official_links
Business Resources straight from the source.
Direct links to the agencies business owners deal with most, with a note on what you use each one for.
Official sources, curated
These links go to official government websites. TreeStar is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any of these agencies, and we do not control their content.
Agencies update their sites often. If a link has moved, search the agency's own site for the page name. When you sign in or pay, type the agency's address into your browser rather than following a link in an unexpected email or text.
Federal tax: IRS
- IRS Online Account for Individuals Check your balance, payments, notices, and tax records, and set up or manage a payment plan. ↗
- IRS Business Tax Account Make payments, view tax records, and see notices for an eligible business. ↗
- IRS: Make a Payment Pay federal tax by bank account, card, or other methods, and review options for paying over time. ↗
- Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter Look up a notice or letter by its number to see what it means and what to do next. ↗
- IRS Forms and Instructions Find current federal tax forms, instructions, and publications. ↗
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) Apply for an EIN directly from the IRS at no cost, without a third-party service. ↗
- Taxpayer Advocate Service Get help from an independent office within the IRS when a tax problem is not resolved through normal channels. ↗
California tax and payroll
- MyFTB Account View California income tax account details, payment history, notices, and refund status. ↗
- FTB Payment Options Pay California income or franchise tax, including free bank account payments through Web Pay. ↗
- FTB Notices and Letters Look up a Franchise Tax Board notice or letter and learn how to respond. ↗
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) Register for a seller's permit or other account, and file and pay sales and use tax and special taxes and fees. ↗
- CDTFA Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses Review sales and use tax and cannabis excise tax guidance for cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. ↗
- EDD Payroll Taxes Learn California's employer payroll taxes, rates, due dates, and reporting requirements. ↗
- EDD e-Services for Business Register as an employer, file payroll tax returns, make payments, and report new employees online. ↗
Starting and running a business
- California Secretary of State: bizfile Submit business entity filings, such as formations and Statements of Information, and look up entity records. ↗
- U.S. Small Business Administration Find business planning guides, SBA loan programs, and free counseling through local partners. ↗
- IRS Publication 583: Starting a Business and Keeping Records Learn the federal tax basics of a new business, including business structure, taxes, and recordkeeping. ↗
Industry regulators
- Department of Cannabis Control Find licensing, renewal, and regulation resources for commercial cannabis businesses in California. ↗
- DCC: Search for a Licensed Business Verify a cannabis license and its current status before you do business with another licensee. ↗
- Contractors State License Board Apply for, renew, and maintain a California contractor's license. ↗
- CSLB: Check a License Check a contractor's license status before you hire or subcontract. ↗
- Department of Industrial Relations Find California labor law, Cal/OSHA workplace safety, and workers' compensation resources for employers. ↗
- Labor Commissioner's Office Review wage and hour guidance, minimum wage notices, and employer resources. ↗
- DIR Public Works Understand prevailing wage, public works contractor registration, and certified payroll reporting. ↗
Not sure which agency applies?
Many questions touch more than one agency. Tell us what you are trying to do, and we will help you sort out where it belongs and what comes next.
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