Starting Your Business
Register a Business Name
- All California businesses must be registered with the California Secretary of State’s office.
Get a Federal Tax ID Number
- Register with the Internal Revenue Service for an Employer Identification Number for federal tax purposes.
Register for State and Local Taxes
- The California Employment Development Department can help you get registered as a business in California.
- Also, your business may meet certain conditions that would require you to obtain a Use Tax Account or a Seller’s Permit.
Obtain Proper Permits to Begin Operation
The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (also known as the Labor Commissioner’s Office) issues permits for several industries. Those are:
- Farm labor contractors
- Garment manufacturers (and Contractors)
- Car washing & polishing firms
- Talent Agency License and Fee-Related Talent Services
- Studio teachers
- Industrial homeworkers
- Sheltered Workshops and Special Minimum Wage Workers
- Employers, transporters and supervisors of minors involved in door-to-door sales
- Minors Employed in the Entertainment Industry
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (also known as Cal/OSHA) issues permits for industries where significant safety risks can exist:
- Construction activities
- Tower cranes
- Tunneling or underground mining
- Pressure vessels
- Elevators
- Portable amusement rides and bungee jumping
- Aerial passenger tramway
Other Industries – Teachers, Real Estate Agents, Physicians, Dentists, etc are granted permits through the Department of Consumer Affairs:
Understand Employer Responsibilities
- Additional questions regarding holidays, overtime, rest periods, retaliation/discrimination are answered here
- Make sure you know exactly what records you need to keep as a business owner, what forms your employees need to fill out, what benefit plans you can offer, and more here: http://www.sba.gov/content/10-steps-hiring-your-first-employee
Get Online
- Google has partnered with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), Intuit, the NFIB and several regional chambers of commerce to create “Get Your Business Online” a free resource to California small business. The service provides a free easy-to-build Intuit website, free customized domain name, free web hosting for one year, and many more online tools and training.
Other resources to check when starting a business
Small Business Portal Homepage
February 2021
The Department of Industrial Relations is a resource for small businesses. Contact us for information and assistance with workplace requirements.
Get resources on workplace safety and health requirements.
- Call Cal/OSHA's Call Center 833-579-0927 or contact a Consultation Office or Enforcement Office
Know how to pay workers properly.
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Email the Labor Commissioner's Office for help with labor laws
MakeitFair@dir.ca.gov or Contact an office
Learn about having an insurance plan to cover workplace injuries and illnesses.
Find workforce solutions by developing an approved apprenticeship program.
Quick Links
- Attend a meeting, workshop or hearing
- Do business with DIR
- Get workplace postings
- View Labor Law FAQs
- Register a car wash
- Register for garment manufacturing
- Report a violation of the state Labor Code
- Apply for a permit or registration with Cal/OSHA
- See available occupational health and safety publications
- View Labor Law Publications and Forms
- Develop an injury & illness prevention program
- Get information on workplace safety & health requirements
- Obtain a free consultation from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services
- Report an accident or injury
- Resources/Links