Do a search to see if your business name is available http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/

California does not require name reservations.

For information on Trademarks, contact the California Secretary of State at (916) 653–3984

California Secretary of State

California Secretary of State
Business Entities
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

If you want to form a California corporation, there is a $100 Articles of Incorporation filing fee. If you want to form a California LLC, there is a $70 Articles of Organization filing fee.

The California Secretary of State will process your documents in 25 business days. If you are in a hurry, you can choose to pay an additional expedite fee to have the state process your filing in 1-3 business days.

You’ll need to include the following information on your formation documents:

-Business name

-Business address

-Agent for service of process name and address

-Organizer/incorporator name and signature

If you don’t want to do the corporate filing yourself, you can incorporate in California with Northwest Registered Agent.

Business Entities

California Secretary of State
Secretary of State

Business Entities
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

There are several tax registrations before you can do business in California.

Employment Tax

If you have employees you need to register with the Employment Development Department. This includes your state income tax withholding registration. You can register online or mail in the application form. For more information and to register http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/Am_I_Required_to_Register_as_an_Employer.htm

Sales  and Use Tax

You will need a Sales and Use Permit if you sell goods or services. California Sales and Use Permits are issued by the Board of Equalization. You can apply online at https://efile.boe.ca.gov/ereg/index.boe

Franchise Tax

All California corporations and LLCs are subject to the CA Franchise Tax Board’s $800 minimum payment. You can pay online at The Franchise Tax Board’s website: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/businesses/index.shtml?WT.mc_id=Global_Businesses_Tab

Tax contact info

Employment Development Department

Employment Development Department
Taxpayer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 826880
Sacramento, CA 94280-0001

Board of Equalization

State Board of Equalization
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279

Franchise Tax Board

Withholding Services and Compliance MS F182
Franchise Tax Board
PO Box 942867
Sacramento, CA 94267-0651

There is no statewide license requirement. You’ll have to look at the county and city where your business is located.  If you are a professional, you will want to check with the licensing board to see if you need a trade/occupational license.

Any other registration requirements?

Your local government may require additional licenses and permits so it is always important to check with the city and county government.

Los Angeles County

Those in unincorporated areas should check with the County Business License Office to see if they are required to have a license, while those in cities should check with their city halls. Certain businesses may be required to obtain additional licenses or permits, such as pest control operators or food establishments.

List of activities that require a business license from the county http://ttc.lacounty.gov/Proptax/Business_License_List.htm

City of Los Angeles:

If your business is in the city of LA you need to apply for a Tax Registration Certificate (TRC) and pay the required business tax. You can get the form online and submit it via email to Finance.CustomerService@lacity.org. Or to you go one of the Los Angeles Office of Finance locations in person.

Orange County

Orange County does not issue business licenses but may require certain permits depending on the type of business.  Most cities in Orange County issue business licenses, so you will want to check with the county and the city.

City of Santa Ana:

Businesses in the city of Santa Ana city must obtain a business license and pay the annual business license tax.

San Diego County

Unincorporated areas in San Diego County do not need a business certificate/license. Incorporated cities may require a business license when conducting business within city limits.
The County provides a list of cities that require a business license and their contact info: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/cs/businesslicenses.html

City of San Diego:

All businesses operating in the City of San Diego are required to obtain a Business Tax Certificate
You have to option to apply online: https://apps.sandiego.gov/BTaxApp

Local Licensing Info

The City of Los Angeles

Office locations: http://finance.lacity.org/content/LocationsHours2.htm

The City of Santa Ana

The City of Santa Ana Business Tax Office
20 Civic Center Plaza – Ross Annex 1st Floor
Santa Ana, CA 9270120 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
P: (714) 647-5447

City of San Diego

You can mail your application to the City Treasurer:
Office of the City Treasurer
Business Tax Program
PO Box 122289
San Diego, CA 92112-2289

Or you can deliver your application to the downtown location:
Civic Center Plaza Building
1200 Third Ave., First Floor
San Diego, CA

Do I need to collect California sales tax?

You will need a Sales and Use Permit if you sell or lease goods in California.

What is the California sales tax rate?

The state sales tax rate is 7.50%. There may be additional local taxes.

How do I register for California sales tax?

California Sales and Use Permits are issued by the Board of Equalization. You can apply online at https://efile.boe.ca.gov/ereg/index.boe. If you prefer, you may register your business in person at a Board of Equalization field office.

How much does a California sales tax license cost?

No fee to apply for a Sales and Use Permit.
However, the Board of Equalization may require a security deposit to cover any unpaid taxes your business may have. The amount of the security varies and will be determined when you apply for your license.

State Board of Equalization

State Board of Equalization
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279
1-800-400-7115
http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/sutprograms.htm