Treasurer & Tax Collector
Business licensing
Check whether San Francisco business tax registration applies, the stated exemptions, required information and the applicable fee band. This is separate from forming a legal entity or obtaining activity permits.
Service area: City and County of San Francisco business tax registration; the detailed activity and exemption tests apply. Area details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
City and County of San Francisco · San Francisco — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed business licensing instructions
San Francisco’s Business and Tax Regulations Code generally requires that every person engaging in business within the City, regardless of whether the business or person is subject to taxation, must register within 30 days after commencing business within the City.
Saved evidence: 5ff79fd04efd41e5 · Agent source review
Use the official new-business application and complete the required electronic signature. A local business tax account does not replace other permits.
Service area: San Francisco local business tax registration, subject to the stated applicability and exemptions. Area details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
City and County of San Francisco · San Francisco — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed business licensing instructions
New Business Registration Application
Saved evidence: 5ff79fd04efd41e5 · Agent source review
Apply for activity permits with their regulatory departments. The Treasurer collects the subsequent annual regulatory license bill; it is separate from business-registration renewal.
Service area: San Francisco regulatory permits and license-fee billing; each issuing agency determines its programme requirements. Area details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
Reviewed business licensing instructions
Businesses apply for permits directly with the department(s). If an inspection is necessary, the business owner will be contacted by the department to schedule an appointment. Usually, a business must pass an inspection to be approved.
Saved evidence: 6206c8eb38549e18 · Agent source review
Review the current eligibility, timing, funding limit and exclusions before relying on a waiver. Registration and participating permitting agencies determine eligibility; it is not a blanket zero-cost business license.
Service area: San Francisco First Year Free programme for qualifying new businesses or locations; eligibility and funding conditions apply. Area details & sources
The city states the programme runs throughJune 30, 2027 or until the appropriated waiver funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
City and County of San Francisco · San Francisco First Year Free programme (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed business licensing instructions
The program waives the cost of initial registration fees, initial license fees, first-year permit, and other applicable fees for qualifying businesses.
Saved evidence: c2b6b59f61e47126 · Agent source review