Oakland Business Assistance Center - Taxes, Licenses, Permits

For any property in which you are operating or plan to operate your business, you should find out its zoning and permitted uses, and whether you need to apply for a permit. See the zoning information under buildings, property, and streets.

Permits

There are several permits, fees, and other governmental requirements for businesses to legally operate. Make sure you review these and make yourself legal! See the Permits and Fees page under Starting a Business for more information.

Business License Requirements

See information about business licenses in the City of Oakland here.

Business Tax Requirements

As an Oakland business, you will need to pay annual taxes to the City of Oakland, income taxes and/or self-employment taxes to the State of California, and the Federal government. Many businesses will also need to pay sales and use taxes to the State of California.

This section contains brief information about City business taxes and provides links for more information from the City, State, and Federal tax websites.