- Business owners in San Francisco must fill out the proper forms for the given business structure to complete registration. The Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector has a form for a sole proprietor and a form for any other business structure. Business owners also need to pay a registration fee so the forms can be processed. As of 2011, these fees can vary from $25 to $500 depending on the business structure and overall size of the business. The time of year of the business registration may also affect the price, according to the official website of the city and county of San Francisco.
- Part of the registration process involves applying for taxes and wage compensation. This includes withholding income taxes for the Internal Revenue Service, federal income tax withholding using the W-4 form for the IRS and the federal wage and tax statement using the W-2 form. Employers must fill out the W-2 form if they have employees working for them or plan to hire employees.
- The term "business license" refers to the actual document the business owner will receive after the registration has been completed. This document will list the name of the business, the owner's name and all numbers required to do business and state taxes in California. It is used to prove that the business is legally registered, including the completion of payroll forms and tax documents. If these forms and items are not completed and approved, the license will not be issued by the city and county of San Francisco.
- The business owner may need to get additional permits and licenses to have a legal operating business. The city and county of San Francisco require that all business owners register for the proper licenses and permits that apply to the given industry. Examples of general licenses are building permits for modifying public spaces, a health permit for restaurants and an alarm permit for any type of alarm system implemented to protect a business.
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