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Start a Business in California

Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for CA.

Cost Index

138%

38% above avg

Income Tax

1-13.3%

Sales Tax

7.25%

LLC Fee

$70

Business Guides for California

Cleaning Business

$2,800 - $13,800

Lawn Care

$4,100 - $27,600

Pressure Washing

$4,100 - $27,600

Food Truck

$69,000 - $276,000

Photography

$2,800 - $41,400

Bakery

$27,600 - $207,000

Restaurant

$241,500 - $1,035,000

Coffee Shop

$110,400 - $483,000

Catering

$13,800 - $103,500

Landscaping

$6,900 - $69,000

Handyman

$2,800 - $13,800

Pool Cleaning

$2,800 - $20,700

Pest Control

$13,800 - $69,000

Carpet Cleaning

$6,900 - $34,500

Window Cleaning

$1,400 - $13,800

Junk Removal

$6,900 - $69,000

Moving Company

$13,800 - $138,000

HVAC

$27,600 - $138,000

Plumbing

$20,700 - $103,500

Electrician

$20,700 - $103,500

Auto Detailing

$6,900 - $207,000

Car Wash

$69,000 - $690,000

Pet Grooming

$6,900 - $103,500

Dog Walking

$700 - $6,900

Barber Shop

$34,500 - $207,000

Hair Salon

$69,000 - $345,000

Nail Salon

$55,200 - $276,000

Mobile Spa

$6,900 - $41,400

Bookkeeping

$2,800 - $20,700

Tax Preparation

$4,100 - $27,600

Notary Services

$700 - $6,900

Consulting

$1,400 - $27,600

Event Planning

$6,900 - $41,400

DJ Service

$4,100 - $34,500

Wedding Photography

$6,900 - $41,400

Web Design

$1,400 - $13,800

Graphic Design

$1,400 - $13,800

Social Media Management

$700 - $6,900

Personal Training

$2,800 - $69,000

Gym

$69,000 - $690,000

Tutoring

$700 - $6,900

Daycare

$69,000 - $690,000

Vending Machine

$4,100 - $41,400

Massage Therapy

$6,900 - $69,000

Yoga Studio

$20,700 - $138,000

Laundromat

$138,000 - $690,000

Florist

$13,800 - $69,000

Ice Cream Shop

$27,600 - $138,000

House Painting

$2,800 - $20,700

Tree Service

$13,800 - $69,000

Interior Design

$2,800 - $20,700

E-Commerce

$700 - $13,800

Pet Sitting

$700 - $4,100

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Business Requirements in California

1

Register Your Business

File with California Secretary of State. LLC fee: $70

2

Get Business License

Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).

3

Get EIN

Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.

4

Register for Sales Tax

State rate: 7.25%. Local taxes may apply.

5

Get Business Insurance

General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in California?
Startup costs in California are 38% higher than the national average. LLC filing costs $70, plus business license ($50-$300). Total varies by business type.
Does California have income tax?
California has a state income tax rate of 1-13.3%.
What is the sales tax in California?
The state sales tax in California is 7.25%. Local taxes may apply.
How do I form an LLC in California?
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State (fee: $70). You'll also need an Operating Agreement and EIN from the IRS.

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