Congratulations on your new business! As a new business-owner, you will be encountering a myriad of business, tax, and legal issues related to your new business. This sheet is intended to give you an overview of the tax matters that could apply to you. This sheet is not and should not be considered legal advice, as it does not consider the unique circumstances of your business and business activities. If you need legal advice concerning your business activities, please contact us and we will be more than glad to assist you.
- General Permitting & Licensing Information. Nearly all businesses must undergo permitting or licensing procedures in order to operate lawfully. In California, there are a multitude of rules, laws, and regulations that can be difficult to navigate. Fortunately, the state has a “one-stop” source that helps new businesses determine what they need to file and with whom. Simply visit this website, entering in your business’s location, and the list will populate indicating what permits, licenses, taxes, or other obligations you will need to comply with. http://www.calgold.ca.gov/.
- Seller’s Permit. All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller’s Permit. For more information, visit the State Board of Equalization, http://www.boe.ca.gov/info/reg.htm.
- Building & Construction Permits. If your business activities involve any new or remodeling projects, you must obtain business & construction permits. For more information, please refer to the Building / Building Code office of your city/county.
- Fire Inspections. Businesses may be subject to a yearly inspection of facility – annual fee may be charged. You can find information by clicking on this link: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/. If you need assistance, please let us know.
- Land Use Permits & Zoning Clearances. If your business needs assistance with land use permits, or zoning clearances, for example, for zoning changes, variances, or conditional uses, you may need to file applications with the Planning / Zoning departments of your businesses’ city of operation. You can find information about what to file and with what governmental agency by clicking on this link: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ If you need assistance, please let us know.
- Special Permits & Uses. The city police department issues special permits/licenses for burglar alarms, massage/adult businesses, peddlers, second-hand dealers, pawnbrokers, places of entertainment, solicitors, taxicabs, etc.- requirements vary from city to city. You can find information about what to file and with what governmental agency by clicking on this link: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ If you need assistance, please let us know.
- Hazardous Substances and Wastes. You will need to comply with all state and federal laws when dealing with hazardous substances or wastes. You can find information about what to file and with what governmental agency by clicking on this link: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ If you need assistance, please let us know.