be required to get additional licenses depending on the nature of your business.If you want to operate a car wash, you have to get a certificate from the Division of Labor Standards.If you want to sell or lease products, you need to obtain a Seller's Permit from the California State Board of Equalization.Alcoholic beverage license, sales and use permit, barbering and Cosmetology License, produce dealers license and vehicle dealer license are some of the common licenses businesses need.If you need additional certificates or licenses, you can revisit the search results under "Permit & Licenses" on CalGold.Some permits and licenses will not apply.Even if you are starting a law firm, you can get a result for building permit.If you need help deciding which licenses to apply for, you should contact an attorney or visit one of the state's legal incubator programs.
Step 8: Understand why you are denied.
A new business license application may be rejected.Making a misrepresentation in the application is one of the reasons that each municipality has.The conviction of a crime in the past five years shows a trait inconsistent with carrying on a business or activity.There was failure to correct objectionable conditions.
Step 9: A denial can be appealed.
You can appeal the decision if your application is denied.You can file a notice of appeal at the county clerk's office.A time limit is likely.You have 15 days in Diamond Bar.
Step 10: Attend the hearing.
You are most likely to appear before the city council.The hearing will probably not be held according to technical rules of evidence, but you can present witnesses.The city council's decision is usually final.There is only one way to bring an appeal.