Doing business in the Los Angeles District

SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in our area.

Business name and registration

Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Secretary of State.

Business licensing and zoning

Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in industrial activity in a retail district.

Taxes

IRS California Taxpayer Assistance Center
300 N. Los Angeles St., Room 1259
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-576-3009

State Tax Department
Franchise Tax Board
P.O. Box 942857
Sacramento, CA 94257
Phone: 800-338-0505

Health and safety

California Department of Industrial Relations
320 W. 4th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 213-576-6227

California OSHA
1515 Clay St., Suite 1901
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-286-7000

Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.