Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You will need a business license/tax certificate if you are locating or operating your business within the boundaries of one of the nine cities in Sonoma County. To find out what you will need, please contact the individual city departments. 

If you are operating your business in the unincorporated areasof Sonoma County (anywhere outside of the nine cities), then you are not required to have a business license/tax certificate.

Generally, yes, though there are exceptions, and you must acquire a permit in most cases. You will need to contact your local city planning department for information about how to open your home-based business.

Before completing any paperwork with the City, County, State, or Federal Government, you will need to decide on a business structure. This decision will be yours. As a government department, the EDB cannot offer legal advice. For questions about the legal and/or financial implications of forming a business entity, you will want to consult a lawyer and/or an accountant.

• List of business entity types

FBN’s are filed with the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder's Office. FBN's are required when a business, registered as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, will do business under a name that does not include the surname of each owner. If the business is a Corporation or LLC, it will need to file an FBN to operate under any other name than that filed with the state. More information can be found at the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder's Office.

Regardless of your business entity type, you should be prepared to separate your business finances from your personal finances by opening a separate business banking account. Dependent upon business type, there are helpful resources from the  IRS and Franchise Tax Board. Always discuss tax questions with an accountant.

You will need a Seller's Permit if you are retailing or wholesaling tangible goods. This will allow you to collect sales taxes and remit them to the state. More information about Seller's Permits is available from the  California State Board of Equalization.

This is a common question, and can be very difficult to answer. Businesses often ask how to “1099” individuals who perform services for them, but this is only permitted under limited circumstances. A guide on the subject can be found at the  California Employment Development Department (EDD)and businesses are strongly encouraged to contact the EDD at (888) 745-3886 for further information.

There are now several potential options available to Sonoma County businesses of all sizes and shapes. If you are a fast-growing tech business, you may be looking for an investor. Mom and Pop retail shop? You may be looking for a start-up micro-loan to get going. Visit our Finance Your Business page for more information.

The Sonoma County EDB can help!  We complement the services of local brokerage firms by providing information on local commercial listings. We can also provide demographics and other data to help you compare potential locations! Once you have identified some great spots, you are ready to call a commercial property broker!

• To sign up for any of the EDB's free services, please complete the brief two-minute Business Client Intake Form.
• Empiece Aquí: Formulario de Registro de Cliente Empresarial

The Sonoma County EDB can help! We have a comprehensive suite of business development tools that can provide you with key marketing insights. These tools work hand-in-hand with the services available from other local organizations to help you build a rock-solid marketing plan, and get customers through your doors! 

• To sign up for any of the EDB's free services, please complete the brief two-minute  Business Assistance Form.
• Empiece Aquí: Formulario de Registro de Cliente Empresarial