San Francisco cuts red tape in new business registration

SF TREASURER

SAN FRANCISCO – A simpler way for new businesses to register in San Francisco is effective immediately, Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu and Treasurer José Cisneros announced recently.

Businesses who register with the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector will no longer be required to register separately with the Office of the Assessor-Recorder.

The streamlining was made possible through an innovative data-sharing agreement between the two offices to improve taxpayer experience and increase tax compliance.

“I grew up in a small family business and I understand how difficult it is to start a business. Simplifying the process is a big step forward in making things easier,” said Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu.

As a result of the data-sharing agreement, new businesses will now have a single point of entry registering through the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector.

Before the consolidation, new businesses were required to register twice — first with Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector to get registration certificates and then again with the Office of the Assessor-Recorder for business property reporting.

“By working together, we created a win-win solution. New business owners save time and we save resources,” said Chu.

“When government cuts red tape, business in San Francisco flourishes. Since we launched Online New Business Registration (sftreasurer.org/registration) in March, tens of thousands of new businesses have registered online. This partnership with the Assessor’s Office will make compliance with our City’s tax laws even easier,” said Treasurer José Cisneros. His Office collects taxes and fees in the city, including the Business Registration Fee.

“By working together, we can continue to improve the experience for taxpayers, and increase the quality of data we collect to accurately assess and collect taxes,” he added.

Businesses in San Francisco are required to register with The Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector within 15 days of operation.

Registration is required before a business can pull building permits with the City or apply for a regulatory license.

Registration fees range from $75 to $35,000, based on the type of business activities and annual gross receipts. Rates were set by the voters as part of 2012’s Proposition E- the Gross Receipts Tax and Business Registration Fees Ordinance.

The Office of the Assessor-Recorder is responsible for establishing a taxable valuable for property used to operate a business, such as machinery and other equipment. The value is established through an annual business property-filing requirement which will continue per State Law.  This effort, however, eliminates an unnecessary duplicative registration for new businesses.

To register a business, visit the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector: sftreasurer.org/registration

To learn more about business personal property, visit the Office of the Assessor-Recorder: sfassessor.org/property-information/business-owners

For more information about starting a business in San Francisco, visit the San Francisco Business Portal: businessportal.sfgov.org