QUESTION ON Licenses and Permits for Starting a Home-Based Business
First, let me applaud the helpful articles I read on this site.=) Secondly, I’m having problems finding out what licenses and permits are needed for a home based online business (unique clothing items) in California. Thank you in advance for your help!
– Joy
ANSWER
Advice by Nach Maravilla
Publisher, brigittesglobalstore.com
Dear Joy,
If you are serious about your planned online business, in the beginning, you may only need your business name registered in the county where you live. Having a registered business name gives you the benefit of getting a bank account under your business name or as they are called DBA (Doing Business As). If you are alone, you may operate as a “Sole Proprietor” and your taxes on profits or losses are included in your own personal income tax (Your tax account is your SSS Number).
Since you will be operating from home on a computer, you may not need a business license or permit. You may want to check the California Professional and Business License Handbook prepared by your state’s Department of Commerce to make sure whether your business of choice requires a license or not. The URL is http://commerce.ca.gov/state/ttca/ttca_business_display.jsp
Visit our guide on Starting a Business in California for government resources that you can check.
The best source of information on the requirements of starting a business in your state is the City Hall. Most cities have a complete list of information on how to do business in the City. We urge you to visit California’s Department of State web site. They have a section called California Business Portal, which includes a guide to starting a business in California. Check it out at http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/resources.htm . Then you may wish to inquire if your county has any special requirements for start-up businesses like yours.
Good luck!
Nach M Maravilla
Recommended Resources on How To Start a Retail Clothing Store
- Start Your Own Clothing Store and More
- Start Your Own Fashion Accessories Business
- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting and Running a Retail Store
- Retail Business Kit for Dummies
Article originally published in June 2001. Updated February 12, 2012
