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making a business legal + suing in small claims

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batista_123

Junior Member
Hello
First time here. For the past 3 months, I have been running a business out of my home. I have been ignoring all the legal sides of it. I did not file for fictitious business name, I have no tax ID, I have no tax certificate, business license, nothing. The reason that I ignored it is largely because I tried to take care of the legal sides of it but I found the process too time-consuming and I was just focusing on making the business work so I just didnt do it.

Well, now I have run into a problematic customer who will not pay for my services. I want to sue in small claims court in California, but I am afraid that this will backfire and the judge will start asking about my business and why my business is not legal yet, and then I will be guilty of a crime.

So my questions are:
1. How do I make my business legal? Ficticious business name, tax certificate from the city where business is being conducted, what else? do i need a general business license? Do I need anything from the state of CA?
2. Can I sue the customer without getting in trouble?
 
Last edited:


swalsh411

Senior Member
Why do you believe you should get to enjoy the benefits of the legal system while so flagrantly violating the law?
 

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