- 1). Register your business name, if you're not doing business under your own name. If you're incorporating, you'll need to search the California secretary of state's website (see Resources) to make sure that the name isn't taken and then register at state level. Once that's done, you file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Sacramento County clerk. If you're a sole proprietor or partnership, you can register at the county level without doing the corporate name search.
- 2). Apply at the city revenue division for a business operations tax certificate. The office's current hours of operation and application fee are available on the city's website. No matter what business you're in, you're required to do this; even if you're working out of your home, or you're an independent contractor with no employees, the city still wants a certificate.
- 3). Contact Sacramento County if you're doing business outside city limits. Some businesses will need a county license even if they're based inside the city of Sacramento, according to the county finance department. These include antique dealers, taxi companies, towing companies, concealed weapons dealers and bingo parlors.
- 4). Contact the city's Community Development Permit Center for information about any other permits you'll need. If you're building a store or office or remodeling one, you'll probably require a building permit; you may also need permits for your signs and for serving food on the premises.
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