Small Business · Checklist · Reviewed July 12, 2026

Business entity, seller's permit, and local license check

Put the setup papers in order. The business structure, tax ID, seller's permit, and local approvals are separate jobs.

Why it matters

California has no all-purpose business license. A state filing does not replace the other papers. You may still need a seller's permit, EIN, local license, zoning approval, or work license.

Official first stop

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First moves

1
Write down the owner, business name, address, and opening date. Add what you will sell or do and whether you will hire workers.
2
Choose the business structure before filing. A sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation work in different ways. Taxes and filing duties differ too.
3
Forming an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership? Use the Secretary of State checklist and bizfile service.
4
Apply for an EIN directly with the IRS if you need one. The IRS application is free.
5
Selling or leasing goods that are usually taxable? Check CDTFA registration. A seller's permit has no fee, but CDTFA may ask for security in some cases.
6
Check the rules for the actual address. The city or county may handle licensing, zoning, building, fire, and health. CalGOLD finds offices but does not issue permits.
7
Hiring workers adds more steps. Check EDD payroll registration, wage and safety rules, and workers' compensation before the first workday.

Watch for

1
An LLC and an EIN are different records. So are a seller's permit, business name filing, and local license.
2
The mailing city can differ from the government that controls zoning and licenses at the address.
3
A seller's permit is usually for taxable sales or leases of goods. A service business can still have taxable sales or other duties.
4
A fictitious business name filing does not create an LLC or settle trademark rights.
5
A home business can still need local approval. Landlord, HOA, zoning, fire, or health rules may also apply.
6
Do not pay a third-party website for an EIN when the IRS provides the application directly and without a fee.

Directory paths

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Use the nearby shelf when this is the right lane, or jump back to the full directory if the task changed names.

ShelfStart hereFind the right public office for everyday paperwork.DirectoryPaperwork & MoneyReturn to the full tools shelf.Nearby toolBusiness paperwork routerChoose a first path for ordinary business setup, selling taxable goods, hiring workers, regulated work, or permit help.Nearby toolRegulated business license and permit checkCheck the work and the address before signing a lease or taking money. Food, alcohol, cannabis, construction, and some other work have extra rules.A-ZFind another California pathUse the directory index when the task has a different name.

Business entity, seller's permit, and local license check

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