Additional Sources of information to help you establish your business and complete your application

Fictitious Names:
The owners of a business who use a fictitious name (one other than his/her own last name) for their business must clear the name through the County Clerk to ensure no one else is using it. For more information, contact the County Clerk at (619) 237-0502.

Seller's Permit:
A seller's permit is required for all persons selling tangible property which is subject to state Sales and Use Tax. For more information, contact: State Board of Equalization, 1350 Front Street, Room 5047, San Diego CA 92101 Phone:(619) 525-4526

Federal Employer ID Number:
All businesses that have employees are required to obtain a federal employer identification number from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. This is required for purposes of withholding and payment of employee taxes. If you do not have employees, you can use your social security number. For more information, contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

State Employer ID Number:
All businesses that have employees are required to obtain a state employer identification number from the Employment Development Department. This is for the purpose of withholding employee tax as wells as for meeting unemployment insurance requirements. If you do not have employees, this number is not required. For more information, contact the Employment Development Department at (800) 852-5711

Legal Status:
The three types of legal status are:

• Sole Proprietor: a business owned by a single person who receives all of the profits
• Partnership: two or more persons who are equally liable as co-owners of a business for profit
• Corporation: an independent legal and tax entity that remains intact even if its officers and directors change

Type of Business:
Be specific in the description of the type of business and how it will operate. For example, if you are a consultant, list the field of expertise. If you operate a mail order firm, list the type of products sold. If you are selling used merchandise, a second hand dealer license may also be required.

Special Permits:

• Food, Restaurant, or Hazardous Material: contact the County of San Diego Dept of Health Services, 1255 Imperial Avenue, 3rd Floor, San Diego CA 92101 (619) 338-2222
• Contractor's License: contact the State Contractors Board 800-321-2752
• Alcoholic Beverage License: contact the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department at 1350 Front Street, Room 5056, San Diego CA 92101 (619) 525-4064
• State of California Department of Justice: (916) 227-3688
• State of California Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology
• California Bureau of Automotive Repair (800) 952-5210

Other Agencies:

• Chamber of Commerce
  Located at 10315 Mission Gorge Road, Santee CA 92071 (619) 449-6572
• Santee Public Library
  Located at 9225 Carlton Hills Boulevard, Santee CA 92071 (619) 448-1863
• State of California Consumer Affairs
  (800) 344-9940