Legal Question in Business Law in California

Hello,

I am a college student who is in the process of starting a small computer aided drafting service over the internet. I have already filed a fictitious business name and have acquired a tax EIN from the IRS. My question is, If I file for a business license within the county I reside in, will that suffice for me to operate my business? Do I also need to purchase a license in the city I reside in as well? I am confused, because all of my work will be done on my lap top computer, and my business phone will be my cell phone and most of the time I am not at home conducting business. Do I really need a city business license as well? The reason I ask if the county license will suffice is because I want the freedom to work wherever I want within the county. I don't have a great deal of money, so I really appreciate the help. In addition, I reside in the county of Riverside in California. Thanks again.

Jack


Asked on 10/07/11, 9:00 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

I'd say if you live in a city and collect your business mail (USPS variety) via an address in that city, you need a city license, and not a county license. The fact that you take a laptop to other places in the county and randomly do some work there would not, IMHO, make you subject to licensing by the county, nor would San Bernardino County have a valid demand that you get licensed with them if you occasionally went to Victorville and Apple Valley to do some work.

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Answered on 10/07/11, 9:19 am

Mr. Whipple is correct. County license requirements only apply to areas of the county that are not within city limits. Businesses within city limits get city licenses. He is also correct that you only need to be licensed where your business is located, not everywhere you go to do work.

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Answered on 10/07/11, 9:32 am


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