New Business for the New Year

new business openingAre you starting a business this New Year? California Governor Gavin Newsom ratified a Budget Act in 2020 that benefits many business types. It includes measures intended to help small companies battling because of the pandemic.

The Act extends the initial year exemption from the state’s Franchise tax minimum of $800 to limited liability partnerships, companies, and limited partnerships. The exemption is for those starting businesses between January 1, 2021, and year-end 2023 and applies to the initial taxable year. The tax becomes applicable the following year.

How to Start a Business in California

After choosing a business idea based on your knowledge and skills and the community interests, it’s time to contemplate crafting a business strategy to determine your likelihood of earning revenue. A San Francisco new business lawyer can help.

Having a plan helps you analyze the competition, determine costs, and create strategies for earning. Prospective lenders and investors will want to examine your business proposal before giving monetary assistance.

Also, when you pick a location for your business, check the local zoning regulations to verify that the area zoning accommodates your type of business. Next:

  1. Decide on a Legal Structure

For small businesses, the most common legal structures are the sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Corporation (C-Corp).

You should think about what kind of liability protection, monetary and tax advantages you and your company want, and San Francisco business attorneys can guide you.

  1. Name Your Company

In the case of corporations and limited liability companies, you must verify that the name you intend to use does not conflict with any other companies already registered with the Secretary of State of California (SOS).

There is a requirement for businesses to catalog a Fictitious Business Name Statement if they use an alternate business name from the owner’s legal name. Ensure that the domain name of your online business does not infringe on any trademarks.

  1. Register Your Business
  • A sole proprietorship does not necessitate the submission of any official paperwork to the government
  • In a partnership, there is no need to file any official paperwork with the government
  • The California SOS requires that LLCs file Articles of Organization
  • The California Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) requires that corporations file Articles of Organization
  • Even though bylaws aren’t a requirement by law, they’re a good idea for establishing your company’s internal rules
  • The state does not keep track of bylaws. IRS Form 2553 is required documentation for S corporations
  1. Obtain Required California Permits and Licenses
  • A Board of Equalization (BOE) registration for authorization as a seller is a requirement if you plan to sell items in the state
  • A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a requirement if your company has workers or gets taxed apart from yourself
  • Obtaining a general business license is a requirement for all businesses in California, regardless of location
  • Licenses and permits for particular services or industries, as well as health and safety and environmental regulations. State agencies frequently issue regulatory licenses and permits
  • A valid professional or occupational certificate. These include people from a variety of professions

Finally, if you’re going to do business in California, you’ll need to register and file your taxes, as the state taxes every type of business, including corporations, LLCs, and many partnerships, with a corporate income tax and a franchise tax.

A San Francisco CA business attorney is knowledgeable in this area. Open a business bank account to keep track of your earnings and expenditures, as well as insurance for your company and its assets.

How a San Francisco Business Attorney Can Help

Ready to start a new entity? Our new business lawyer San Francisco, Attorney James M. Braden, works closely with you to develop a customized service plan and estimate.

It not only ensures that your company gets what it needs but also offers transparent invoicing that could aid prioritization, budgeting, and planning. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from the expertise of our business attorney in San Francisco.