How Do I Register To Do Business In California

Registering a california business name for a corporation or llc.

How do i register to do business in california. Generally all businesses that wish to conduct business in california need to register and form their legal entity with the california secretary of state s office file appropriate taxes register as an employer and obtain business licenses and other permits from appropriate cities or counties. To register a business name in california visit your county s website for instructions on submitting a fictitious business name statement. Corporations and llcs have to pick a name at the time of filing for the entity and each corporation llc has to be uniquely named. If you would like help deciding on a location for your business contact the california business investment services unit of the governor s office of economic development go biz. Generally all businesses that wish to conduct business in california need to register and form their legal entity with the california secretary of state s office file appropriate taxes register as an employer and obtain business licenses and other permits from appropriate cities or counties.

The forms described below are available on our forms samples and fees webpage. Go to the u s. To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. Public law 86 272 potentially applies to companies located outside of california whose only in state activity is the solicitation of sale of tangible personal property to california customers. Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy.

A foreign business entity can qualify register to transact business in california by filing the applicable form as described below with the california secretary of state. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. Small business administration website to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. Registering with the irs i e get an ein number getting relevant licenses and or permits.

Other key steps for how to register a business in california include. Businesses that qualify for the protections of public law 86 272 are exempt from state taxes that are based on your net. Business name registration is one step of many in the business registration process. What it means to be doing business in the state of california. Use the calgold tool to determine which if any licenses your business needs.

How to register a fictitious business name in california. We are often asked if i incorporate a business that will be located in california and will be strictly online with no principal office location do i still have to register to do business in california. The california business investment services unit.