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A solid business plan increases your chances of success. Free resources are available: • SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Phone: (800) 616-7232 Website: Home - OCIE SBDC • SCORE Orange County Phone: (714) 550-7360 Website: Orange County | SCORE

Keeping business and personal finances separate is essential for tax and legal purposes.

Employers must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD). Phone: (888) 745-3886 Cost: $0 Website: Employers: Payroll Tax Account Registration

Depending on your business type, you may need: • Liquor Stores and Restaurants Serving Liquor – Liquor License Phone: (714) 558-410 Website: Apply for a New License | Alcoholic Beverage Control • Manufacturing and Emissions – Air Quality Permit Phone: (909) 396-2000 Website: Permits | AQMD

Required if you are selling a product in the State of California. Cost: $0 Application: CDTFA Online Services Website: Obtaining a Seller's Permit

Businesses serving food must comply with the City of Santa Ana’s FOG program. Cost: Free to enroll (additional fees for appliances may be necessary) Website: Fats, oils, and grease control program - City of Santa Ana More Info: Food Service Establishment – Fats, Oils, Grease Application Form

Required to operate a food establishment in the County of Orange. Cost: $460 - $2,817 Application: Food Health Permit Application Fee Schedule: Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule More Info: Food Facility Health Permit | Orange County California - Health Care Agency

Required for businesses operating out of a physical location. Cost: $147 (Tier 1) or $544 (Tier 2) Website: Certificate of Occupancy Application | City of Santa Ana Schedule Inspection: Occupancy Inspections

Taxi businesses operating in Orange County must obtain an OCTAP permit to operate legally. Application: OCTAP Company Permit Application Website: Orange County Transportation Authority

If operating oversized or overweight vehicles, obtain a special transportation permit through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Cost: $35 - $2,500 (varies by vehicle weight and type) Website: Caltrans - Transportation Permits | Caltrans More Info: How To Apply | Caltrans

A business license is required to operate in Santa Ana. Contact the Business Tax Office for applications and fees. Phone: (714) 647-5447 Cost: $57 Website: Business license & related services - City of Santa Ana

Required for food trucks and carts in Orange County. First-time permits must be obtained through OC Environmental Health. Cost: $183 - $488 annual fee Application: Mobile Food Facility Health Permit Application 2023.pdf Fee Schedule: Mobile Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule More Info: Mobile Food - Trucks and Carts | Orange County California - Health Care...

Obtain a Home Occupation Permit before applying for a business license. Cost: $54 Website: Home Occupation Permit | City of Santa Ana More Info: Home-based businesses are not required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (COO).

Required for partnerships, corporations, and businesses with employees. Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number. Phone: (800) 829-4933 Cost: $0 Website: Get an EIN | Internal Revenue Service More Info: How to Apply for an EIN | Internal Revenue Service

If using a name other than your own, register a DBA with the Orange County Clerk Recorder. Phone: (714) 834-2500 Cost: $23 - $32 Website: Fictitious Business Name | OC Clerk Recorder Department

Certain business structures must register with the California Secretary of State: Required: Corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs Optional: General Partnerships and Sole Proprietorships Cost: Varies by entity type ($50 - $120) More Info: Starting a Business – Entity Types : California Secretary of State

Select a legal entity type (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.). This affects taxation, liability, and financing. Consult an attorney or tax professional for guidance. Cost: Varies by structure and filling type More Info: Online Business Services | California Secretary of State