Archives: FAQs

How is the Santa Ana residential rental business license tax assessed?

The business license tax for the rental of residential real estate is assessed per property, based on the ownership of the property. A separate business license is required for each separate rental property location. The business license tax assessment is made on a per unit basis and reflects the maximum number of rentable units making … Continued

My business entity (Corporation, LLC, Partnership, LP, etc.) is dormant/passive and it is just paying a minimum tax to the Secretary of State. Is it required to get a business license?

Yes, if your business is registered as “active” with the California Secretary of State and is reporting on a business return to the FTB and IRS from a Santa Ana location, it will need a business license. Maintaining a business entity within the City, whether it is transacting public business or not, is considered operating … Continued

Do I need a business license if I operate a commercially-based or home-based business specifically exempted by State or Federal Law?

No business license tax or other administrative fee is required for the operation of a commercially-based or home-based business specifically exempted by State or Federal Law. Supporting qualifying information establishing your business as specifically exempted must be furnished. A “Fee-Exempt” administrative business license shall be issued to qualifying exempted businesses.

Do I need a business license if I operate a commercially-based or home-based nonprofit business, organization, or institution?

Yes, if you operate a commercially-based or home-based nonprofit business, organization, or institution, you are required to secure a “Non-Profit” Business License. Information supporting qualification of your business as a “non-profit” must be furnished. No business license tax (other than an administrative application processing charge) shall be applied with respect to any bona fide nonprofit … Continued

I am a Transportation Network Company Driver (Uber, Lyft, Etc.) based out of the City of Santa Ana, but I do business throughout Southern California. Do I need to get a business license?

Yes, if you are a Transportation Network Company Driver based out of the City of Santa Ana receiving a 1099 Form, you must obtain a flat rate City Santa Ana Business License as an independent contractor. Note: once licensed in your home-based city you are not required to obtain a business license in the other … Continued

I am an independent operator performing services in association with a licensed Santa Ana business, or nonprofit organization or government agency. Do I have to get a separate independent business license?

Yes, engaging in business in association with, or performing services for, or in the name of a licensed Santa Ana business or nonprofit organization, or government agency does not relive separate business entities, independent contractors, consultants or other self-employed individuals from the requirement to obtain a separate independent City of Santa Ana Business License.

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