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How can I obtain information on a business license to do business in Santa Ana?

The Business Tax staff can verify if a business has an active business license as well as the business name, type of license, business start date, business telephone number and location over the telephone (due to legal restrictions additional information may not be provided). Requests for additional information must be made in writing. The City...

How do I contact the Business Tax Office?

The City of Santa Ana Business Tax Office is located at 20 Civic Center Plaza, First Floor City Hall Ross Annex. Parking is available in the Civic Center Plaza, off Santa Ana Blvd. between Ross Street and Flower Street. Parking fee is $2.00 per each half-hour. Office hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday...

Is my regular City of Santa Ana business license transferable?

A business license is not transferable. It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to advise the Business Tax Office of ownership changes, relocation or termination of business.

What are the penalties for failure to obtain a business license prior to commencing business?

Any business which operates a business without first obtaining a valid City of Santa Ana Business License may be liable for a penalty of 50% of the current year’s license fee, plus any prior year’s unpaid license fee for the preceding 36 months.

How do I apply for a City of Santa Ana business license?

You may apply for a business license by coming in person to City Hall and obtaining and completing the appropriate application, or you may contact the business tax office by phone to have the applications mailed, emailed, or faxed.

What is a Home Occupation Permit and who is required to have one?

Every business operating from residential premises within the City is required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit and comply with any and all applicable provisions of the City of Santa Ana Municipal Code relating to home-based businesses. Home businesses must apply for and receive an approved Home Occupation Permit before they apply and pay for...

What is a Certificate of Occupancy and who is required to have one?

Every business, including temporary or itinerant businesses, operating from commercial premises within Santa Ana is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for their commercial location and comply with any and all applicable provisions of the Santa Ana Municipal Code relating to zoning, building, and fire safety. For information on Certificate of Occupancy requirements, please...

Who is required to have a business license?

City law states that no person shall engage in business or transact and carry on a business, trade, profession, calling or occupation in the city without first having procured a license from the city to do so or without complying with any and all applicable provisions of the City of Santa Ana Municipal Code relating...

What is a business license?

A business license is an annual non-regulatory licensing fee levied by individual California cities and counties for the privilege of conducting business within a particular city or county jurisdiction. Business license fees are due and payable prior to commencing business within a particular city or county. The fees assessed are intended to raise revenue for...

Business license frequently asked questions

Business License Tax application forms are available at: City of Santa Ana Business Tax Office 20 Civic Center Plaza – Ross Annex 1st Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701 Please call the business tax staff at (714) 647-5447 to discuss your businesses’ requirements – application forms can be mailed, faxed, or emailed (BusinessTax@santa-ana.org) upon request. Fictitious Name...

Family Member Rental Exemption Form

I am renting to family members is this still considered to be a business? Do I have to get a business license?

Renting to family members is considered to be a business and a license is required. If you are renting only to immediate family members and the amount you receive is not more than the “cost of said premises” you may qualify for a “fee-exempt” license. To see if you qualify, download a Family Member Rental...

How is the Residential Rental Business license tax assessed?

The business license tax for the rental of residential real estate is assessed per property, based on the ownership of the property. A separate business license is required for each separate rental property location. The business license tax assessment is made on a per unit basis and reflects the maximum number of rentable units making...

What does Santa Ana consider a “Residential Rental Business”?

Municipal Code Section 21-3 defines the business of rental of residential real estate as including every person who engages in the business of leasing, renting, subleasing, subletting, providing, exchanging or trading without loss of ownership or leasehold any residential property within the City for purposes of general residency.

My business entity (corporation, LLC, partnership, LP, etc.) is dormant/passive and it is just paying a minimum tax to the Secretary of State. Is it required to get a business license?

Yes. If your business is registered as “active” with the Secretary of State and is reporting on a business return to the FTB and IRS, it will need a business license. Maintaining a business entity within the City, whether it is transacting public business or not, is considered operating a business under the municipal code...

I live in Santa Ana, but my business is located outside of the city limits. Do I need to get a business license?

As long as your business location and all business activity are conducted outside the City of Santa Ana, there is no need to obtain a City of Santa Ana Business License. However, if you are conducting business based from your residence, or your residence is your business location, you will need to obtain a City...

I am an independent operator performing services in association with a licensed Santa Ana business, or nonprofit organization or government agency. Do I have to get a separate business license?

Yes, engaging in business in association with, or performing services for, or in the name of a licensed Santa Ana business or nonprofit organization, or government agency does not relive separate business entities, independent contractors, consultants or other self-employed individuals from the requirement to obtain a City of Santa Ana Business License.

I do part-time consulting/independent contractor work from my home. Do I have to get a business license?

Yes, businesses both large and small are required to obtain a Santa Ana Business License to be in compliance with the Santa Ana Municipal Code. If the consulting work or other independent contractor work is done from a location within the City limits, such as your residence, you are required to obtain a City of...

I received a 1099 form instead of a W-2 from my work. Am I required to have a business license?

Yes, individuals that work as an independent contractor and are reported on a 1099 Form instead of a W-2 need to have a City of Santa Ana Business License.

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