City business registration | San Francisco

Who must register

Every person who engages in business in San Francisco must register at the SF Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector (TTX) within 15 days of commencing business in the City.

What does engaging in business in San Francisco look like? Do you:

• Maintain a fixed place of business like a shop or an office?
• Exercise corporate or franchise powers?
• Own or lease land or buildings for business purposes?
• Regularly maintain a stock of goods for sale?
• Employ or loan capital on property?
• Solicit business for all or part of any seven days during one fiscal year?
• Perform work for all or part of any seven days during one fiscal year?
• Drive on SF streets for business purposes for all or part of any seven days during one fiscal year?
• Liquidate a business when the liquidators thereof hold themselves out to the public as conducting such business?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may have to register your business.

How to register

Complete the online application form. After submitting the application, you will receive two separate emails to the address you enter in the business registration application:

1. An E-Signature application that you must complete and return via email to the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector by following the instructions provided.

2. Instructions about how to pay the registration fee for the current year, and any prior years (if applicable).

Pay the registration fee(s) as instructed. Your confirmation of payment will include your Business Account Number (BAN), which you need in order to apply for other permits within the City.

To register you need

• Legal Structure
• Business Name (for sole proprietors, this is your legal name)
• Business Tax ID (for sole proprietors, this is your SSN or ITIN)
• Business Start Date
• Email Address, phone, and mailing address
• Ownership Name(s) and address(es)
• Location information
• Estimated payroll expenses and gross receipts from SF
• Payment information

Payment options

Electronic Check
Credit/Debit (added fee applies)
In person at City Hall

Rate schedule

Business Registration Fees for new businesses are based on anticipated gross receipts. Refer to the Treasurer & Tax Collector Rate Schedule to determine your registration fee.

NOTE: You can update your Business Registration online, including changing your mailing address and opening a new location.

NOTE: Business Registration is valid from July 1 – June 30, and must be renewed each year by May 31st. The online system will automatically calculate your business registration fee and state fee as well as penalties, interest, and administrative fees (if applicable).