The Secretary of State's office is often asked what other agencies a business entity may need to contact to ensure proper compliance. The following is a list of the agencies most often referenced. In addition, we have included several links to websites that may assist you in your business endeavors.
To assist you in finding the appropriate permitting information for your business, the CalGOLD database provides links and contact information that direct you to agencies that administer and issue business permits, licenses and registration requirements from all levels of government.
Information relating to credit unions, industrial loan companies, banks, savings and loan associations or savings banks.
Responsible for the regulation of securities, franchises, off-exchange commodities, investment and financial services, independent escrows, consumer and commercial finance lending, and residential mortgage lending.
Information relating to franchise tax requirements, penalties and suspensions/forfeitures.
Information relating to sales or use tax liability, special taxes and fees, property tax administration, and franchise and income tax appeals.
Information relating to unemployment insurance, disability insurance and employment tax.
Information relating to licensing requirements at the state level for specific business entities.
Information relating to requirements for insurance companies, agents and brokers.
Information relating to registration of law corporations and limited liability partnerships. Also provides links to county bar associations that have lawyer referral services.
Information relating to worker's compensation requirements.
Information relating to charitable trusts and public benefit corporations.
Provides a one-stop shop for tax assistance, including information about income tax, payroll tax, sales & use tax, and other taxes and fees for businesses.
California's Unclaimed Property Law requires corporations, businesses, associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies (referred to as "Holders") to annually report and deliver property to the State Controller's Office after there has been no activity on the account or contact with the owner for a period of time specified in the law. The most common types of Unclaimed Property are:
Provides tailored site selection and investment counseling services for businesses, real-estate executives, and site selection consultants considering California for new business investment and expansion.
Provides a one-stop shop for business assistance.
Provides contact information for local California Chambers of Commerce.
Information relating to federal taxes and employer federal identification numbers.
Offers a centralized place to find information from local, state, and federal agency sites.
Information regarding starting and managing small businesses.
Information regarding importing and exporting issues related to the U.S. Customs Service.
Information regarding national industrial standards.
Information regarding the national copyright system.
Provides resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American businesses in planning international sales strategies.
Information and services provided by the U.S. government for the business community.
The county agency where the principal place of business is located provides information relating to city/county business licenses, fictitious business name requirements, zoning, building permits, etc., dependent on business entity activities. To determine the applicable county agency, please refer to the list of California counties provided on the California State Association of Counties website.
