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Doing Business in Lafayette

 

Click here for Economic Profile of Lafayette

Lafayette is an ideal location for your business. The crime rate is low, business fees are low, and the citizenry is affluent.
Many people are involved with schools and community activities which gives them a pride in and sense of belonging to Lafayette.

The Chamber of Commerce and the city government are committed to the continual improvement of Lafayette's business community.

All of this adds up to an ideal place to do business. If you are interested in starting a new business or relocating an existing business in Lafayette, a great place to start is the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

 Quick Links to Doing Business in Lafayette

 City of Lafayette

How do I get a business license?
The city does not license businesses, licenses for certain types of businesses are done through the county.  For more information call (925) 957-2890.

Go directly to City, County, State, Federal, or Other permit sections


For information on the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) click here.

For information on EASTBAY Works One-Stop Career Center call 866-EBWORKS or visit their website by clicking here.

For information on SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Businesses" click here. SCORE provide a wide variety of business information including free confidential business advice from a business professional via email.


For information on CAL State East Bay Small Business Development Center click here.

For State and County Requirements by Business Type, click here.
 

Other General Requirements:
 

County

 

Business Property Statement: Businesses are required to report all equipment, fixtures, supplies, and leasehold improvements held for business use at each location.

Contact: 

County of Contra Costa
Assessor's Office
834 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553
925-313-7600

  

Notes: Property Statements are due January 1 of each year

 

 

Fictitious Business Name Filing: Required if fictitious name is used.

Contact: 

County of Contra Costa
County Clerk-Recorder
Fictitious Business Name
822 Main St.
Martinez, CA 94553
925-646-2360

  

 

 

Go directly to City, County, State, Federal, or Other permit sections

 

 

 

 

State

 

Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings: If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, limited liability, or general) , you must file with the Secretary of State's Office.

Contact: 

Secretary of State
Business Programs Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-657-5448

  

Notes: Also, if you are conducting business as one of the following, you must file a bond with the Secretary of State's Office: immigration consultant,credit services organization, dance studio, discount buying organization, employment agency, employment counseling service, invention developer, job listing service, nurses registry, or auctioneer or auction company.

 

 

Discrimination Law: Harassment or discrimination in employment is prohibited if it is based on a person's race, ancestry, national origin, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, physical disability (including AIDS), mental disability, marital status, medical condition (cured cancer), and refusal of family care leave. Discrimination in housing, public services and accommodations is also prohibited.

Contact: 

Department of Fair Employment and Housing
1515 Clay Street, Suite 701
Oakland, CA 94612-2512
1-800-884-1684

  

Notes: Employers must post the Harassment or Discrimination in Employment notice (DFEH 162) and provide their employees with a copy of the DFEH's information sheet on sexual harassment (DFEH 185) or a statement that contains equivalent information. Employers must also provide notice of an employee's right to request pregnancy disability leave or transfer, as well as notice to request a family and medical care leave (CFRA). Employers with 5 or more employees must maintain all personnel records for a minimum of 2 years.

 

 

Occupational Safety and Health Information: Businesses with employees must prepare an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. The state provides a no-fee consultation service to assist employers with preventing unsafe working conditions and workplace hazards.

Contact: 

Department of Industrial Relations
Cal/OSHA Consultation Services
2424 Arden Way Suite 410
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-263-2855

  

Notes: Certain permits/licenses/certifications may be required for compliance with Health & Safety Standards, General Industry Safety Order, Carcinogen regulations and Construction Safety orders i.e. excavation/trenching, asbestos related work, crane/derrick operation, air/liquid petroleum gas tanks, etc.

 

 

Proof of Surety Bond: Required for all personnel management, human resources, and consulting services

Contact: 

Secretary of State
Business Programs Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-657-5448

  

Notes: Also, if you are conducting business as one of the following, you must file a bond with the Secretary of State's Office: immigration consultant,credit services organization, dance studio, discount buying organization, employment agency, employment counseling service, invention developer, job listing service, nurses registry, or auctioneer or auction company.

 

 

Registration Form for Employers: Required to file a registration form within 15 days after paying more than $100.00 in wages to one or more employees. No distinction is made between full-time and part-time or permanent and temporary employees in meeting this requirement.

Contact: 

Employment Development Department
Employment Tax Customer Service Office
   
For office locations...

  

 

 

 

Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit): All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller's Permit.

Contact: 

State Board of Equalization
Sales/ Use Tax Division
   
For office locations...

  

Notes: For Additional information about RESALE CERTIFICATE go to this website: www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/faqresale.htm

 

 

State Income Tax Information: Businesses should obtain the appropriate State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board.

Contact: 

Franchise Tax Board
1970 Broadway,
Suite 550
Oakland, CA 94612-2217
800-852-5711

  

 

 

 

State Income Tax Information: Businesses should obtain the appropriate State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board.

Contact: 

Franchise Tax Board
Business Entities Division
P.O. Box 942857
Sacramento, CA 94257
1-800-852-5711
916-845-4543

  

Notes: All businesses are required to submit a Business Income Tax statement annually.

 

 

Wage/Hour Laws: Businesses with employees must comply with laws establishing minimum standards for wages, hours and working conditions.

Contact: 

Department of Industrial Relations
Labor Standards Enforcement
   
For office locations...

  

 

 

 

Workers' Compensation Information: Businesses with employees must maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage on either a self-insured basis, or provided through a commercial carrier, or the State Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund.

Contact: 

Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Workers' Compensation
2424 Arden Way, Suite 230
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-263-2735

  

 

 

 

Go directly to City, County, State, Federal, or Other permit sections

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

Employer Identification Number (EIN or SSN): Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations, must obtain an Employer Identification Number from the I.R.S. Businesses can obtain appropriate Federal income tax forms from this location.

Contact: 

US Department of Treasury
Internal Revenue Services
185 Lennon Lane
Walnut Creek
, CA 94598
800-829-1040

  

 

 

 

Proof of Residency Requirement: Employees hired after November 6, 1986 must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Contact: 

US Immigration and Naturalization Service
630 Sansome St. Rm. 200
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-705-4411

  

 

 

Go directly to City, County, State, Federal, or Other permit sections

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Consulting Training and Financial Assistance: May be used for business assistance information and answers to basic business questions. Business owners can utilize consultant's and information resources to examine new business opportunities, to develop financial or marketing skills, or to evaluate virtually any part of their business.

Contact: 

Small Business Development Center
2425 Bisso Lane, Suite 200
Concord, CA 94520-4817
925-646-5377

  

Notes: Offers a Pre-Business Workshop once a month.