Anaheim, CA Business License Guide

Last updated: August 2025

Anaheim calls it a Business Tax Certificate, not a “license.” You still need it to legally operate in the city. This guide covers what you must do in Anaheim, what California requires on top, realistic timelines, what trips people up, and where to get help with official links and phone numbers.

Quick help box

• Need to apply for an Anaheim Business Tax Certificate right now? Use the City’s site and search for “Business Tax” on City of Anaheim (official website) (accessed August 2025). Or call Anaheim 311 at (714) 765-4311 to be routed to Business License.
• Selling goods (even online) with pickups or deliveries in Anaheim? Register for a California seller’s permit with CDTFA online registration (official) (accessed August 2025). CDTFA help: (800) 400-7115.
• Hiring employees in California? Register as an employer with EDD within 15 days of paying over $100 in wages in a calendar quarter: EDD Payroll Taxes (official) (accessed August 2025). EDD employer help: (888) 745-3886.
• Forming an LLC or corporation? File with California Secretary of State bizfile Online (official filings) (accessed August 2025). Typical filing fees (verify before filing): LLC Articles $70; Corporation Articles $100; LLC Statement of Information $20; Corporation Statement of Information $25. See the Secretary of State business entity fees (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Annual California taxes you’ll owe: most LLCs and corporations owe the FTB minimum franchise/LLC tax of $800 per year. LLCs may also owe an LLC fee starting at $900 when total California income is $250,000+. See FTB Annual LLC tax (official) and FTB LLC fee tiers (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Anaheim questions you can’t place? Call Anaheim 311 at (714) 765-4311 or visit Anaheim 311 (official) and search “311” for assistance (accessed August 2025).

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What you must do first (don’t skip this)

• Confirm your business location is actually in the City of Anaheim city limits. Use the Orange County Parcel Viewer to check the jurisdiction: OC Parcel Viewer (official GIS) (accessed August 2025).
• Check your zoning before you sign a lease or start from home. This is the number one reason applications stall. Contact Planning & Building via Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 and ask for Planning, or visit City of Anaheim (official) and search “Planning & Building” (accessed August 2025).
• If you will occupy a storefront/warehouse/office, ask about a Certificate of Occupancy and any tenant improvements. Building or fire approvals can take weeks if plans are required. Use Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311.
• If you sell taxable goods, apply for the California seller’s permit early at CDTFA registration (official) (accessed August 2025). It’s free to register, but sales tax collection begins as soon as you start selling.
• Choose a legal entity and get the federal EIN. File formation at bizfile Online (official) and apply for your EIN at IRS EIN application (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Can’t confirm zoning? Ask Planning for a “zoning verification” for your address through Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311. If you need a faster answer, consider hiring a local permit expediter or architect to check land use tables and parking ratios.
• Lease already signed and zoning is off? Ask Planning about a conditional use permit (CUP) or alternative locations. CUPs take time and money—don’t assume approval.

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Snapshot: common tasks and who handles them

Reality check: City fees depend on your business classification and sometimes gross receipts or employee count. Don’t estimate—use the City’s classification schedule and calculator if available, or call (714) 765-4311 and ask for Business License to confirm your class and estimate.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you can’t locate the exact City application link, call Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 and ask to be transferred to the Business License/Tax Division. Have your address, business description, and whether you’re home-based or commercial ready.

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Step 1: Zoning and location clearance (do this before you spend money)

• Verify your address is inside Anaheim city limits: OC Parcel Viewer (official) (accessed August 2025). The jurisdiction pane shows the “City.”
• Check the zoning designation and allowed uses. Ask Planning if your specific use (e.g., nail salon, day care, small warehousing, ghost kitchen, office) is permitted by right or needs a conditional use permit. Reach via Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 (Planning & Building).
• If you will occupy a space, ask whether a Certificate of Occupancy is required. Many tenant improvements—moving walls, new plumbing/electrical, signage—need building permits and inspections.
• Fire and life safety. Certain uses (assembly, hazardous materials, cooking) require Anaheim Fire approvals and possible operational permits. Use Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 to reach Fire Prevention.
• Parking, signage, and ADA. Confirm parking minimums, sign permits, and accessibility upgrades if you change the use or occupancy.

Table: common Anaheim location hurdles

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your use isn’t allowed, ask Planning if there’s a similar zone nearby or if a CUP is realistic. If timing is critical, consider a different address that’s “by right.”

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Step 2: Choose your business structure and file with California

• Decide on a structure: sole proprietor, general partnership, LLC, corporation (C or S election with IRS). For liability protection and growth, many choose LLC or corporation. Consider talking to a CPA or attorney.
• File with the California Secretary of State (LLCs and corporations) using bizfile Online (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Typical state filing fees (verify before filing): LLC Articles $70; Corporation Articles $100; LLC Statement of Information $20 (due within 90 days); Corporation Statement of Information $25 (due within 90 days). Source: CA SOS business entity fees (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Get your EIN from the IRS if you will hire, have multiple owners, open business bank accounts, or elect S-corp: IRS EIN application (official) (accessed August 2025).

Table: entity and California tax quick-compare

Reality check: The temporary first‑year LLC $800 exemption ended for new LLCs formed on or after Jan 1, 2024. Corporations still generally get a first‑year minimum franchise tax exemption. Always confirm on the FTB site (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you’re unsure about LLC vs S-corp for tax savings, book a free consult with the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network (official) (accessed August 2025) or call (800) 616-7232.

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Step 3: Register for taxes (state and federal)

• Sales/use tax: If you sell or lease tangible personal property (retail or wholesale), you need a seller’s permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Apply at CDTFA registration (official) (accessed August 2025). Help line (800) 400-7115.
• Employer payroll taxes: If you pay more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter, register with EDD within 15 days: EDD Payroll Taxes (official) (accessed August 2025). EDD employer assistance (888) 745-3886.
• Federal EIN: If you have employees, a partnership/LLC/corporation, or need business banking, get an EIN: IRS EIN (official) (accessed August 2025). IRS Business line (800) 829-4933.
• City and county business taxes: Anaheim requires a Business Tax Certificate; rates depend on your classification. Use the City’s Business License portal via City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025) or call (714) 765-4311.

Table: tax registrations and timelines

What to do if this doesn’t work

• CDTFA delays? Call (800) 400-7115 and ask for account status; visit a local CDTFA field office if needed.
• EDD account issues? Call (888) 745-3886.
• IRS EIN errors? Try early morning; if locked out, call (800) 829-4933 (Business & Specialty Tax Line).

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Step 4: File your Anaheim Business Tax Certificate

• Identify your business type and location (commercial vs home-based). Have your EIN/SSN, entity info, address, and brief business description ready.
• Apply through the City’s Business License/Tax portal (search “Business Tax” on City of Anaheim (official)) or call Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 for the direct link. Be accurate with your business classification; it affects your tax.
• Expect to answer compliance questions (SB 205 stormwater activities, hazardous materials, alarm permits, etc.). SB 205 requires some industrial businesses to provide a stormwater permit number if applicable; see State Water Boards Industrial General Permit (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Home businesses typically require a Home Occupation review. Basic rules: no customer traffic at odd hours, no noise/odor impacts, no outdoor storage. Confirm details with Planning via Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311.
• Pay your initial business tax and any processing fees. Anaheim’s tax schedule varies by classification; use the City calculator/schedule or call to estimate. Renewal is usually annual.

Documents you may need ready

• Formation documents (LLC/Corp), Statement of Information, and EIN letter.
• Lease or landlord permission if commercial.
• Health/fire/building permit numbers if applicable.
• For home businesses: proof of residence and description of activities.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your application is stuck, call Anaheim 311 at (714) 765-4311 and ask to be transferred to Business License for status. If a plan check is holding it, ask specifically which department (Planning/Building/Fire/Health) you must clear and get that department’s contact.

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Step 5: Industry-specific permits (Anaheim + Orange County + California)

Start this in parallel with your Business Tax Certificate if you’re in a regulated industry. Waiting until after can add weeks.

• Food facilities (restaurant, café, catering, food truck, shared kitchen): You’ll need plan check and permits from the Orange County Health Care Agency, Environmental Health. See OC HCA Environmental Health Food (official) (accessed August 2025). Call (714) 433-6000.
• Alcohol sales: Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license, plus local zoning and public notice. Start at ABC Licensing (official) (accessed August 2025). Use the ABC office locator to find the Santa Ana District Office; general ABC info (916) 419-2500; local office info available on the ABC site.
• Contractors: State license required for jobs $500+ in labor and materials. Get licensed with the Contractors State License Board (official) (accessed August 2025). CSLB help (800) 321-2752. Anaheim will still require a Business Tax Certificate and may require job permits.
• Barbering, cosmetology, nail salons: State Board licensure plus local zoning/building/health (for certain services). See California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Child care: Licensing through California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (official) (accessed August 2025). Also confirm Anaheim zoning and spacing rules.
• Hazardous materials or high fire risk uses: Contact Anaheim Fire & Rescue via 311 (714) 765-4311 for operational permits. State hazardous materials thresholds trigger CUPA requirements through the Orange County Environmental Health CUPA program: OC CUPA (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Short-term rentals: Anaheim has historically restricted residential short-term rentals. Check current rules on the City website before you buy equipment or sign leases. Start at City of Anaheim (official) and search “short-term rentals” (accessed August 2025).

Table: regulated industries and where to start

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you get conflicting answers between departments, ask for the specific code section or guidance memo they’re using. Document names and dates. Escalate through Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 if needed.

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Step 6: Fictitious Business Name (DBA) in Orange County

• If you’re a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation doing business under a name that doesn’t include your legal surnames or the registered entity name, file an FBN/DBA with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder: OC Clerk-Recorder FBN (official) (accessed August 2025). Main line (714) 834-2500.
• Publication: California law requires publication of the FBN statement in an adjudicated newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks. Your filing packet explains this (California Business & Professions Code). The Clerk-Recorder lists adjudicated newspapers for publication.
• Bring/prepare: government ID, business address, owners’ names, and filing fee (check the fee schedule on the Clerk-Recorder site).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If publication deadlines are missed, you may need to refile. Ask the Clerk-Recorder at (714) 834-2500 how to fix a lapse.

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Step 7: Sidewalk vending and home-based businesses

• Sidewalk vending (food carts, merch carts): California’s SB 946 decriminalized vending, but you still need a local vendor permit and must meet health requirements for food. Check Anaheim’s sidewalk vending rules on City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025) and OC Health for cart requirements: OC HCA Mobile Food Facility (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Home-based businesses: Allowed in Anaheim with limits. Expect a Home Occupation review as part of the Business Tax Certificate. No on-site employees (besides residents) and no visible business activity from the street in most cases; confirm exact rules via Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your home business generates traffic or noise, consider renting a small office or shared workspace zoned for your use to avoid violations.

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Hotels, short-term stays, and transient occupancy tax (TOT)

• Anaheim imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on stays of 30 days or less in hotels and similar lodging. Property owners/operators must register, collect, and remit TOT to the City. Start at City of Anaheim (official) and search “Transient Occupancy Tax” for the current rate and filing portal (accessed August 2025).
• Some areas may have additional assessments (e.g., tourism improvement district). Confirm with the City’s Revenue/Finance division via Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311.
• Short-term residential rentals have had tight restrictions in Anaheim. Verify current policy before investing. Check the City’s short-term rentals page (via City of Anaheim (official)) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you cannot determine your TOT obligations, call Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 and ask for Revenue/Finance. Keep your occupancy and rate records in case of audit.

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Realistic timeline examples (Anaheim)

Table: timelines under typical conditions

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If schedules slip, identify the bottleneck (plan review, inspections, landlord sign-off) and request a status check with specific reviewers through Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 or the county/state agency involved.

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Required documents checklist

• Government-issued ID for owner/agent.
• Entity documents (Articles, Statement of Information), EIN letter.
• Lease or landlord consent letter (if commercial).
• Seller’s Permit (CDTFA), if selling goods.
• Health permits (OC HCA) for food businesses.
• Fire permits (as applicable).
• FBN/DBA filing (if using a trade name).
• Certificate of insurance and Workers’ Compensation (if hiring; mandatory for most employers—even single-employee situations). See CA DIR Workers’ Compensation (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you’re missing paperwork, file what you can and ask the City to hold your application pending specific documents. Don’t open to the public until the City clears you.

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Costs to expect (and where to confirm them)

Table: cost snapshot (verify each amount before paying)

Reality check: City, county, and ABC fees change. Always use the official calculator/fee schedule or call. Don’t rely on third-party blogs to budget.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you can’t find the fee schedule online, call the agency’s main line (Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311; OC HCA (714) 433-6000; ABC via office locator; SOS via website) and ask for the current fee schedule link by email.

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Real-world examples (Anaheim scenarios)

• Home-based graphic designer in West Anaheim
  • Registered as a sole proprietor, filed an FBN/DBA with OC Clerk-Recorder (official) (accessed August 2025), got an EIN for banking, and secured an Anaheim Business Tax Certificate after a simple Home Occupation review. No seller’s permit needed (services only).
  • Timeline: 1–2 weeks end-to-end.
• Retail sneaker shop near Anaheim Blvd
  • Signed a lease contingent on zoning clearance. Applied for a seller’s permit at CDTFA (official) and the Anaheim Business Tax Certificate. Minor tenant improvements required building permits; inspections pushed opening by 3–4 weeks.
  • Lesson: Confirm occupancy classification and sign permit early.
• Small coffee bar with pastries
  • Needed OC Health plan check and permits, grease interceptor confirmation, and Fire review for hood suppression. Applied for ABC beer/wine later (note: public notice period).
  • Timeline: 2–4 months depending on plan revisions.
• C-36 plumbing contractor working across Orange County
  • Already CSLB-licensed. Obtained Anaheim Business Tax Certificate to work on jobs in the city. Registers jobs and pulls permits as needed per site.
  • Tip: Keep Workers’ Comp proof current to avoid City or CSLB holds.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If a landlord is slow to sign “Owner Authorization” for permits, put deadlines in your lease and request electronic signatures to keep plan check moving.

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Ongoing compliance in Anaheim and California

• Renew your Anaheim Business Tax Certificate annually (most are calendar- or anniversary-based). Watch for mailed or emailed notices. Confirm due dates with the City via (714) 765-4311.
• Keep your seller’s permit active and file sales tax returns on-time with CDTFA: CDTFA Online Services (official) (accessed August 2025). Late filings mean penalties.
• File your Statement of Information with the Secretary of State by the deadline (90 days after formation and then biannually for LLCs; annually for corporations): SOS Statements of Information (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Pay your annual $800 tax and any LLC fee to FTB on time or face penalties: FTB Business (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Keep Workers’ Compensation insurance active if you have employees (required in CA): CA DIR Workers’ Comp (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you miss a deadline, contact the agency immediately and ask about penalty abatement procedures. Document reasonable cause where applicable.

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Common mistakes to avoid (seen often in Anaheim)

• Signing a lease before confirming the use and parking requirements with Planning.
• Choosing the wrong business classification on the City application (affects your business tax and may trigger the wrong reviews).
• Forgetting the OC Health plan check for food businesses before construction or equipment purchase.
• Assuming home-based means “no permit needed.” A Home Occupation review is usually required.
• Missing the EDD employer registration after paying $100+ in wages in a quarter.
• Not publishing the FBN/DBA within the required window after filing.
• Underestimating timeline for Fire/Building inspections.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you already made one of these mistakes, contact the relevant agency, be upfront, and ask for the corrective steps. Many issues are fixable if you act quickly.

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Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources (Anaheim/California)

• Women-owned businesses
  • Federal WOSB/EDWOSB certification: SBA WOSB (official) (accessed August 2025).
  • OC/IE SBDC Women’s programs: OCIE SBDC (official) (accessed August 2025). Phone (800) 616-7232.
• Minority-owned and immigrant-owned
  • MBDA Business Center–Los Angeles region: MBDA Centers (official) (accessed August 2025).
  • State supplier diversity (utilities) via CPUC: CPUC Supplier Diversity (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned
  • California DVBE and Small Business certifications: CA DGS Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Disabled-owned
  • California Department of Rehabilitation business resources: CA DOR (official) (accessed August 2025).
• LGBTQ+-owned
  • National LGBT Chamber of Commerce certification: NGLCC (official) (accessed August 2025).
  • Local small business support and events often listed with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce (official site) (accessed August 2025).
• Language access
  • City of Anaheim provides interpretation via 311 on request: (714) 765-4311.
  • OC Small Business resources often provide Spanish, Vietnamese, and other language support: OCIE SBDC (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If a program has a waitlist, ask for the next open workshop or a 1:1 advisor. Keep an eye on city and county grant pages—funding cycles open and close quickly.

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Anaheim-specific: who to call or where to click

• City of Anaheim general assistance: (714) 765-4311 (311 outside city limits). Website: City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Business tax/license: Use the City site search for “Business Tax Certificate” or call (714) 765-4311 to be routed.
• Planning & Building/Permit Center: Start at City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025) or call (714) 765-4311.
• Fire Prevention: Route via (714) 765-4311.
• Orange County Clerk-Recorder (FBN/DBA): (714) 834-2500; OC Clerk-Recorder (official) (accessed August 2025).
• OC Health Care Agency – Environmental Health: (714) 433-6000; OC HCA Environmental Health (official) (accessed August 2025).
• CDTFA (seller’s permit, sales tax): (800) 400-7115; CDTFA Online (official) (accessed August 2025).
• EDD (employer registration): (888) 745-3886; EDD Payroll Taxes (official) (accessed August 2025).
• FTB (business taxes): (800) 852-5711; FTB Business (official) (accessed August 2025).
• CA Secretary of State (entity filings): bizfile Online (official) (accessed August 2025).
• ABC (alcohol licensing): ABC Licensing (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If lines are busy, try calling early morning. For state agencies, create online accounts first; most have secure messaging for faster responses.

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Frequently asked questions (California and Anaheim)

• Do I need an Anaheim Business Tax Certificate if my LLC is formed in Delaware?
  • Yes, if you’re doing business in Anaheim (office, storefront, employees, or regular activity), you need Anaheim’s Business Tax Certificate. Your state of formation doesn’t replace local requirements. Source: local authority under Anaheim Municipal Code; start at City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025).
• I sell only online but ship from my Anaheim apartment. Do I need anything?
  • Likely yes: an Anaheim Business Tax Certificate and a California seller’s permit if you sell taxable goods. Check Home Occupation rules. Sources: CDTFA (official) and City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025).
• How much is the Anaheim business license?
  • It varies by classification (and sometimes size or receipts). Use the City’s schedule/calculator or call (714) 765-4311 for an estimate. Start via City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025).
• What’s the California LLC annual tax?
  • $800 each year, plus an additional LLC fee if total California income is $250,000+. See FTB Annual LLC tax (official) and FTB LLC fee (official) (accessed August 2025).
• When do I register with EDD?
  • Within 15 days after you pay over $100 in wages in a calendar quarter. Source: EDD Payroll Taxes (official) (accessed August 2025). Call (888) 745-3886.
• Do I need a DBA if I’m an LLC using a brand name?
  • If the brand name is different from your LLC’s legal name on file with the CA SOS, you generally need an FBN/DBA in the county where you do business. Source: OC Clerk-Recorder (official) (accessed August 2025).
• How long does a restaurant approval take?
  • Commonly 2–4 months, depending on plan check cycles with Building, Fire, and OC Health. Complex builds can take longer. Sources: agency timelines at OC HCA Environmental Health (official) and City permit processing norms (accessed August 2025).
• Is short-term rental allowed in Anaheim?
  • Policies have been restrictive. Always check current status on the City site and don’t assume permits are available. Start at City of Anaheim (official) and search “short-term rentals” (accessed August 2025).
• Are sidewalk vending permits available?
  • Yes, but you must follow Anaheim’s local rules and health codes (equipment, commissary, food handling). Start at City of Anaheim (official) and OC HCA EH (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Can I operate a cannabis business in Anaheim?
  • Anaheim has historically prohibited commercial cannabis businesses in city limits. Verify current policy on the City’s website before planning anything. Start at City of Anaheim (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you can’t find an answer online, call Anaheim 311 (714) 765-4311 and ask for the right division (Business License, Planning, or Fire). For tax questions, CDTFA (800) 400-7115 or FTB (800) 852-5711.

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Step-by-step: put it all together (Anaheim launch roadmap)

Table: Anaheim launch steps with ownership of each step

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you’re overwhelmed, book a free advisor through OCIE SBDC (official) or call (800) 616-7232 for a project plan tailored to your business type.

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Reality checks and warnings

• Timeline creep is normal in build-outs. Add a buffer of 4–8 weeks for plan corrections and inspections.
• Taxes don’t wait. Even if you’re not profitable, CA can assess the $800 minimum tax/LLC tax and penalties if you miss deadlines.
• Classification matters. Picking “consulting” instead of “retail” can delay your seller’s permit and sales tax setup.
• Health permits have strict equipment specs. Changing models mid-project can force new plan approvals.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Push for a pre-application meeting with City staff (Planning/Building/Fire) for complex projects. It can save months.

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“What to bring” to the counter or upload online

• Government ID, proof of entity, EIN, lease.
• A one-paragraph business description in normal language (what you sell, how, and where).
• If food-related: menu, equipment list/spec sheets, floor plan.
• If alcohol: site plan, security plan, ABC license application number (once filed).
• Workers’ Comp policy info (if hiring).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you’re missing an item, ask if you can submit “incomplete” to start review and upload the rest later. Some departments will start the clock if core items are in.

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Where to get funding and technical help (local)

• OCIE SBDC Network: Free 1:1 advising on permits, finance, marketing: OCIE SBDC (official) (accessed August 2025). Phone (800) 616-7232.
• SBA District Office (Orange County/LA): Workshops and lenders: SBA Los Angeles District (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Anaheim Chamber of Commerce: Networking and local updates: Anaheim Chamber (official) (accessed August 2025).
• California Go-Biz: State-level incentives and permitting resources: GO-Biz (official) (accessed August 2025).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you can’t get a meeting, join a workshop waitlist and ask for virtual advising. Many agencies offer remote appointments.

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About taxes you’ll collect and remit

• Sales tax on retail goods: You collect based on delivery location in California. CDTFA will assign rates. Learn rates and filing at CDTFA (official) (accessed August 2025). Call (800) 400-7115 for help.
• Use tax: If you buy equipment without paying California tax (e.g., online), you may owe use tax.
• Payroll: Withhold and remit California PIT, SDI (where applicable), and UI/ETT as an employer through EDD: EDD Payroll Taxes (official) (accessed August 2025).
• Income tax: File city, state, and federal returns as required for your entity.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• For a compliance check-up, ask SBDC for a “tax setup review” and schedule a CPA intro.

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Plan B playbook: if your application gets denied or stuck

• Ask for a written explanation with code sections cited.
• Request a supervisor review or a pre-application meeting.
• Consider alternate locations or modifying your use to fit by-right permissions.
• Keep a log of calls/emails and promised dates.
• If a vendor (architect, engineer) is slow, request weekly status reports in writing.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Consider hiring a permit expediter or land use attorney for complex zoning issues. Ask Planning for a list of commonly used professionals (they won’t endorse but may provide directories).

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About This Guide

• Purpose: Give Anaheim business owners practical, official-source guidance to get legal quickly and avoid delays.
• Sources: We linked directly to City of Anaheim, California state agencies (FTB, CDTFA, EDD, Secretary of State, ABC), and Orange County agencies. Each link is to an official site and was verified as reachable as of August 2025.
• Updates: Local fee schedules, classifications, and rules change. Use the links and phone numbers here to confirm current requirements.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information. Program rules, fees, taxes, and deadlines change. Always verify details with the relevant agency before you file or pay. Contact the City of Anaheim at (714) 765-4311 (311) or visit City of Anaheim (official). For state taxes, use FTB (official), CDTFA (official), and EDD (official). For entity filings, use CA Secretary of State (official).