| 1. Mailbox (do this first) |
Gives you a private, stable, professional address for business mail. Protects your home address from public searches. |
Rent a mailbox at AccompliCenter, 3217 Carson St, Lakewood. Sign up before you file any state or federal forms, because those forms will need your business mailing address. Mailbox rental |
| 2. Business name and fictitious business name statement |
Establishes your brand. Required if you do business under a name other than your own. |
LA County: lavote.gov fictitious business names |
| 3. Employer Identification Number (EIN) |
Needed for taxes, hiring employees and opening a business bank account. |
IRS: Apply for an EIN online |
| 4. Tax ID |
Needed for tax reporting and compliance in California. |
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: cdtfa.ca.gov |
| 5. Articles of Organization |
Required for a California LLC. Sets out the company's structure and operations. |
Form LLC-1 |
| 6. Legal structure |
Determines your liability, taxes and how the business operates in California. |
California Secretary of State: business entity types |
| 7. Sales and use tax license |
Required if you sell goods or taxable services in California. |
CDTFA: online services. Seller's permit: seller's permit FAQ |
| 8. Accountant |
Keeps your finances compliant and helps with tax planning. |
Check your accountant's license with the California Board of Accountancy |
| 9. Business bank account |
Keeps personal and business money separate for legal and tax purposes. |
Your preferred bank's business services. |
| 10. Printing: business cards, flyers, banners, posters |
Gives you your first marketing materials. |
Graphic design and printing at AccompliCenter. Some items are ready the same or next day. Business cards |
| 11. Website |
Gives you an online presence for marketing and sales. |
WordPress, Squarespace or Wix |
| 12. Trademark |
Protects your brand names, logos and slogans in California. |
California Secretary of State: trademarks |
| 13. Copyright |
Protects original works you create. |
U.S. Copyright Office |
| 14. Business insurance |
Protects against losses from events in the normal course of business. |
California Office of the Small Business Advocate |
| 15. Workers' compensation insurance |
Required for every California business with employees. Covers medical costs and lost wages for work injuries and illnesses. |
California Department of Insurance rate comparison |
| 16. Registered agent |
Required for most California business entities. Receives legal and tax documents for the business. |
Registered agent comparison |
| 17. Business email |
Gives you professional communication that matches your brand. |
Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 |
| 18. HR consultation |
Helps you manage employees, from hiring to compliance with California labor law. |
Sign up with AccompliCenter HR no later than when you hire your fifth employee. HR consulting plans |
| 19. Employee manual |
Communicates company policies and expectations and supports legal compliance in California. |
Free with an AccompliCenter HR subscription. Recommended once you have three employees. HR consulting plans |
| 20. Logo design |
Helps customers recognize your brand and tell you apart from competitors. |
Designed at AccompliCenter. Free with some printing orders, with a low price for up to five logo designs. Graphic design |