Apply For A Business License Irvine, California
I want to open a business in Irvine, CA. What do I need to know?
Anyone who plans to operate a business in Irvine, CA needs to obtain a business license and may also need to have additional federal, state and local permits, or licensure. You can fill out and print a business license application from the City of Irvine website, or you can request one in person at the City of Irvine Business Licenses Office, One Civic Center Plaza. In addition to a business license, you will need to be certain that your business location is in the proper zone for the type of business you plan to conduct. You will need to contact the Development Assistance Center at (949) 724-6308 to discuss your business and zoning.
I am operating a non-profit organization. Do I still need an Irvine business license?
If you operate a non-profit business, you will need to obtain a non-profit business license. In order to do this, you will need a letter from the IRS which verifies your non-profit status and an incorporation statement from the Secretary of State, your corporation bylaws and/or charter, list of officers, a letter describing your business activities and a list of all names, driver’s license numbers, and contact information of all solicitors, volunteers or employees. After this information has been submitted, your organization will be issued a business license at no cost.
What information will I need for my Irvine business license application?
Your application for a business license will need to be filled out completely and accurately with important information about your business. Some of the information that you will need to provide includes:
- Business name
- Physical address of your business
- Business mailing address, phone number, fax number, email and web address
- An exact description of your business activities
- Owner and emergency contact information
- Type of ownership (whether solely owned, part of a corporation, LLC partnership or trust) and applicable state and federal information
- Number of employees
- Estimated annual gross receipts
- Signature which will certify that all the information that you have provided is true and complete, and that you will comply with all state, federal, and local laws regarding running a business
I want to operate an Irvine business from home. Do I need an Irvine business license?
If you plan to conduct your business from a residence, there is a Home Occupation License application that will need to be completed in addition to your business license application. You can print this application from the City of Irvine website or you can request it from the Irvine Business License office (One Civic Center Plaza in Irvine). The application is a short document that requests your business name and contact information and also has a list of the regulations and restrictions that home occupations are required to comply with to be granted and retain your home occupation license. Some of the regulations include the amount of floor space you may dedicate to your business, a restriction on hiring persons outside of your home to work as your employees, that there will be no sexually-oriented business permitted as a home occupation, and that you will not create dust, noise, or odors in excess of what would normally occur in a residential area. Signing the application denotes that you agree to comply with all regulations set forth for home occupation. Non-compliance may result in your home occupation license being denied or revoked.
Are there costs or fees that I can expect to incur?
The cost of a business license is an annual fee unless you are projecting to make less than $4,000 a year. If you are making less than $4,000 annually, you may qualify for a reduced business license application. There is an application for the Reduced Business Tax on the City of Irvine website. You will need to provide additional documentation for this application. Contact the Business License office at (949) 742-6310 to discuss your estimated gross receipts and to determine if your business does qualify for this type of business license. Your business license must be renewed annually by the 30th of November, whether or you receive renewal certification from the city. If you do not renew your license, you may be penalized.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
Your questions can be answered Monday through Thursday and alternating Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at One Civic Center Plaza in Irvine. You can call (949) 724-6310 to speak with a business license representative or you can visit the City of Irvine website and find helpful information and online forms.
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