State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control
If your business intends to sell alcoholic beverages, contact:
State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
(805) 543-7183
www.abc.ca.gov Business Formation
There are different forms of legal structure to choose from for your business. Each structure has certain advantages and disadvantages. For filing information and forms contact
California Secretary of State Filing & Services Division
(916) 657-5448
www.ss.ca.gov/business/business.htm Contractors
If you plan to engage in the construction industry, contact the State License Board to determine what special permits or licenses are required.
Contractor’s State License Board
(800) 321-2752
www.cslb.ca.gov/
Department of Industrial Relations
(213) 576-7750
www.dir.ca.gov/ Insurance/Workers’ Compensation
Firms with employees must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD) for Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, and State Income Tax Withholding; and with the Internal Revenue Service for a Federal Income Tax Withholding Identification Number. If you have employees, Worker’s Compensation insurance is mandatory under California law.
All businesses should consider insurance coverage for general liability, product liability, fire and similar disasters, robbery and theft. Fidelity bonding should be considered for employees who handle cash receipts or other funds.
California Department of Workers’ Compensation
(805) 481-3296
www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/dwc_home_page.htm Safety and Health Regulations
There are laws that set employee safety standards designed to prevent injuries arising from unsafe or unhealthy working conditions. Small employers (less than 10 employees) may be exempt from some of the CAL-OSHA requirements, but all businesses are required to have an Injury Illness Prevention Plan.
CAL-OSHA
(800) 963-9424
www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh1.html Seller’s Permit/Resale Number
Every business that will sell or lease tangible personal property (merchandise) to customers must obtain a seller’s permit from the
State Board of Equalization
(800) 400-7115
www.boe.ca.gov/ State Licenses
The State of California imposes license requirements and fees on certain businesses and professions. The Department of Consumer Affairs grants most licenses.
Department of Consumer Affairs
(916) 445-1254
(800) 952-5210
www.dca.ca.gov/ State Taxes – Withholding
If you have employees, you must register with the state Employment Development Department (EDD).
Employment Development Department
(805) 549-3512
www.edd.ca.gov Vehicle Registration
Commercial vehicles for a business must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Contact
DMV
(805) 543-0590;
(800) 777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov
or for occupational licensing
(805) 543-4492
www.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/ol/olbranch_top.htm Wages, Hours, and Child Labor
If you have employees, you should contact the Department of Industrial Relations with regard to minimum wages, overtime pay, employee dismissal requirements, hiring of minors, and fair employment practices.
State Labor Commissioner
(415) 557-7878
www.dir.ca.gov/ |
