How To Register Your Business In California

California general partnership naming rules.

How to register your business in california. Business types and activities generally determine the licenses and permits needed to operate a business legally in california. Inquiries should be directed to the county clerk s office in which the business will be located. In california you can either register your business as a limited liability company llc c corporation or s corporation. How to register your doing business as name. Other key steps for how to register a business in california include.

Small business administration website to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan. Registering a business and finding the proper permits can be challenging. Find information about local state and federal business registration processes permits licenses and certifications below. One of several steps most businesses will need when starting a business in california is to register for an employer identification number ein and california state tax id numbers. Go to the u s.

The california business investment services unit. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. Limited liability company llc. To register an llp in california an application to register a limited liability partnership form llp 1 must be filed with the california secretary of state s office. The fee to file a fictitious business name varies depending on the county or city where it is filed.

To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. In california you must register your dba with your county clerk s office. 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. 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. General partnerships must include the surnames of the partners.

For easy step by step instructions for filing a dba in california visit our free state dba guide. To use a different name business owners must file a dba doing business as known as a fictitious name in california. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. Use the calgold tool to determine which if any licenses your business needs.