Starting a Business Checklist
Launch steps vary by business type, county and city, with recurring obligations after formation.
Open official source ↗California business requirements
Start and run a business in California
Check the registrations, permits, tax accounts and filing deadlines that may apply to your business type and operating location.
Current local coverage: City of Los Angeles and unincorporated Los Angeles County, for general retail and non-regulated consulting.
Tell us about the businessNo account required
On this page
Your next moves
One owner for each decision
The example below is a new Los Angeles retail LLC that plans to use a trade name, sell goods and hire employees.
Ordered for your answers
13 decisions and actions
Sources checked 2026-08-17
- 1Local jurisdiction · verify
Confirm who governs the operating address
Use City of Los Angeles sources for city registration and property checks.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 2Entity · decision
Confirm that a California LLC fits the ownership and tax plan
Liability, governance, tax treatment and financing needs belong in the entity decision before filing.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 3Entity · official action
Check the proposed name and nearby entity records
BizFile searches entity names and numbers. A search result is not a trademark clearance or a certified status record.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 4Entity · official action
File the selected LLC through BizFile
Formation creates the entity record; it does not replace tax, employer, zoning or permit steps.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 5Federal tax · official action
Obtain or confirm the EIN with the IRS
The EIN identifies the business for federal tax administration and is commonly needed before payroll and banking steps.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 6County name filing · verify
Confirm the fictitious business name filing path
California does not file fictitious business names with the Secretary of State. The responsible city or county and publication steps depend on the business and location.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 7State tax · official action
Determine and complete the seller's-permit registration
CDTFA ties this permit to selling or leasing tangible personal property and any applicable exclusion.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 8City registration · official action
Complete the City of Los Angeles registration check
The City has its own business registration process. Confirm exemptions and activity-specific department steps with the Office of Finance.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 9Property · verify before commitment
Check site use for the exact address
Property use cannot be proved from a statewide business article. Use the City zoning record and responsible department.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 10Employment · time-sensitive
Register the California employer payroll tax account when the wage threshold is reached
EDD requires registration within 15 days after paying more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 11Employment · time-sensitive
Arrange workers' compensation coverage
Coverage and workplace duties must be addressed before employees begin work.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 12Recurring filing · calendar
Record the Statement of Information dates
The initial statement is due within 90 days; California LLCs then file every two years.
Open the responsible authority ↗ - 13Permit routing · official router
Run the activity and location through CalGOLD
CalGOLD identifies agency contacts. It does not issue licenses, report current license status or guarantee a complete list.
Open the responsible authority ↗
Before you rely on this plan
- This plan covers two activities and two Los Angeles-area jurisdiction branches only.
- The responsible authority decides applicability, fees, forms, approval and processing time.
- No answer here proves that an entity is active or a site may legally operate.
- Recheck each linked authority before filing, paying, signing a lease or opening.
Why order matters
Formation is only one branch
The state entity record, seller's permit, city registration, property approval and employer account answer different questions.
1. ActivityWhat is sold or performed?
2. JurisdictionCity or unincorporated county?
3. EntityWho owns and operates?
4. PremisesWhat can happen at the address?
5. Recurring dutiesWhat must be filed again?
Responsible authorities
Open the source that owns the action
Commercial formation sites can explain options. They cannot replace the agency record, filing portal or local land-use decision.
Set Up Your Business in California
Location, structure, name, registration, tax identifiers, permits, banking and insurance are separate decisions.
Open official source ↗BizFile Business Search
Searches corporations, LLCs, LPs and nonprofits by entity name or number and exposes public filings; it is not a certified record.
Open official source ↗Business permits and licensing help
CalGOLD provides permit-agency links and contacts but does not issue permits or report existing-license status.
Open official source ↗Starting a Business: Entity Types
Entity choice involves liability, ownership, tax and operational factors; the state overview is not legal advice.
Open official source ↗Statements of Information Filing Tips
Required statements can be filed in BizFile; missed filings may lead to penalties or suspension; filing frequency varies by entity.
Open official source ↗Common questions
Quick answers
How does one owner for each decision?
The example below is a new Los Angeles retail LLC that plans to use a trade name, sell goods and hire employees.
How does formation is only one branch?
The state entity record, seller's permit, city registration, property approval and employer account answer different questions.
How does open the source that owns the action?
Commercial formation sites can explain options. They cannot replace the agency record, filing portal or local land-use decision.