Yes but am student I have experiens 20 years automotive refinished but I have so far 2 weeks just drive around ask to find out then I haven’t shop or work place so how I can started first if I haven’t place for work but thank very much answer me Ms
Sorry if this question is too specific, but I've repeatedly tried to contact LA for help but to no avail. I'm currently applying for a BTRC with the city of LA, but I don't know what to classify my work-from-home internet sales shop as (we sell art posters). The only option that I think could maybe fit is the "FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND SALES" option, but I just don't know. If I do pick the "food and sales" option, it asks "Do you sell any goods, wares or merchandise for any purpose other than resale and charge the appropriate sales tax? Common examples would be grocery stores, drug stores, hardware stores, clothing stores, etc." I'm just a bit confused by this question. I'll take any insight you have, and if it's too specific that's totally fine too. Thanks either way. Great video!
For the City of LA, here's the list of business activities (latax.lacity.org/oofweb/eappreg/eappreg_fund_list.cfm). Most businesses that sell products online (and are not in some other specific category) are probably: "L044 Retail Sales is the sale of goods, wares or merchandise for any purpose other than resale in the regular course of business." If you are in the County of LA and not the city, only certain businesses need a license (those "that may have an impact on the health, welfare or safety of the public" like a food establishment).
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for a great video as always and finding the time to answer all the questions below. I also have a business and two locations under one business name. If I operate in two cities (I have a martial arts gym in two cities, share a school gym/facility for my martial arts program in both places) do you think I need to apply for or/get two occupational licenses for both gyms? (places that I share is a private school) Or will the occupational license that was acquired by that school suffice for that location, or should I apply for my own occupational license for my llc regardless? thank you.
Most likely you'd need a license for each location, but that is not always true. It does depend on the towns -- some of them are more of a permitting system where as long as the location is already permitted for that use, then it is already set. Some of them are more of a tax system, where each business and each location needs to pay the tax regardless of whether another business also operates at that location. Every town has its own rules/system.
If it is a city issued license, like in California, and the actual business is mobile and crosses city lines, do we need to get a license in all cities or just the one the LLC is registered in? Thank you for the great content.
Some cities have specific rules for mobile businesses, but generally the cities will want anyone who "operates" in their city to get a business license. I suspect many mobile businesses don't get one for every town they operate in (especially places with many small cities all next to each other, like in the Silicon Valley). The most likely way it would come up is if someone got upset with you and reported you.
So many subs 🥳🥳🥳 if I could but I only have 1. Thank you, I have been listening as i doordash, I want to start a business as I do many gig delivery jobs and this information is super helpful.
Hi Elizabeth, Should I get a business license in the city where my LLC partner lives even if I live abroad and I'm the sole operator? My partner is my family member to assist me in case of any emergency. Because my work is online, my clients can live in any city in CA. Do I have to get a business license in every city where my clients live? Thank you!
It is about where the business is providing services / selling products, not where an owner lives (who doesn't do work in the business). If you use that address for official business stuff though, that city might check other databases and send you something to require you to register there (depends on the city). Each city has their own rules, and if you are providing services only via phone/internet to people there, typically you would not be required to get a license there.
I'm just 3 minutes in, so the comment may be premature but 1) I'm wondering if you go through this with online healers, coaches, psychics. I don't think anyone in these industries has a license, although I'm going to do in person trainings so I think that means then I need general and umbrella insurance? I'll look if you have a video on this. 2) I'm also wondering how you would advise people in these industries with sales tax (online sales with product downloads and online programs) I have never seen anyone charge sales tax although an accountant I spoke to briefly (not my accountant, just a quick phone call) said that products sold are taxed. Are people in these industries (I'm one of them) just not collecting sales tax and is this ok? I never have... 3) How do we choose our NAICS code if you're a healer, psychic, coach and consultant? Of course I would want to pick the one where I can take the most exemptions and for it to be looked at as normal and natural or whatever their special words are, I can't think of it right now but I'm sure you know what I'm referring to. Thank you for all your information. I really enjoy your videos! Are you only able to be the lawyer of people in CA?
1 - whether you need a business license depends on your city/county/state. In some places, yes a coach or healer would need a business license. 2 - we already discussed in the other video. 3 - usually I put a life coach under personal services siccode.com/naics-code/812990/personal-services
You'd need to check the rules of each city where you are going to. Some may have specific licenses for mobile businesses. As an example, mobile food trucks need a license/permits in San Jose, California (www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/office-of-the-city-manager/citywide-initiatives-topics/outdoor-vending) in certain situations but not in others.
@@ElizabethPW thank you I watched so many of your videos which helped me. I plan to do physical exams to truck drivers. I am emailing cities that I will be covering to find out if I need it. thank u
Hi Elizabeth, great stuff. Do you know what the general verdict is on business licenses and seller's permits for selling purely digital things like pdfs or nfts? I'm not finding much info about this anywhere. Thanks for the information!
In CA, a digital product that is delivered digitally (downloaded, not sent on a UBS fob for instance) is not subject to sales tax, so no seller's permit. You might need a business license - depends if your town requires a general business license for all businesses.
Hey Elizabeth, thank your for the content! My question is... My LLC was formed and I used a registered agent in St. Petersburg, Florida. I do freelance digital marketing. Would I need a business tax receipt in St. Pete?
Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for creating valuable content. Its very helpful for first time business owners like myself. I have a question regarding business license. I registered my business in Delaware but live and work online from home in Philadelphia. Do i need a business license in Delaware and PA? Do i need to register my business in Philadelphia county and pay the business licensing fees in Philadelphia?
You'd always need to look at the rules for each place. Most places want you to have a business license where you are "transacting business" so that would be where you are located, where make sales, etc.
My understanding is that every business in LA needs a business license. I think there's a category for general services or something like that when you don't have an idea of what to put it in. Or you can call them 1-844-663-4411
I keep getting the run around when I try to talk to someone directly here in Massachusetts. I can't figure out if my sole proprietorship online business needs a business license. Nobody at the clerks office can give me a straight answer.
Sorry to hear that. My understanding is that Massachusetts does not have a general business license -- it is only for certain professions and types of business. Also may also need a local permit for certain activities, like signage or a home-based business.
Hi there Elizabeth! Your videos have been helping me with knowledge about owning a business, which is my goal. As a sole-proprietor wishing to sell products online do i need a sales tax license? I live in Michigan and ive been told anyone selling goods in michigan needs one but then i read elsewhere that since it would be a sole proprietor you dont need to get license or fill out forms. Any chance you know if i selling products like on shopify from home in michigan would require a sales tax license or other license for a sole-proprietor to start off( eventually would want it to be a LLC) Thanks for your time!! :-)
So whether you need sales tax license isn't about if you are a sole prop or an LLC/corp -- it is about whether you are selling products. If you are using shopify for your online store, and you sell products to people who are also in your same state, you'll need to collect sales taxes and file sales tax returns. That's a different thing than a general business license - Michigan doesn't have a state general business license but you should check out the county and city you live in, because they might have one
I just want a holding LLC with Wyoming, my LLC is going to be for an investment property. Will I need a business license. The LLC company was asking me if I need a business license, do I ?
So typically you need a business license where you are actually transacting business. For a rental property, for example, usually that's where the property is located
Hello Elizabeth, thank you for doing what you do. I have a question, I want to start a immigrant consultation business in San Jose California. I already sourcing for bonds $100,000 and the application with Secretary of State. I need to know do I need anymore other license? And what are they if yes. Thank you 🙏🏾
You need a business license from the city of San Jose (called a tax certificate) -- www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/finance/business-tax-registration
Hi great content. If I start a lease agreement for a store and did not get my business license yet, is the lease valid or can it easily be terminated.. ?
Look over the lease to make sure it does not say that you promise to have a business license already. But even if it does, just get the business license asap and that should usually cure the problem
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for the wonderful infos. My question is, I just got my LLC though a registered agent - just received the Certification of Formation (Secretary of the State). I will doing custom gifts and services, do I need a business license? I will be doing my business from home and it's at in Kitsap County. Also, if the address is a reservation? Thank you in advance.
Hi - there is a state business license in WA and then also Kitsap County has a home occupation permit www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/Pages/Starting-a-Business.aspx - but if the location is on tribal lands, then it depends on their arrangement with the federal government regarding business licenses (my understanding is there are federal laws on doing business on a reservation). Hopefully a website for the tribal government would have info about it.
Hello, I just commented on another video but I need to change my general partnership to a sole proprietor. My partners just want to opt out of the partnership and have me keep the name and just pay them back their initial contribution of capital. What is the process on doing this? I don't want to have to change my DBA or my NV tax ID. thanks, Richelle
Hi Elizabeth, I'm in Merced CA and am looking to start a produce business. I am looking to grow my own produce and sell to a third party or direct to bigger produce business like OK Produce, etc. My question is, what type of business license would I need, and would I also need a sellers permit?
If you only sell items that are not subject to sales tax in California (produce) then you don't need a seller's permit. If you are selling at a produce stand or farmer's market, there are rules for that but it seems you are only going to sell to other businesses. You need to look at the CDFA for registration and inspection info: www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/standardization.html If you are in Merced city limits, you'll need a business license www.cityofmerced.org/departments/finance/business-license-applications and to make sure your property is zoned for those purposes
Hi thank you for this video. I live in Fairfax County of VA and trying to understand if I need a business license to sell digital downloads/printables?
Looks like Fairfax County Virginia has a business license (Business, Professional and Occupational License tax) that is for every business in that county (except in a few cities, who have their own business licensing requirements). It's not about whether you have an online business -- it is about where you are located, so your home office would be the location if you work from home. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/business/understanding-bpol-tax
Sounds like the need for a business license only applies to traditional “brick and mortar” establishments, or other service where you deal directly with customers. Right? What if you’re running a RU-vid channel, where you may make income through Adsense, affiliate links, or digital products? Is that even a business in the classic sense since it’s all virtual and everywhere? Thanks.
A virtual business that makes money via Adsense, affiliate links, or digital products is still a business. But, you'd need to check the business license rules of that exact location to see if it applies. Some specifically require even an internet sales business to have a license or permit, and some only require if a certain industry or behavior (like having staff).
@@ElizabethPW Very interesting. So your channel is owned by your firm’s PLLC, or other entity, I assume. Thank you for all your prompt responses. Future video suggestion: “How to make an LLC the owner of your RU-vid channel”.
@@ElizabethPW So, in essence, 'Big Apple LLC' owns both 'Fuji FBN' and 'Red Delicious FBN.' Only one business license is needed because Fuji and Red Delicious are under the umbrella of Big Apple LLC?
So the CDTFA is commonly required for a biz that must collect sales tax - then you are getting a seller's permit. It's not about whether you are a sole prop or another biz entity.
Hi Elizabeth, I am thinking of forming a LLC for my makeup artistry side business, do I need a business license to form a LLC? I don’t have a salon etc, I am a onsite artist where I travel to the client
You don't need a business license to form an LLC -- those are separate. If you are in California, check with your city to see if you need a business license for your type of business (in some places every business needs a license, and for others it is only certain types)
What if the city does not have a category for my business and no one at the city government helped me define that? Does that mean I don't need a business license?
Hm so if the city. has a general business license, then you'd get it and just pick a category that is similar. But in many cities they only require a license for certain categories (like alcohol, massage parlor, tattoo, etc.) so yes many businesses don't need one at all
Hi Elizabeth. I can't seem to find anything that addresses a home-based service where you travel to private homes in various cities to deliver your services. I offer private dog training at my clients' homes -- but the same question could apply to a traveling massage therapist, insurance rep, interior designer, plumber, etc. I already know I'm not required to have a biz license in my home town; however, there's a particular city within the area I travel to that says I need to have a license in THEIR city if I want to provide services in the homes of residents who live in that city. This is in Southern CA, by the way. All my research points to licensing being determined by where you are BASED, not where your clients live. It would be very cost-prohibitive if every city required this of every business that provides services at their clients' homes as a convenience. Is this even legal?? Thank so much for any guidance you can offer.
Generally, licensing is determined by where you are doing business. Many places require anyone who does business in their town (selling products, delivering services) have a business license. Obviously I would bet that many people don't get that, and they fly under the radar. However if something else happens, that is when it comes up -- like if there is an accident, they then check to see if you have a legit business license. Yep it is legal -- think of it like if you drive in their city, you have to obey their speed laws -- they can regulate behavior in their town.
@@faithbrill4101 Thanks for asking this question. I am in the exact same position and it just seems wild. I will need 12 business licenses to work as a dog trainer in my county. I just don't see how I will be able to afford to do this without charging ridiculous rates to my clients.. Did you manage to get licensed in a way that was practical in the end?
Hi elizabeth! Im a teen and im looking to open a small buisness. Im looking to open commissions at first, which i do not plan to make much from… would i need to get a buisness license from that? And when i do make my small buisness in which i plan to sell different products from my art, would i need to file for a sole proprietor license?
If your city/town requires business licenses, you'll need to get one once you are in business. In some places you have to get it before you start, and in some you can get it once you make a sale - you have to look up the rule for your city/town. To be a sole proprietor, you don't need any particular extra filing, unless the name of your business is not your personal legal name -- then you'd need a DBA (fictitious business name registration).
@@ElizabethPW thank you! Orange County, CA. I am thinking of doing sole proprietorship first to start out. If I go that route, should I apply for the general business license? Just to be safe?
Hi Elizabeth I love your time details that you put on your videos. I have a question I am about to open my Etsy shop so I need a business license? Also I don’t want to use my regular email or my address can I use a P.O. Box address and a different email just for business. Thank you
If your city requires a business license for all businesses, then yes you'd need one for an etsy business. Yes you can use a business email. For most things you can use a PO Box, but for stuff like a business license they also want your physical location address.
It depends on your city/town. Some require it before you open the biz, some it is within 30 or 45 days after you start, and some don't have a biz license/certificate requirement.
Hi I started a beauty business but I'm not sure if it is under beauty salon. I am certified in hyaluron pen, I can perform needless lip fillers and fat dissolve on people. I am starting at my home and will eventually rent out a place when I have enough money. Should I get a business license now even though I might move my business address?
Sorry another question? My friend open up her own beauty spa she rents out rooms for different services like nails, lips, lashes, brows. She currently doesn't have any rooms available to rent but if one opens I would take it. Do I still need a business license for my LLC even though she has a license for her business building and I'm just renting over her?
