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Banner Permit
Banner Permit - Issuing and Cost
Business License
Business License - Application Details
Business License Renewals
City Attorney
Community Development
Community Development - Historic District - Preservation Online
Community Services
Community Services 3rd of July
Filming
Fire Department - Fire Extinguishers
Fire Department - General
Fire Department - Operations and Recommendations
Fire Department - Saving Time and Precautions
Fire Department - Scheduling and More
Fire Department - Smoke Alarms
Guide for Business
Human Resources
Library - eBook Payment / Free Items
Library - General eBook Policies
Library - Interlibrary Loan
Library Cards
Library Homebound Delivery Service
Library Internet Access
Library Use
Local History Collection
Police Department - Citations
Police Department - General Information
Police Department - Online Report System
Police Department - Parking Details
Police Department - Reporting a Crime
Public Works
Sand Bags
Transient Occupancy Tax
Transient Occupancy Tax - Exemptions and Support
Utility Billing
Water Quality
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Guide for Business
Show All Answers
1.
What is the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) program?
As a result of recent state legislation, the California State Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is authorized to disclose to local jurisdictions and government agencies certain records related to business activities of residents, corporations, and other entities within the City. By matching the data to our existing records we are able to identify unregistered businesses within the City.
2.
Why did I receive a FTB notification?
Our records from the FTB show that you or the named business entity is reporting some type of business activity to the FTB using a City of Orange address. This indicates you may be operating a business in the City and have not yet obtained a City of Orange Business License Tax Certificate.
3.
I am not doing “business.” What does the City of Orange consider to be a business and why do they think I am operating one?
Orange Municipal Code 5.15.040 defines business as “professions, trades, commercial enterprises and occupations in all and every kind of calling whether or not carried on for profit.”
Furthermore, State law (Business & Professions Code 16300) requires cities to use the way a taxpayer reported income to the IRS and FTB to determine whether the taxpayer performed services as an employee or as a separate business entity. A person who is an employee and whose income is reported on a W-2 is not in business and is not subject to the business tax.
4.
I do some consulting from my home on a part-time basis. Do I have to get a City Business License?
Yes, businesses both large and small are required to obtain a Business License to be in compliance with the Orange Municipal Code. If the consulting work is performed as an independent contractor from a location within the City limits, such as your residence, you are required to pay your business tax.
5.
I received a 1099 Form instead of a W-2 from my work. Am I required to have a City of Orange Business License?
Yes, those that work as an independent contractor and are reported on a 1099 Form instead of a W-2 need to have a City of Orange Business License. State law (Business and Professions Code 16300) prohibits the imposition of business license tax on employees.
6.
I live in Orange, but my business is located outside the city limits. Do I need to get a City of Orange Business License?
If the location of your business and all business activity is conducted outside the City of Orange, there is no need to obtain a City of Orange Business License. However, if you are conducting business from your residence, or your residence is your business location, or it is the headquarters of your business, you will need to obtain a City of Orange Business License. Your may not use another business’s location for your own business location unless you are renting space from them.
7.
I do not feel I conduct business here and I want to be taken off your list. What remedies are available to me?
You may complete a Business License Tax Review form, also available on the website. Answer the list of questions on this and send it in. The information will be reviewed and you will either be contacted for more information or removed from our database.
Business License Tax Review Form (PDF)
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