Compliance Information
Licenses, Permits, and Other Regulations
One of the most confusing aspects of starting a business is the maze of government regulations. While this process may be intimidating, it is important to do it correctly, since noncompliance can result in costly penalties.
It is YOUR responsibility to adhere to any and all regulations applicable to your business. If you are not sure about something...ASK!
Our knowledgeable professionals can improve the potential for your business success with information & assistance regarding the following:
- County & City Offices
- Business & Miscellaneous Licenses, Etc.
- Other Permits and Requirements
- Permits Handbook
- Food Permit
- Liquor License
- Sellers Permit (Resale Permit)
- Excise Tax and Environmental Fees
- State Income Tax/Corporation Registration
- Employer Taxes & Workers Comp insurance
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Business Licenses & Permits Stanislaus County |
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| City of Ceres 2720 2nd Street Ceres, CA 95307-3216 (209)532-4212 |
City of Modesto 1010 10th Street Modesto, CA 95354-0847 (209) 532-4541 |
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| City of Hughson 7018 Pine Hughson, CA 95326 (209) 883-4054 |
City of Oakdale 280 3rd Street Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 847-3031 |
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City of Riverbank 6707 Third Street Riverbank, CA. 95367-2305 (209) 863-7114 |
City of Turlock 156 S. Broadway, Ste. #230 Turlock, CA. 95380-5454 (209) 668-5540 |
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| City of Waterford 320 E. Street Waterford, CA 95386-9005 (209) 874-2328 |
City of Patterson 33 S. Del Puerto Ave. Patterson, CA. 95369-2546 (209) 892-2041 |
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| City of Newman 1162 Main Street Newman, CA 95360 (209) 892-204 |
County of Stanislaus
1010 10th Street Modesto, CA. 95354-0847 (209) 525-6330 |
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| Tuolumne County | ||
| County of Tuolumne
222 South Shepard Street Sonora, CA. 95370-4734 (209) 532-4212 |
City of Sonora
94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 532-4541 |
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| Merced County | ||
| City of Atwater
750 Bellevue Road Atwater, CA 95301-2598 (209) 357-6300 |
City of Dos Palos
1546 Golden Gate Ave. Dos Palos, CA. 93620-2330 (209)392-2174 |
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| City of Gustine
682 3rd Street Gustine, CA. 95322-1102 (209) 854-6471 |
City of Merced
678 W. 18th Street Merced, CA 95340 (209) 385-6800 |
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| City of Livingston
1416 "C" Street Livingston, CA. 95334-1417 (209) 394-8041 |
County of Merced
2507 Heritage Dr. Atwater, CA 95301 (209) 385-7686 |
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| City of Los Banos
520 "J" Street Los Banos, CA 93635 |
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Miscellaneous Licenses, Etc. |
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| County Building Permits and Inspections (including construction and remodeling) |
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| Stanislaus County 1010 10th Street (10th Street Plaza) Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 525-6557 |
Merced County 2222 "M" Street Merced, CA 95340 (209) 385-7477 |
Other Permits and Requirements |
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| Staff will help identify any additional permits that may be required for your business and the departments or agencies where these may be obtained (e.g., Air Pollution Control District, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Environmental Health, Sheriff's Office, and Fire District). It is your responsibility to make sure your business has all necessary permits. | |
| Environmental Resources Department | |
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3800 Cornucopia Way Modesto, CA 95358-9494 (209) 525-6700 |
777 W. 22nd Street Merced, CA 95340 (209) 381-1100 |
| To get a copy of the California Permit Handbook, which contains information on areas that affect your business, such as pollution control or to use or natural resources, contact: |
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Department of General Services Publications 344 N. 7th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-5386 You can also find this information at CalGold.ca.gov |
Food Permit |
| If you are producing, handling, or distributing food products to the public, you may need this permit. Fees vary depending on the type of business. If you are caught operating without a permit, the fee is doubled. When starting a restaurant or food facility or making changes (such as remodeling), it is necessary to get a Plan Check. |
Liquor License |
| You will need a license to sell liquor in your business. A limited number of new licenses are granted. You must fill out a pre-application and, if accepted, pay the following: |
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| (Any pricing shown on this website is for informational purposes only. Actual prices may change at the discretion of each regulatory or government entity.) |
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Alcoholic Beverage Control Department 31 E. Channel Street Stockton, CA 95202 (209) 948-7739 ABC Web Site |
Seller's Permit (also know as Resale Permit) |
| If you sell a product you must collect sales tax and remit to the State. You do not have to collect a tax on services. There are regulations that govern certain types of businesses that are not "clear cut." For example, tailors offer both a service and a product. At a certain point they must collect tax on the labor. If you are in doubt as to whether or not your business falls under these types of regulations, contact the Board of Equalization. |
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Board of Equalization 31 E. Channel Street, Room 264 Stockton, CA 95202 (209) 948-7720 or (800) 400-7115 - recording Board of Equalization |
Excise Tax and Environmental Fees |
| If you sell cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, energy, motor vehicle fuel, or deal with hazardous substances you must pay a special tax or fee. The local Board of Equalization can help direct you to the appropriate department: |
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Board of Equalization 31 E. Channel Street, Room 264 Stockton, CA 95202 (209) 948-7720 or (800) 400-7115 - recording Board of Equalization |
State Income Tax / Corporation Registration |
| Contact the Franchise Tax Board for forms to file individual state income tax. Also, you must register here if you are a corporation: |
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Franchise Tax Board 31 E. Channel Street, Room 219 Stockton, CA 95202 (800) 852-5711 Francise Tax Board |
Employer Taxes |
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If you have employees, contact the tax office for a State Tax Identification #.
Contact them also for disability insurance tax, state withholding tax, and unemployment insurance tax. Ask for the California Employers Tax Guide (Form #DE44). |
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Tax Branch Employment Development Department 1300 "K" Street Modesto, CA 95354 (800) 829-1040 |