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California entity filings, seller permits, sales tax and professional licensing.

Sales tax registration and payments Get a professional license Form or register a business

Before you start

SOS entity registration, CDTFA seller permits, professional licenses and local business licenses are separate requirements.
Choose your actual entity or profession and location; use the official instructions before entering private information.
Check city/county business licensing and county fictitious business names separately. This statewide guide does not complete every local workflow.

3 guides with reviewed service links · Alpine · “City of Banning”

Choose a county on the map

Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.

California58 counties

County directory Reviewed service guides available

Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.

Map source

U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

California state agency · Statewide

California Secretary of State — Business Entities

Statewide California programme; local business licensing and individual eligibility remain separate.

Choose the right entity filingOfficial instructions

Review entity-specific registration, signature and termination instructions. Sole proprietors, FBNs and local permits use separate routes.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

SOS entity registration does not issue a local business license. Check city/county permit requirements separately.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Service availability

File a fictitious business name with the county where the principal business location is situated; it is separate from SOS entity formation.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — FAQs (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Form/register, license or terminate a business entity.

Form/register, license or terminate a business entity.

Saved evidence: 3aa5c9f2ebe3a3c8 · Agent source review

Form a California LLCOfficial instructions

Use the LLC filing directory for Articles of Organization, the $70 filing fee and entity maintenance forms.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Limited Liability Companies - California (Domestic) (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Formation - Articles of Organization

Formation - Articles of Organization

Saved evidence: c9e2c049e4cd2fef · Agent source review

Form a California corporationOfficial instructions

Choose the correct stock, professional or nonprofit form. Fees and additional filings depend on entity type.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Corporations - California (Domestic) (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Articles of Incorporation - General Stock

Articles of Incorporation - General Stock

Saved evidence: 60a2187cf4c453dc · Agent source review

Find partnership registration formsOfficial instructions

Choose LP, GP or LLP forms. Registering a partnership is separate from obtaining a local business license.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Forms, Samples & Fees (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Forms, Samples and Fees

Forms, Samples and Fees

Saved evidence: 4cb9304af84a2777 · Agent source review

File a Statement of InformationOfficial instructions

Check the initial and recurring deadline for your entity. Online filings require established User Access under the August 2026 update.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

Since August 1, 2026, Statement of Information online filings require User Access; the filing option only appears for authorized users.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Service availability

File an updated statement when information changes between required filing periods.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Statements of Information (opens in a new tab)

Main content — User Access Update

User Access Update

Saved evidence: e7b8fafaaad6bc43 · Agent source review

Check or reserve an entity nameOfficial instructions

Name reservations last 60 days and do not establish trademark rights or guarantee final filing acceptance.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

A reservation does not guarantee the name satisfies every state or federal rule. SOS reviews compliance when filing documents.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Name Reservations (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Reserving a Name

Reserving a Name

Saved evidence: e7ebfad93644c3f6 · Agent source review

Search records or order a certificate of statusOfficial instructions

Find business records, certified copies and status certificates; some entity types and No Record requests require paper.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

SOS does not file bylaws or operating agreements. Request them from the business entity.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Service availability

Corporation, LLC and LP copies/certificates can be requested online. Registered GP and LLP records require paper requests to Sacramento.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Launch service: Get copies of business entity documents (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Certificates, Copies, Status Reports and Processing Times

Certificates, Copies, Status Reports and Processing Times

Saved evidence: c1684ee2eb5e5eee · Agent source review

Amend or close a California LLCOfficial instructions

Choose the appropriate amendment, dissolution or cancellation form. Online termination requires Basic/Full Access.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

Online LLC termination requires Basic/Full Access to that entity. Establish access first if needed.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Limited Liability Companies - California (Domestic) (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Termination

Termination

Saved evidence: c9e2c049e4cd2fef · Agent source review

Compare drop-off and expedited serviceOfficial instructions

Compare Sacramento handling and expedite charges, cutoffs and preclearance requirements. A timed response can still be a rejection.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — Service Options (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Drop-Off Service (Special Handling Service)

Drop-Off Service (Special Handling Service)

Saved evidence: 369de00f6b8cae5f · Agent source review

Check current processing datesOfficial instructions

Use the current processing-date page when planning a filing; a general form-table estimate is not an approval promise.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Secretary of State · California Secretary of State — processing dates for Business Entities (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Processing Dates

Processing Dates

Saved evidence: 7d86a4dc6c010978 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

California state agency · Statewide

California CDTFA — Seller’s Permits & Sales Tax

Statewide California programme; local business licensing and individual eligibility remain separate.

Check whether you need a seller’s permitOfficial instructions

Review taxable goods and California business activity. Seller permits are free, but a security deposit may be required.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

A seller’s permit is separate from a city/county business license; check the local requirements too.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Obtaining a Seller's Permit (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Who must obtain a seller's permit?

Who must obtain a seller's permit?

Saved evidence: 1799f5ee560f3fad · Agent source review

Prepare and start CDTFA registrationOfficial instructions

Gather identity, business and sales estimates, then follow official registration instructions. Requirements vary by entity and tax programme.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Launch service: Sales and use tax permits, licenses, or accounts (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Register for a permit, license, or account

Register for a permit, license, or account

Saved evidence: 0b67cfc17a2a04a2 · Agent source review

Find the sales tax rate at an addressOfficial instructions

Use the official address or coordinate map. Check the matched point and the date; city and county boundaries can change.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

Confirm the matched map point. The result is today’s rate for that point; rates and city/county boundaries may change.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — public referred entry (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Find a Sales and Use Tax Rate

Find a Sales and Use Tax Rate

Saved evidence: e610ac95c809ad38 · Agent source review

File or amend a sales/use tax returnOfficial instructions

Use your assigned filing frequency and account instructions. A return is still required when there are no sales to report.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — File a Return (opens in a new tab)

Main content — File a Return

File a Return

Saved evidence: 7959ed77ec8e6d46 · Agent source review

Compare payment methods and chargesOfficial instructions

Find bank, card, check and EFT instructions. Card vendor fees and mandatory EFT requirements are separate from tax owed.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Payments (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Make a Payment

Make a Payment

Saved evidence: b9c9d02560207311 · Agent source review

Ask about a past-due payment planOfficial instructions

Follow CDTFA payment-plan instructions if you cannot pay the full past-due balance; eligibility and account terms require agency confirmation.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Payments (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Do you offer payment plans?

Do you offer payment plans?

Saved evidence: b9c9d02560207311 · Agent source review

Update, transfer or close a seller accountOfficial instructions

Report address, ownership or partner changes. Stop-business cancellation and buying a business require separate attention.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

Buying a business may require a new permit and tax clearance. Successor liability can make a buyer responsible for a seller’s outstanding liabilities; check with CDTFA before purchase.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Service availability

Notify CDTFA of buying, selling, stopping or partner/ownership changes. A divorce decree without direct notification is not sufficient notice.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Obtaining a Seller's Permit (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Should I tell the CDTFA if I change my business address or mailing address?

Should I tell the CDTFA if I change my business address or mailing address?

Saved evidence: 1799f5ee560f3fad · Agent source review

Find a California sales-tax field officeOfficial instructions

Browse the 19 published California field-office locations below. Check lunch closures, call ahead about your transaction and follow the cash-payment rules.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Office Locations (opens in a new tab)

Main content — California Offices

California Offices

Saved evidence: 7ea5b3ff1825666e · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

California service directory · Statewide

California DCA — Professional Licensing & Consumer Help

Professional and occupational licensing

Find the board for your professionOfficial instructions

Choose the actual board or bureau, then confirm its license type, application, materials, fees and eligibility.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — contact them directly through our directory (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Links to DCA Boards and Bureaus

Links to DCA Boards and Bureaus

Saved evidence: ad99e539ab83c959 · Agent source review

Compare licensing requirementsOfficial instructions

Follow DCA’s requirements directory to the profession-specific rules. A directory listing does not establish your individual eligibility.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — Licensees (opens in a new tab)

Main content — Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Saved evidence: 1b9d8c26de1dff52 · Agent source review

Find application, renewal and account helpOfficial instructions

Some participating boards allow certain license applications and renewals through BreEZe. Use the correct board’s current instructions.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Service availability

Only some boards allow certain license types to apply or renew in BreEZe. Confirm your board and license type.

Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — About BreEZe page (opens in a new tab)

Main content — What online services does BreEZe allow?

What online services does BreEZe allow?

Saved evidence: e6c78f65dd090550 · Agent source review

Find professional-license verificationOfficial instructions

Follow official license-search instructions. Some boards have a separate search; select the responsible profession and check license status.

Service area: California statewide programme; the responsible programme and individual eligibility still apply. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

California Department of Consumer Affairs · California Department of Consumer Affairs — Licensees (opens in a new tab)

Main content — License Search

License Search

Saved evidence: 1b9d8c26de1dff52 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Selected agencies, with sources checked individually. See all coverage and sources.