General Information for Business Licenses

The Santa Ana Municipal Code requires a license for all businesses operating within the City limits to pay an annual business license tax whether or not the business is carried on for profit or not. The business tax year varies by business license classification. Business tax permits are not transferable from owner to owner. The new owner must apply for a business license in their own name.

A business license may be transferred to a new location upon written notification or in person. A change in the location of the business will require a new application and approval from the appropriate city departments. There is a fee associated with this process.

If your business ceases operations before the license expiration date, you must notify the Business Licenses Section in writing to cancel your business license. Your notification should include your Business License Tax account number, the date operations ended or will end, and your signature. To cancel, you can complete the Cancellation of Business License statement found on the back of your Business License Tax Receipt, Renewal Notification, or Notice of Business License Tax Due. Alternatively, you may submit your cancellation request via email at BusinessTax@santa-ana.org, ensuring that your email includes a signature block in place of a physical signature.

A separate license must be obtained for each branch establishment, separate office or place at which business is conducted within the city limits. A separate license is also required when more than one business activity is conducted at the same location, and the activity falls into a classification other than the original license or under a different owner.

Charitable non-profit businesses are required to obtain a business license. With proof of exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service the business is exempt from business license fee requirements. You must submit at time of application of your business license a copy of your 501-C3 form for exemption consideration.

A seller’s permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration indicating your Santa Ana business address is required if your business operations involve the sale of retail or wholesale tangible property.

If your business involves the sale of alcoholic beverages you will be required to file and obtain a permit from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Questions regarding permit requirement should be directed to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board at (310) 412-6311.

If the name of the business is different from the owner’s full name, a fictitious name or DBA must be registered with the Orange County Recorder or through a local newspaper. A fictitious name filing is also required for a corporation that is different from the one that is registered in the articles of incorporation.

If you plan to incorporate your business you are required to file and receive approval from the California Secretary of State.

All businesses located in a commercial area will require a code compliance inspection to confirm compliance with the City’s zoning requirements, including new signage or modifications to existing signage. If you would like more information regarding compliance requirements, please contact the Planning and Building Agency at (714) 667-2700.

Any person or entity that owns commercial property within the limits of the city or owns a residential rental property of (3) three or more units are required to obtain a business tax permit for the building. Commercial building owners that operate a business on the premises of their building are not exempt but may receive owner occupied credit.

For rates associated with your specific business license classification, please contact a representative in the Business License Section or visit the Rates Schedule. For all fees and charges associated to starting a business, please review the City’s Miscellaneous Fee Schedule.