GETTING STARTED IN OAKLAND, CA
To expedite applications, please carefully review below for REQUIRED information to be submitted with application.

• If business start date is in 2026: During the application process submit estimated Gross Receipts, attributable to City of Oakland, from start date of business through December 31, 2026.
• If business start date is in 2025 or before: Submit gross receipts worksheet for prior calendar year(s). Download worksheet here.

SOLE OWNERS OR PARTNERSHIPS
• Social Security/Driver's License or Other ID Number for all owners/partners

LLC, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR CORPORATIONS
• FEIN of the business

CALIFORNIA STATE LICENSED CONTRACTORS
• CSLB number and expiration date

RESIDENTIAL LANDLORDS
• Total number of RAP rental units from Rent Registry here
• Parcel number of rental property
• Upload grant deed or closing statement of rental property

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
• Upload non-profit letter of designation from Federal or State government


FEE INFORMATION
Minimum Wage & Labor Standards Enforcement Fee: $6.50 per employee for new and renewing businesses
• Applies to Oakland-based businesses and nonprofits only
• Fee is calculated based on the total number of full-time and part-time employees (e.g., 3 full-time + 4 part-time = 7 employees)

Assembly Bill 3002 effective Jan 1, 2019, provides information regarding disability access requirements and resources to business owners. For full notice click here.

Senate Bill 205 effective Jan 1, 2020, requires regulated industrial businesses to provide the City of Oakland their Stormwater Permit Number (WDID #) prior to issuance of business license. General and detailed information regarding industry specific regulatory requirements click here.


BUSINESS TAX INFORMATION
Business tax certificates are issued on a calendar year basis, Jan 1 - Dec 31. (Example: If an account is opened on Jul 1, it will expire on Dec 31 in the same year.)

Business tax renewal is due annually on or before March 1st.

Business Tax - First, Second, Third Certificate and Thereafter information click here.

NOTE: A renewal, delinquency or other notice or bill is not required to be sent by the City of Oakland and failure to send such notice or bill shall not affect the validity of any tax, penalty or interest due.

After the application is processed, an email will be sent with the amount due and instructions for paying online.


EXISTING ACCOUNTS
Before submitting a new business tax application, check if there is an existing account for the business here.

Business tax accounts are not transferrable. If you are a new owner, do not use the old owner’s business tax account. The old owner should close their business tax account and the new owner should apply for a new business tax account.