California Sales Tax License Registration

Nov 13, 2025

If your business is operating in California, you may need to register for sales tax with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Sales tax registration is required for businesses that sell tangible personal property or provide certain services within the state.

How to get a California Sales Tax License

There is one sales tax setup task you may need to complete in California to get your sales tax licence. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the California agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register for sales tax in California.

California Sales Tax Filing Requirements & Deadlines

There is one sales tax filing requirement & deadline you may need to complete in California. You can follow the guide below or use Mosey to do it.

California Sales and Use Tax Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation, PLLC

If you are "engaged in business" in California, you are required to register for a Seller's Permit with the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA) and must collect and pay sales tax on all taxable transactions. Engaged in business is defined by the CDTFA as having a total combined sales of tangible personal property for delivery in California by the retailer and all persons related to the retailer exceed $500,000 in the preceding or current calendar year. Retailers with a physical presence in California are also required to register with the CDTFA. Note: SaaS is not considered a taxable service in California. In general, nonprofit organizations are required to register for a Seller's Permit unless they are a School, Parent-Teacher Association, Children's Organization, Youth Organization, or Volunteer Fire Department.

  1. Register for a Seller's Permit

    Register for a Seller's Permit with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) through their Online Services portal. Registration is free but the CDTFA may require a security deposit.

California Sales Tax Filing for Corporation, LLC, LLP, Professional Corporation, PLLC

You must submit a Sales & Use Tax return to The California Department of Tax & Fee Administration. The filing frequency is assigned at the time of your registration and is based on your reported sales tax or your anticipated taxable sales, The frequencies can be quarterly prepay, quarterly, monthly, fiscal yearly, or yearly

  1. File Sales and Use Tax Return

    File your sales & use tax return with the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration through their Online Services portal.

California's Sales Tax Registration & Reporting Agencies

Review your compliance risks, free.

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

What Is Alabama's Initial Business Privilege Tax Return and When Is It Due?

Starting and running a business in Alabama means assuming various tax requirements and annual reporting responsibilities. Among these is the initial business privilege tax return, which is necessary for any new company operating in the state. This tax ensures that companies pay their fair share of state taxes in return for the advantage of doing business in Alabama. In this article, we’ll dissect the initial business privilege tax, who has to file it, the filing dates, and what happens if you fail to meet the deadline. Additionally, we’ll share how Mosey can help you manage state compliance.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Sep 14, 2024

PEO vs. EOR: Key Differences, Pros, and Cons for Businesses

Human resources (HR) can be complicated, especially when your company starts to grow. It’s tough to keep up with payroll, benefits, and other legal and compliance issues — but you’re not alone. Many mid-sized businesses turn to Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) or Employers of Record (EORs) for help. These services can make your life easier, but they’re not the same thing.

Kaitlin Edwards | Aug 23, 2024

Mosey Launches API for State Compliance, Partners with Gusto, Stripe, and Sequoia Consulting Group

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 27, 2023 – Mosey, the leading state compliance platform, today announced partnerships with industry leaders Gusto, Stripe, and Sequoia Consulting Group. Each company has seen a dramatic increase in the demand for tools to help businesses get compliant and operate throughout the US. By partnering with Mosey, they will better meet the needs of the businesses that rely on them.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Sep 27, 2023

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.