RESOURCE COLLECTION
Register your business
All businesses; even small ones; that operate in San Francisco must register with the City. Depending on your business structure, you may also need to register or incorporate with the State. If you have employees, you'll need to register with the Federal government.
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Resources
Business structures
When starting a business, you will need to select a business structure for your business. This decision impacts how much you pay in taxes and your personal liability (i.e. who is legally responsible for debts). You will need to decide before registering your business.
Business registration
All businesses that operate in San Francisco must register with the City. Businesses may also have registration requirements at the state and federal level.
California state business registration
If you chose a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation (Corp), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) as your business structure you must register or incorporate with the California Secretary of State.
Federal business registration
Most businesses must register with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
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