Business License FAQ's

1. MHow do I know if my business is allowed where I want to locate it?
2. Am I required to have a business license?
3. What type of business entity should I have?
4. What's a fictitious name statement?
5. Where can I obtain a seller's permit (Retail Sales Tax Number)?
6. Where do I obtain a State Tax ID Number?
7. Where can I obtain a Federal Tax ID Number?
8. Where do I get my State Employer Identification Number?
9. What type of permits or licenses do I need to start my business?
10. I'm going to be serving food products. Do I need special approvals?
11. If I sell any alcoholic beverages, will I need any special approvals?
12. How long is my license valid for?
13. What is the cost of a business license?

How do I know if my business is allowed where I want to locate it? 

Please check with the city's Planning Department at 951-672-6777 to determine if your business use is permitted in a particular zone. The City of Menifee has various land uses or zones that are defined in the city's Municipal Code that allow for various types of business uses. Any conditional use permits, plot plans, occupancy permits, or other planning requirements are additional to the cost of a business license.

All new in city commercially based businesses require an approved certificate of occupancy in addition to the business license application.

All new in city residential based businesses require an approved application for home occupation status for business registration in addition to the business license application.

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Am I required to have a business license?

Yes. All businesses operating or doing business within the city limits of Menifee are required to obtain a business license. Contact the City of Menifee Business License office at 951-723-3786 for further information.

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What type of business entity should I have?

You may choose to conduct a business as a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or a limited liability company. You should consult with a legal representative and accountant before making any determination as to the type of business entity to form. For more information on each type of business entity, please visit the California Business Portal section of the Secretary of State's website.

Unless you conduct your business as a sole proprietorship, you must file papers with the Secretary of State's office:

Secretary of State

Business Programs Division

1500 11th St.

Sacramento, CA 95814

916-657-5448

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What's a fictitious name statement and who must file?

If you use a business name other than your own legal surname, you must file a fictitious name statement with the Riverside County Clerk. Every individual, partnership, and other associations and corporations who regularly transact business for profit in this state under a fictitious business name.

County of Riverside

Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder-Hemet

880 N. State St., Suite B-6

Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder-Temecula

41002 Country Center Drive

Ph: 951-600-6200

Ph: 951-786-7000

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Where can I obtain a seller's permit, (Retail Sales Tax Number)?

The State Board of Equalization (BOE) issues seller's permits and is responsible for the administration and collection of the state's sales and use, fuel, alcohol, tobacco, and other special taxes and fees.

State Board of Equalization

3737 Main St. #1000

Riverside, CA 92506

951-680-6400

To file a Board of Equalization permit online

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Where do I obtain a State Tax ID Number?

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) issues State Tax identification numbers and administers personal and corporate income and franchise taxes for the State of California. Information regarding this number (which is utilized to track state withholding taxes) can be obtained from the California Franchise Tax Board at:

Franchise Tax Board

464 W. 4th St., Room 454

San Bernardino, CA 92401-1419

Ph: 909-852-5711

Ph: 800-852-5711

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Where can I obtain a Federal Tax ID Number?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues federal employer identification numbers and administers federal payroll taxes, including social security, Medicare, federal unemployment insurance and federal income tax withholding. For more information, please contact:

Internal Revenue Service

290 N. D St.

San Bernardino CA 92401

Ph: 909-388-8108

Or

Internal Revenue Service

880 Front St.

San Diego, CA 92101

Ph: 619-615-9555

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Where do I get my State Employer Identification Number?

The Employment Development Department (EDD) issues state employer identification numbers, (SEIN) and administers California's payroll taxes, including unemployment insurance, employment training tax, state disability insurance, and California personal income tax withholding.

Employment Development Department

1180 Palmyrita Ave. #B

Riverside CA 92501

Ph: 888-745-3886

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What type of permits or licenses do I need to start my business?

Depending upon the type of business you conduct, you may also be required to obtain special license(s) or permits from the State of California, County of Riverside, City of Menifee or other agencies prior. To determine which occupations and businesses require additional licenses or permits you may contact:

Inland Empire Permit Assistance Center

2038 Iowa Ave., Suite 100

Riverside, CA 92507

Ph: 951-320-2048

Bureau of Consumer Affairs

Office of Small Business

1121 L St. #600

Sacramento, CA 95817

Ph: 800-952-5210

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I'm going to be serving food products. Do I need special approvals?

Yes. The Riverside County Department of Public Health reviews all plans for compliance with State of California health codes. They are interested in the type of restaurant equipment installed, the categories of food you are handling and standards relating to employee hygiene. The Health Department can be reached at:

Riverside County

Department of Public Health

38740 Sky Canyon Drive

Murrieta CA 92563

Ph: 951-461-0284

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If I sell any alcoholic beverages, will I need any special approvals?

Yes. The sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with any business is governed by the State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control Agency (ABC). Please contact them regarding all pertinent rules, regulations and required permits. In addition, to obtaining a license from the ABC, your business may also require special review and approvals from the City of Menifee. Please contact the Planning Department at 951-672-6777.

Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control

3737 Main St., Suite #900

Riverside, CA 92501

Ph: 951-782-4400

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How long is my license valid for?

Business licenses are valid from January 1st through December 31st of each year. For any new business applying for a business license, the license period will be adjusted to reflect the applicable start date and all licenses will expire on December 31st of each year. All renewals are due by December 31^st of each year and delinquent 60 days after expiration. Penalties are 100% of the renewal fee and will be assessed upon renewal.

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What is the cost of a business license?

The cost of a new business license is $76 plus $4 CASP Fee and renewals are $57 plus $4 CASP Fee. For new businesses filing for the first time after March 31st the city prorates based on the start date of the business. For all existing businesses renewing after January 1st of each year, a penalty will be added to your renewal pursuant to the city's penalty schedule. Penalties are assessed at 100% rate 60 days after delinquency.

Proration Schedule: