Register your business

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.

All businesses that operate in San Francisco must register with the City. Businesses may also have registration requirements at the state and federal level.

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.

Most businesses must register with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).