All businesses – even small ones – that operate in San Francisco must register with the City. You may also need to register or incorporate through the State first, depending on your chosen business structure. Additionally, businesses with employees need to register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Federal Government.
Last modified date: Thu, 06/18/2015 - 14:47
Choosing the legal structure that best suits your business type is a top priority. This important decision impacts how much you pay in taxes and your personal liability (i.e. who is legally responsible for debts). The most common structures include: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. This choice must be made prior to registering your business and, in some cases, even before choosing a name.
Last modified date: Thu, 06/18/2015 - 14:49
Register with the SF Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector (TTX) within 15 days of commencing business in the City.
Last modified date: Wed, 10/04/2017 - 17:13
If you chose a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation (Corp), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnershipship (LLP) as your business structure, you must register or incorporate with the CA Secretary of State. This can be accomplished in two steps.
Last modified date: Fri, 01/17/2020 - 13:01
Most businesses must register with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you are not a US citizen, you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Last modified date: Mon, 04/27/2015 - 13:23
