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Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024
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Small Business Help Line

What Licenses Do I Need When Starting Out?

Question: What licenses, permits or legal obligations do I need to meet when starting my business?

Answer: There are many types of business licenses, which vary depending upon what you do and where you plan to operate. Most businesses will need a license of some sort.

Licenses are handled by a variety of departments; also, many cities and towns require you to register and pay a fee to do business there. Check with the business license office or tax collector in the city or county where you plan to do business. For the city of San Diego, the number is (619) 615-1500.

For tax purposes, you must decide if your business will be a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. Partnerships should be established through an attorney. If you decide to incorporate, you can contact the California Secretary of State for information at (www.ss.ca.gov) or call (619) 525-4113.

Also, you must file your state business taxes separately if you are a partnership or corporation. If you are a sole proprietorship, file through your personal income taxes. The business tax forms and information are available from the California Franchise Tax Board; for information, call (619) 852-5711.

If you plan to sell products to end users, you will need a Seller’s Permit or a Resale Number from the California Board of Equalization Business Office. The number for the office in Downtown San Diego is (619) 525-4526, and the San Marcos office is (760) 510-5850.

If you have employees, you are required to have an employer ID number from the Employment Development Department. Visit (www.edd.ca.gov) or call (619) 516-1920 or toll free (888) 745-3886. You may also obtain an employer ID number if you don’t have employees, but prefer it to using your Social Security number on business transactions.

You must carry worker’s compensation insurance. You must also withhold taxes for disability, unemployment insurance, personal income taxes, federal income tax, and Social Security.

Information on workers’ compensation can be found by calling (858) 552-7000. For additional assistance, call the SCORE office at (619) 557-7272.

Answered by Stephen C. Eisold of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a counseling service of the Small Business Administration.

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