Help with sellers permit in CA

[Former_Member]

I'm in CA and I realized I probably should get a sellers permit. I'm on the last step of the form and it's asking for the name and info for my suppliers. How can I already have a supplier if I'm just asking for a permit? Seems a little backwards.

Does anyone know a name and BOA number I can use for a supplier?

Thanks
Kristen

[Former_Member]

I think it's asking for the name and info of the suppliers you purchase your materials from to create your crafty items.

Also, it's not a matter of 'probably'. If you are selling items, you MUST have a seller's permit [and a business license].

[Former_Member]

What if we sell vintage and have had these things forever? I have had stuff for years and have no idea where alot of them came from. I mean, yard sales, etc.

[Former_Member]

Kristen,
Where did you get the form? I am also in CA and having a hard time figuring all this out.

[Former_Member]

Heck, if ANYBODY could chime in here - I'd love to know.. My first year was sort of experimental, wasn't sure if I'd sink or swim. Didn't really make any profits, when all was said and done... but I do want to keep going on selling.

I'm in MA, and can't find the forms anywhere... Can anybody suggest where we can find these?

[Former_Member]

Hi Cindy
I hope I did it correctly but I used the electronic form found on the Board of Equalization under the "register a business activity"

https://efile.boe.ca.gov/ereg/index.boe?cid=64328

Now I'm trying to figure out the business license but I'm finding it very hard as I live in unincorporated land outside Santa Barbara!

[TOMgirlApparel]

Hey girls! I am from CA and I had to get a DBA, Business License, and Seller's Permit. Just google "business license in (your city)" and you should find the info.

[RinconAncestraStudio]

Hi, do you know if a DBA is still required by the state to sell on Etsy? Also should I apply for these in any particular order?

[Former_Member]

Me too, (not in SB) but we live in RURAL Northern California in between two towns, so I will try and see what we can see. Like you Maggie, I just started and wanted to make sure this will work before I went all in, license wise, but I guess I need to get going. Thanks everyone!

C

[Former_Member]

Amanda: I googled "business license in massachusetts" and it takes me to the mass.gov site - which is broken...

Not instilling confidence ><

That's why I thought I'd ask... If I can't use the state site, is there another place to start looking?

[Former_Member]

For California, you need a seller's permit to sell things. Doesn't matter if you make them yourself or buy them and re-sell them. [Only thing that doesn't require a seller's permit is things that are not levied a sales tax, like food].

Call the State Board of Equalization to get the application - I think you can apply online too.

Depending on what you sell, you may also need a business license from your city. You'll need a DBA as well, unless your last name is a part of your business name.

Also, you should look into liability insurance.

I continue to find more and more requirements and fees for my business, especially since it's food! Aarrgh. I can see why so many people either stay under the table and risk everything, or just stop trying.

[TOMgirlApparel]

Here is some info for CA

http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/RegisteringaBusiness.aspx

You do have to apply for DBA if business name is not your legal name, and you need a seller's permit before you can apply for business license. You get the seller's permit through the Board of Equalization, it is free and can be obtained same day. The DBA cost me about $24 and business license was around $120. I remember the whole thing taking me two days of running around and about $200.

[Former_Member]

I just called the Santa Barbara County Treasurer-Tax Collector and as long as the zoning department approves me selling online from my home then I DON'T need a business license for selling online. Yeah! One less fee!

[Former_Member]

Whew. Just filled it out. :) Thanks for the link!

[Former_Member]

Glad I could help!!

[LisasCottage]

Don't forget that if you ship an item to the state of California, you have to charge Sales Tax (put this information in your policies section). According to the girl I talked to at the BOE, beginning in July of 2011, you charge 7.25% across the board (not the tax rate in your county). You can set up your Etsy account to charge sales tax in CA.

[AjwaUnitedKingdom]

• https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1402897342/vintage-leather-punching-bag-handmade?ref=listings_manage...

[AjwaUnitedKingdom]

• https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1527103325/customized-leather-boxing-bag-vintage?ref=listings_manage...