Do I need to file the form ARTS-GS?

[justalittle]

Hi everyone, first time here, nice to meet you all.

I plan to start a data management consulting business in California.
We can all work at home, don't need an office.
I think we do need to file the form ARTS-GS with the SoS, but I still wanna ask first.

If I register a facebook account or create a webpage by myself and do the same business, do I still need to file this form?
Do I need a business license?
Why I don't need any license, when I sell something in ebay? Any diference?

Thanks

 

[FlyingRon]

I think we do need to file the form ARTS-GS with the SoS, but I still wanna ask first.

Have you formed a corporation? The above applies only to CORPORATIONS not sole proprietorships or parternships.

Do I need a business license?
Why I don't need any license, when I sell something in ebay? Any diference?

If you operate a business you need a LOCAL (city or if you are not in an incorporated city, county) business license.
You need one even for eBay if you are doing so as a business (rather than casually selling personal property).

 

[justalittle]

Have you formed a corporation? The above applies only to CORPORATIONS not sole proprietorships or parternships.

Not yet.

If you operate a business you need a LOCAL (city or if you are not in an incorporated city, county) business license.
You need one even for eBay if you are doing so as a business (rather than casually selling personal property).

What do you mean with "doing so as a business"? Do I get paid from this conduct?
But I have a friend. She sells hats which are made by herself, I did ask her, she doesn't have any license, she hasn't file any form with the SoS.
She gets paid from her hat-business.
Another friend he sold his ipad in ebay. He doesn't have any license either.

I just wander, can I provide my service online and get paid without any filing or license? Thanks

 

[FlyingRon]

The secretary of state is not involved here for sole proprietorships

If you're engaged in business activities you must have a business license.
The hat business does sound like a business that requires a license.
If you are selling tangible items like hats in California, you're also obliged to collect and pay sales tax.

Selling random personal property you have isn't a business. But if you bought iPads to sell on eBay, that likely is considered a business.

Lots of small business help available out there.

 

[LdiJ]

The secretary of state is not involved here for sole proprietorships

If you're engaged in business activities you must have a business license.
The hat business does sound like a business that requires a license.
If you are selling tangible items like hats in California, you're also obliged to collect and pay sales tax.

Selling random personal property you have isn't a business. But if you bought iPads to sell on eBay, that likely is considered a business.

Lots of small business help available out there.

I think the bolded would depend on whether its a craft hobby that makes a little money, or is intended as a money making venture to provide income. Lots of crafters sell their wares just to help supplement their hobby...there is no intent to make a profit.

 

[FlyingRon]

While the IRS defines business has having a profit motive, I don't think the California municipalities uniformly hold such a view.
If you're selling stuff to the public, it quacks like a duck.

You can find out licensing requirements for your local municipality through this central database: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/