Part of Business

Register your business

All businesses – even small ones – that operate in San Francisco must register with the City. You may also need to register or incorporate with the State, depending on your chosen business structure. You'll need to register with the Federal Government, if you have employees.

Resources

Business structures

Choosing the legal structure that best suits your business type is a top priority. This decision impacts how much you pay in taxes and your personal liability (i.e. who is legally responsible for debts). This choice must be made prior to registering your business.
City business registration

All businesses – even small ones – that operate in San Francisco must register with the City. You may also need to register or incorporate through the State first, depending on your chosen business structure. This is not a substitute for legal or professional advice.
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).

Next step

Continue in the Step by step guide to starting a business in San Francisco

Choose a business name for your business

Go back

Return to the Step by step guide to starting a business in San Francisco

Departments

Office of Small Business