Important information for existing and Prospective Businesses

This is a quick informational reference to many local, state, and federal agencies that you may need to contact before you "open your doors for business."  Some specialized licenses/permits may be required for your business, particularly if you will be engaged in activities such as food service, hazardous materials, health care, day care and others that are especially sensitive to regulations. Note:  Your business may or may not require the following; this is information to assist you in what applies to your type of business.

1. There are many types of business licenses: state, local, as well as professional. In fact, several licenses and/or permits may be required for starting a new business. If your business is located in the unincorporated area, the County controls all your requirements. For County information on business licenses contact the Kern County Sheriffs Department, 1350 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA 93308, 661.391.7690. All parties doing business in the City of Taft are required to obtain a Business License from the City Finance Department, 661.763.1350, located at 209 East Kern Street, Taft.
   
   
2. Make certain that you comply with Taft Zoning Codes, including home-based business requirements. Contact the City Planning Department, 661.763.3144, located at 209 East Kern Street, Taft.
   
   
3. If there is to be any construction done, including remodeling, to your leased or owned facility, call the City Building Department to obtain Building Permit Requirements, 661.763.3144, located at 209 East Kern Street, Taft. If your business is out side the city of Taft, contact the Kern County Building Permits office at 661.862.8600, located at 2700 "M" Street, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
   
   
4. If you make up a name for your business, a Fictitious Business Name Statement must be recorded with the County Clerk. Banks generally require a copy of this statement prior to setting up your business checking account. Registering your business name, after doing a search to make sure it is not already being used, protects your from others who might be using the same name. For information, contact the County Clerk's Office at 661.868.3588, located at 1115 Truxtun Ave., 1st. Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
   
   
5. An Employer's Identification Number (EIN) must be obtained prior to starting your business. This number identifies your business for federal and state tax purposes. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800.829.1040 for a Form SS-4, Tax/Employer ID Number. The IRS can provide withholding schedules and holds small business tax workshops free of charge. You can also access this information online at www.irs.gov.com.
   
   
6. An employer of one or more employees must withhold federal income taxes from wages paid to employees. For each employee you should obtain a withholding exemption certificate, known as a W-4 form. Upon hiring employees, you need to obtain a California State ID number from the Employment Tax District office of the EDD, at 661.395.2896.
   
   
7. An employer who has one or more employees and has net earnings of $400 or more as the sole owner or partner is also subject to social security tax. The employer pays a percentage of wages for each employee. The same amount is matched and withheld from the employee's wages up to a maximum annual amount of earnings. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800.829.1040 or 800.829.3676, located at 5300 California Ave., Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93309.
   
   
8. The California Franchise and Income Tax system is roughly patterned after Federal Income Tax law. Business owners with no employees are generally not subject to withholding taxes, but must pay estimated taxes quarterly. Business income is taxed as the personal income of the owner. For information on State Franchise and Income Taxes contact: Franchise Tax Board, 1800 30th Street, 3rd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, or call 800.338.0505.
   
   
9. If you have employees, you are required to have Worker's Compensation Insurance. Contact your own insurance broker or the California State Compensation Insurance Fund at 661.664.4000.
   
   
10. Businesses with one or more employees must have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA, 661.395.2718.
    
    
11. Many types of occupations require licensing in California. To find out if there is a state licensing requirement for your new business, and how you can comply with the requirements, contact the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, 916.445.1254, located at 400 "R" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
    
    
12. If you plan to sell items that are subject to state sales tax, you must have a state Seller's Permit for each place of operation. As a new business you will be required to provide a Personal Financial Statement and estimated monthly sales and expenses. To apply for a permit or for more information contact the CA State Board of Equalization, 661.395.2880, located at 1800 30th Street, Suite 150, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
    
    
13. Be certain that your business facility, whether owned or leased, complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) administered by the US Equal Employment Commission. For more information, call 800.669.3362.
    
    
14. If your business will be a restaurant or food-vending type of business, you must have permission and inspection from the County Health Department. They are located at: 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93306, or call 661.868.0554.

CLICK HERE for a flow chart of the license application process.

If you are starting up a business, you may want the assistance of a lawyer, accountant, and insurance broker. The use of these services early in the startup of your business may save you time, money , and grief. We encourage you to JOIN the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and the Westside Business Association. The City can also set up, at no cost to you, counseling from the Weill Institute SBDC. Please Note: Before a City Business License can be issued, the building must be inspected and signed off by the City Building Department, City Planning Department, City Fire Department, City Public Works Department, and the City Police Department.