Authority ledger
Sources behind each action
A source supports only the claim shown beside it. It does not make every instruction on that agency site apply to every business.
California Secretary of State
Starting a Business Checklist
Launch steps vary by business type, county and city, with recurring obligations after formation. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗Launch steps vary by business type, county and city, with recurring obligations after formation. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
Set Up Your Business in California
Location, structure, name, registration, tax identifiers, permits, banking and insurance are separate decisions. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗Location, structure, name, registration, tax identifiers, permits, banking and insurance are separate decisions. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Secretary of State
BizFile Business Search
Searches corporations, LLCs, LPs and nonprofits by entity name or number and exposes public filings; it is not a certified record. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗Searches corporations, LLCs, LPs and nonprofits by entity name or number and exposes public filings; it is not a certified record. Checked 2026-08-17.
State of California
Business permits and licensing help
CalGOLD provides permit-agency links and contacts but does not issue permits or report existing-license status. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗CalGOLD provides permit-agency links and contacts but does not issue permits or report existing-license status. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Secretary of State
Starting a Business: Entity Types
Entity choice involves liability, ownership, tax and operational factors; the state overview is not legal advice. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗Entity choice involves liability, ownership, tax and operational factors; the state overview is not legal advice. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Secretary of State
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. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗Required statements can be filed in BizFile; missed filings may lead to penalties or suspension; filing frequency varies by entity. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Secretary of State
Limited Liability Companies: forms and fees
California LLC Statement of Information is initially due within 90 days and then every two years. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗California LLC Statement of Information is initially due within 90 days and then every two years. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
Do You Need a California Seller's Permit?
A seller's-permit decision turns on selling or leasing tangible personal property and applicable exclusions. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗A seller's-permit decision turns on selling or leasing tangible personal property and applicable exclusions. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Employment Development Department
Employers: Payroll Tax Account Registration
A business with employees registers within 15 days after paying more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗A business with employees registers within 15 days after paying more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter. Checked 2026-08-17.
California Department of Industrial Relations
Workers' Compensation
California employers must arrange workers' compensation coverage and meet related workplace obligations. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗California employers must arrange workers' compensation coverage and meet related workplace obligations. Checked 2026-08-17.
Internal Revenue Service
Employer Identification Numbers
The IRS issues EINs for federal tax administration; an EIN does not create local operating permission. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗The IRS issues EINs for federal tax administration; an EIN does not create local operating permission. Checked 2026-08-17.
City of Los Angeles Office of Finance
Business Registration Process
The City of Los Angeles has its own business registration process and may route some activities to additional departments. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗The City of Los Angeles has its own business registration process and may route some activities to additional departments. Checked 2026-08-17.
Los Angeles City Planning
Zoning Search
Zoning and property information must be checked for the intended City of Los Angeles address. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗Zoning and property information must be checked for the intended City of Los Angeles address. Checked 2026-08-17.
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector
Business License General Information
Only listed activities in unincorporated areas and named contract cities use the County business-license process; jurisdiction must be resolved first. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗Only listed activities in unincorporated areas and named contract cities use the County business-license process; jurisdiction must be resolved first. Checked 2026-08-17.
Los Angeles County Planning
Land Use and Zoning
County Planning handles land-use and zoning questions for unincorporated Los Angeles County. Checked 2026-08-17.
Read ↗County Planning handles land-use and zoning questions for unincorporated Los Angeles County. Checked 2026-08-17.