business registrations

All companies doing business in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance.  To register your business, you can apply for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (aka "BTRC"). You can apply for a BTRC online and download a temproary certificate immediately.

You must obtain a sellers permit if you are engaged in business in California and intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail. You can apply for sellers permit online and download the permit immediately.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is aka "Federal Tax Identification Number" and is used to identify a business entity. Businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. This is a free service offered by the IRS and you can get your EIN immediately. 

Small businesses can use the RAMPLA portal to register to become a vendor with the City of Los Angeles.  City vendors are eligible to receive contracts to provide goods and services to the City.

Small businesses can use the webVen portal to register to become a vendor with the County of Los Angeles.  County vendors are eligible to receive contracts to provide goods and services to the County.

LA Optimized is a program launched by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in January 2021 to bridge the digital divide and help small businesses access the assistance they need to adapt & compete in the digital marketplace. 

Registered business owners (registrants) can now file their Fictitious Business Name (FBN) completely online! Everything that is required can be completed online, including the proof of identity, signature, & payment. 

Once the filing is completed, the registrant will receive the FBN filing by email.

The Supplier Clearinghouse certifies these firms and publishes a directory for use by participating utility companies and the public.