Our list of the essential legal resources every small business and startup in California should have. This is great information to start and grow your business. These legal resources can help with establishing, growing, and closing out a business.
California Requirements For Forming Your Business
- California Secretary of State’s Guide to Starting a Business in California. A step-by-step guide to starting a new business in California.
- California Secretary of State’s Processing Times. You can view the California Secretary of State’s processing times for filings here.
- California Employer’s Guide. A detailed guide on employer reporting requirements published by the California Employment Development Department.
California Permits for Your Business
- CalGOLD. Helps you determine what business permits, licenses and registration requirements are required for your business.
- California Seller’s Permit. You can read more here, but you need a California seller’s permit if you “[i]ntend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail.” If you do need a California seller’s permit, you can obtain a permit here.
- California Resale Certificate. Information on why a business might need a California resale certificate can be found here. A form resale certificate can be found here.
SF Requirements For Registering Your Business
- San Francisco Business Registration Certificate. If you are doing business in San Francisco for more than 7 days a year, you are required to complete an application to obtain a San Francisco Business Registration Certificate within 15 days.
- San Francisco Fictitious Business Name Statement. If you will conduct business in San Francisco under a name other than your full legal name, the full legal name of a legal entity (such as a corporation), or any name that suggests additional owners, you must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the San Francisco County Clerk’s Office. Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Fictitious Business Name Statements can be found here.
- License 123. License 123 is a free online tool that helps businesses navigate San Francisco’s permitting and licensing requirements.
California Tax Obligations For Your Business
- California Secretary of State’s Tax Guide. A list of state agencies to determine your business’s tax liability.
- San Francisco Payroll Expense Tax. Entities that pay $150,000 or more in compensation for services performed in San Francisco must pay a 1.5% payroll expense tax. An audio program discussing the tax can be found here.
Federal Tax Obligations For Your Business
- IRS Virtual Tax Workshop for Small Businesses and The Self-Employed. Lessons for small businesses and the self-employed to help them meet their federal tax obligations.
Planning Your Business
- U.S. Small Business Administration’s Guide to Starting and Managing Your Business. A helpful guide for starting, managing, and growing your business.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Provides many free educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
ADA Compliance
- The San Francisco Office Of Small Business has some legal resources available here on ways to bring your business into compliance and to mitigate your risk of a lawsuit.
Financing Resources
- Angel Investors. Inc. Magazine’s directory of angel investor networks.
Converting Your California Company
- The California Secretary of State Office’s guide to convert from one type of entity to a different type of entity.
Obligations for Dissolving Your California Businesses
- Guide to Dissolve, Surrender, or Cancel a California Business Entity. The California Franchise Tax Board provides a useful guide for dissolving a California business.
- SF Declaration of Closed or Sold Business. The San Francisco Declaration of Closed or Sold Business can be found here.
- Statement Of Abandonment Of Use Of Fictitious Business Name Statement. The form to discontinue use of your company’s fictitious business name statement can be found here.
- Once your California entity has been dissolved, you will also need to file IRS Form 966 and a final state and federal tax return.