Starting a business in San Diego County?

It depends on where exactly you're located. If you're inside the City of San Diego, you need a Business Tax Certificate from the city — the initial registration fee is $34, and there's an annual renewal based on revenue. If you're in unincorporated San Diego County (outside any city limits), the County of San Diego has its own business license requirement. And if you're in another incorporated city — Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido, Carlsbad, La Mesa — that city has its own license. Many San Diego County businesses need both a city/county license and a state-level registration, depending on entity type.

California charges every LLC an $800 annual minimum franchise tax, regardless of revenue or profit. It's due by the 15th day of the 4th month of your LLC's taxable year — typically April 15 for calendar-year LLCs. This is separate from your income taxes and is paid to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), not the IRS. It's a real cost to factor in when deciding whether an LLC makes sense at your revenue level.

California LLCs must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with the Secretary of State within 90 days of formation. After that initial filing, it's due every two years during your LLC's anniversary month. The filing fee is $20. Missing the deadline triggers a $250 penalty — not a disaster, but avoidable. Most people set a calendar reminder the day they form their LLC.

Yes. If you're selling tangible goods in California, you need a seller's permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). It's free to obtain. You'll use it to collect sales tax from customers and file periodic sales tax returns. Services are generally not taxable in California, though there are exceptions — and if your product comes with a service component, the line can get blurry.

Potentially. If you're in the City of San Diego and running a business from your home, you may need a Home Occupation Permit in addition to a Business Tax Certificate. The permit ensures your home business doesn't generate customer traffic, employees, or signage that would otherwise require a commercial space. Most solo service businesses qualify easily. Check the City's Development Services department — the permit application is straightforward.

California has its own quarterly schedule, and the due dates don't match the federal ones. California estimated taxes are due: April 15 (30% of your estimated annual liability), June 15 (40%), no payment in September, and January 15 (the remaining 30%). Federal estimates follow a more evenly spaced April, June, September, January schedule. New California business owners often miss the June payment because they're still figuring out the system — and the underpayment penalty adds up.

A DBA (Doing Business As) — formally called a 'Fictitious Business Name' in California — lets you operate under a name other than your legal name. It offers no liability protection and doesn't change your tax structure at all. An LLC is a legal entity that separates your personal assets from the business. Many new owners file a DBA thinking it creates a 'real business' when it doesn't. If liability protection or professional separation matters, form the LLC — don't just file a DBA.