FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The LA Business Portal has many resources for business owners, including information specifically about starting a business. Click through and answer the questions to learn which permits and licenses will be required for your business.

All parties conducting business in the City of Los Angeles are required to have a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Information on how to acquire a BTRC can be found on the Office of Finance website. You must also apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the federal government.

BusinessSource Centers offer one-on-one consulting, small business financing, employee hiring/workforce development, business plan development, access to tax incentives and credits, business courses, and much more. Additional information, including center locations, can be found on our BusinessSource Center webpage. There is also a BusinessSource Location Map to help you find the most convenient center.

The BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate) is mandatory for businesses operating within the City of Los Angeles. It is a form of local business licensing or registration that helps the City keep track of businesses operating within its jurisdiction for tax purposes and regulatory compliance. Obtaining a BTRC ensures that a business is properly registered with the City and complies with local tax regulations.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax identification number, also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or a Tax ID. It is a unique nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service assigns to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.

All companies doing business within the City of Los Angeles must register with the City and pay business taxes each year (or file for an exemption if they qualify). Business taxes are based on the annual gross receipts of the business. If you are self-employed, your business address is outside the City of Los Angeles, and you work within the City of Los Angeles for seven days or more in a calendar year, you are considered an eligible business. You must apply for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC).

Certain business types are BTRC exempt. If your business falls under any of the categories outlined by the Office of Finance, you do not need to apply for a BTRC.

You may Register your Business Online or in person at one of the Office of Finance locations. To register, you will need to provide the following:

Once you've completed your application, you can obtain your BTRC. If you complete your application online, you will be issued a temporary BTRC that you may print and display at your business. Your permanent Certificate should arrive in the mail within four weeks.

For any BTRC inquiries, please contact the City of LA Office of Finance, Tax and Permit Division at 213-473-5901 or visit finance.lacity.org.

For any BTRC inquiries, please contact the City of LA Office of Finance, Tax and Permit Division at 213-473-5901 or visit finance.lacity.org.

Various types of business activities are regulated through the Police Department through Police Commission Permits. Although the Office of Finance collects the fees, the Police Department has the regulatory responsibility and powers in these areas. Police Permits have to be renewed annually.

Many types of business operations also require a Fire Permit. Payments for certain Fire Permits are made to the Office of Finance, and the Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for inspection and regulation. These permits and inspections are necessary to ensure the general safety of the public.

Please review the list of businesses requiring police or fire permits on the Office of Finance website.

Please access the LA Business Portal or contact your local BusinessSource Center for more information on permit and license requirements.

Common permits include a California seller’s permit and a Public Health permit.

Los Angeles legalized street vending with the implementation of a City of LA Sidewalk Vending Program. This program allows vendors to operate legally in designated areas within the City.

Please review the Sidewalk Vending Program brochure (PDF) on how to get started.

The City of Los Angeles provides several tax exemptions and programs that can eliminate or reduce your tax liability. Please visit the Office of Finance Tax Education pages to learn more.

If you sell, close, or discontinue business operations within Los Angeles, you must notify the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance. You may also need to contact and inform the County, State, Federal, and other Local government agencies. City requirements are listed on the Office of Finance: Changing or Closing Your Business page.

The City of Los Angeles does not currently provide site or location assistance. However, some online resources are available to assist you in determining the right local neighborhood for your business.

The Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement (RAMP) is a unique solicitation portal designed to provide the small business community with a centralized hub for contracting opportunities with the City of Los Angeles, as well as other public and private entities. RAMP will address procurement reform and equitable access to contracting opportunities.

Applications must be submitted to the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Contract Administration, to become certified with the City of Los Angeles.

As a registered RAMP user, you will be able to view and download any documents associated with a contractual opportunity, view and contact associated Prime and Sub Contractors, and participate in bidding. As a registered company, your RAMP Administrator will be notified by email when an opportunity matches your company's profile posts online. Registration is free and can be completed in a few minutes.

If you have any inquiries regarding specifics within RAMPLA.org, please visit the RAMP Support Page.

For questions about an opportunity or contract, please contact the listed department person in the specific posting. For inquiries related to Company Certifications, please email bca.certifications@lacity.org. For questions related to Compliance Documents, please email bca.eeoe@lacity.org.

The EWDD provides diverse complimentary services tailored for Businesses, Youth, and Adults. These services encompass financial programs, real estate support, job loss assistance, grants, legal aid, and job training.

Find detailed information about available resources under our Employment Services, Business & Real Estate Services and Recovery Resources sections.

Jobs & Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zones offer various economic incentives and programs to create economic development and growth in historically under-served areas. Revitalizing depressed communities increases job creation and employment and stabilizes the local economy. All investment incentives are offered at no cost to qualified businesses located within JEDI Zones.

JEDI Zones are created where local economic incentives can be used to both enhance existing business enterprises and attract new business industries to the City of Los Angeles, which will result in equitable opportunities to cultivate economic development and growth in areas that have been historically underinvested. Please review the JEDI Zones page for more information and maps of approved zones.