West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
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Starting a Business in West Hollywood - Q&A:

Are you starting a business?  Here are some first steps and guidelines that you should know.   After you've established your business and are ready to start networking and plugging into the West Hollywood community come to the West Hollywood Chamber and sign up for a Membership today!


Q. What types of businesses operating within West Hollywood city limits are required to have a Business Tax Certificate and pay an annual Business Tax?
 
a.  If your business began operating within West Hollywood prior to January 1, 2004 you are required to have a Business Tax Certificate..  Additional forms may be forwarded to you as needed, to request forms you may call the Business Tax Hotline: 323-848-6554.

Q. Are there any tax benefits for new businesses?

a.  The City of West Hollywood has provided for reduced tax rates for new businesses within their first two years of operation.  You must pay the initial fee of $25, but the first year of operations are exempted from the Business Tax with the exception of the minimum tax.  The second year of operations are taxed at 50% of the normal rate.  If a business that qualifies for a new businesses sold during its first two years, any unused months of new Business Tax credits are transferable to new business owners only if the prior owner filed a final Business Tax form and paid all Business Tax liabilities when disposing of the business.

Q.  Are certain businesses exempt from the Business Tax?

A. Yes, the following types of businesses are exempt:

1. Home occupations that do not employ or retain services of any other person(s).  To qualify for the home occupation exemption the following conditions must be met: 

a. The business must be owned and operated by an individual.  Partnerships and other corporations do not qualify.

b.The business must be operated in (not based out of) the personal residence of the person claiming the exemption.

c. The business activities must be permissible under the zoning ordinance and land use regulations.

d. The business may not involve the services of any other person other than the person that claims the exemption.


2.  Charitable organizations

3. Entertainment events for Non-Profit organizations

4. Employee services to his/her employer

5. Management of self-owned residential real estate property

6. Public utilities for telecommunications services.

7. Anyone whose payment of taxes would be in violation of the laws of California or the Constitution.

Q. How do I file for an exemption?

a. Any businesses claiming an exemption from the Business Tax must file a statement of exemption form which is $25 from the City Finance Department.

Q. I have multiple business locations and activities, how does the Business Tax certificate effect me?

a.  A separate tax certificate is required for each type of business conducted at a single location or for each branch.  

b.  A combined tax certificate can be filed if two or more business activities at a single location are taxed at the same rate.

Effective Dates, Due Dates & Late Penalties

  1. Business Tax Year 
    The Business Tax is based upon business conducted within the City of West Hollywood during a calendar year (January 1 - December 31).

  2. New Businesses
    Initial business tax applications should be filed within 30 days of the start of business operations.

  3. Due Dates for Renewals 
    The Business Tax may be paid as early as February 1 of the year the taxes are due. Payment is due no later than May 1 of the year the taxes are due. Payments received after this date are delinquent and are subject to penalties as follows:
From To Penalty Interest
May 2, 2016 June 1, 2016 15% of tax None
June 2, 2016 July 1, 2016 30% of tax None
July 4, 2016 July 29, 2016 45% of tax None
August 1, 2016 After 50% of tax 1/2% per month
If payment is made after August 1, interest is assessed (IN ADDITION TO PENALTIES) as follows: one-half of one percent (1/2%) per month or portion of a month, until the tax is paid.

Payment Receipt Date. 
If payments are mailed, the U.S. Postal Service postmark on the envelope in which payment is received will be considered the date of receipt. All other payments will be issued dated receipts.
​
To apply for your business license with the City of West Hollywood please click here or call the Business License Office at (323) 848-6375

To view the City's Info Map for the different development going on in the City please click the image below.
Picture
​Home  | Contact Us  |  Join the Chamber  |  Site Map | Directory
8272 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90046
Phone: (323) 650-2688 | Fax: (323) 650-2689 | info@wehochamber.com
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About
    • FAQ
    • Mission & History
    • Committees
    • Contact Us >
      • Chamber Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Board of Governors
    • Sponsors >
      • Leadership Council
    • News / Media Center >
      • Logo Style Guidelines
    • WeHo Blog
    • Social Media View
    • Chamber TV
    • Privacy Policy
  • Membership
    • Membership Information >
      • Member Benefits
      • Advertising Opportunities
      • Welcome Breakfast
      • Testimonials
    • Join
    • Marketing and Promotion >
      • Logo Style Guide
    • Member to Member Discount Program
    • Member Portal
  • Resources
    • Business Resources >
      • SCORE Counseling
      • MTA/Rideshare
      • Conference Room Rental
    • Small Business Seminars
    • Advocacy >
      • GAC >
        • GAC Support Requests Procedures & Guidlines
      • WEHO PAC
      • District Legislators
      • Business Advocacy
    • Homelessness
    • Organics Recycling
    • Eat, Shop, Play >
      • Work Weho
      • Shop Weho Online
    • Economic Development >
      • Opening a business in west hollywood
      • Procuring Government Contracts
    • Relocating >
      • Employment/Jobs
      • Real Estate Listing
      • Schools and Educational Programs
    • Film West Hollywood
    • Special Events
    • Building & Design Resource Guide
    • Voting in West Hollywood
  • Our City
    • City of West Hollywood >
      • Our City
      • City Council
      • Divisions / Departments
      • Opening a business in west hollywood
    • City Districts and Business Improvement Districts >
      • West Hollywood Design District
      • Sunset Strip Business Association
      • Rainbow District
      • West Hollywood Travel + Tourism
      • Mid-City & Eastside
    • Westside Hidden Gems
    • Map and Parking
  • Events
    • Events
    • Chamber Calendar of Events
    • WeHo Holiday Guide
    • State of The City
    • State of The Westside
    • Chamber Mix N' Mingles
    • Sample Saturday & Health Fair
    • Women In Leadership
    • Annual Member Meeting & Board Installation (AMMBI) >
      • WHCC Annual Report
    • Welcome Breakfast
    • Creative Business Awards (CBA): Honoring Innovation in Business
    • Creative Meetings & Events
    • Small Business Saturday
  • Directory
  • COVID-19 Resources
    • Small Business Resources
    • COVID 5-POINT PLAN
    • Mediation Services
    • Dinein Guide 2021
    • COVID-19 Advocacy
    • Neighborhood Resources
    • COVID-19 Info and Resources
    • Local Relief Measures
  • Coalition for Safe Re-Opening